10 Ways to Encourage Parents to Read Aloud

There are lots of benefits to reading aloud, even when a child can read independently. Here are 10 ways for teachers to encourage parents to read aloud at home.

1) Benefits of Reading Aloud

Make sure that parents understand that reading aloud can give children access to more challenging texts than they can read independently. Also, that when they read aloud, it models fluent reading and expression, which can aid the comprehension of texts. We have a range of articles about these topics on our blog.

2) Access to Reading Materials

Encourage parents to see all reading as valid, whether it be a book, short stories, comics, Manga etc. Also, support them to get access to these materials, whether through book swaps, charity book sales, or encouraging them to join their local library.

3) Run a Reading Workshop

If you have time, then consider running a reading workshop or drop in sessions for parents, who may not feel very confident. Understanding their obstacles will mean that you can support them and keep communication open.

4) Higher Reading Level

Make sure that parents know that reading aloud, is a great opportunity for their child to read a text that might be above their reading level. Therefore, introducing new vocabulary to their child.

5) Promotes Social Emotional Development

Explain to parents that reading aloud and talking about the text they are reading can help children to develop an understanding of emotions, empathy and can help children to learn how to manage their own emotions.

6) Builds and Strengthens Bonds

Describe reading aloud as being a great opportunity to bond as a family. It can be a great way to relaxing and chat about what they are reading.

7) Imagination

Help parents to understand that listening to stories can spark their child's imagination as they can create images of characters and places as they listen.

8) Sharing their Favourites

Explain that reading aloud can be an opportunity for parents to share their favourite books with their child. However, make sure that they understand that allowing their child to choose a text is important when it comes to reading for pleasure.

9) Opportunity to Learn

Remind parents that reading is an opportunity for their child to learn about other families and their experiences. Therefore, to help them understand the world around them.

10) Make it Fun

Remind parents that reading aloud can be fun for them and their child. From using character voices to having a few laughs along the way!

Final Thoughts

Reading aloud at home has lots of benefits. Have a go at some of the suggestions above. Don't forget that on Pageticker, a digital reading record, parents can record different types of reading, including reading to and reading with their child, in place of the traditional reading record.