If I had a whole day with absolutely nothing to do (ha, ha!), how would I spend my time? Reading, of course!
I also love talking about literacy with other parents, so I thought I would share our favorite read aloud resources right here!
Why read aloud to our children?
My friend Veronica told me about the Read Aloud Revival podcast from Sarah Mackenzie, and I’m so thankful she did! My favorite episode is still the first one, with special guest Andrew Pudewa. His points about reading aloud to older children was both inspiring and convicting.
“It’s actually the age that children start to read aloud on their own that they most need to be read to–at a level above their decoding skills.”
–Andrew Pudewa
He goes on to talk about how children (and all of us, if we’re truthful) tend to read faster silently, skipping words and idioms that they don’t know to get more of the plot/action. When we read aloud, we must take the time to read slowly, savoring longer passages of descriptions and beautiful language.
How should we read aloud to our children?
Check out these terrific read aloud resources! (Reminder: Rolling Prairie Readers uses affiliate links at no additional cost to you. You can see our full disclosure policy here.)
BOOKS
- The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease (click here)
- Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox (click here)
- The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie (click here)
- Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time by Jamie C. Martin (click here)
- The Intentional Bookshelf by Samantha Munoz (click here)
Want to go even deeper? Check out our 3 Keys to Reading Success Course, now available with with four other parent trainings for just $10!
PODCASTS
- Read-Aloud Revival (for parents, about kids and children’s books)
- What Should I Read Next? (for parents, about books for adult readers)
BLOGS AND FACEBOOK PAGES
In addition to Sarah Mackenzie (Read-Aloud Revival/Amongst Lovely Things) and Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy/What Should I Read Next?), I recommend these blogs:
I also have a brand-new series of helpful tips and tricks coming over the next few weeks.
Here’s what you can expect–links will be added as posts are published:
- Read-Aloud Resources + Tip Sheet (you’re here!)
- 25 “Must-Have” Read-Aloud Authors
- 10 Ways to Keep Hands and Minds Busy During Read-Aloud
- Incorporating Reading into Your Daily Routine
We’re building our family’s culture around books (the tagline for the Read Aloud Revival podcast), and I’d love to have your family join in the fun. I’m adding my favorite read aloud resources to this Pinterest board–let me know if you stumble across any other “can’t miss” blog posts, books, or podcasts!
I think this is so important! My mother did this with my brother and I when we were younger and we have always been avid readers and read well above our ages growing up! I’m definitely going to do this with my son!
Yay, I love hearing success stories from grown children!
I’m so glad you shared this! We are currently going through this and I love your perspective on it!
Thanks for stopping by, Susie!
What a great post! I just wrote a post on my blog the other day about reading. I used to read to my daughter before she was born. I was determined to make her love reading! 🙂 (And she does!). These are such great resources.
Corey, I loved your post! Thanks for sharing it with me.
You have chosen some outstanding resources. Listening to books and stories is ageless.
Thank you, Amanda!
Thank you for sharing this! My mother read aloud to us a lot when we were children, and we all loved it. I’m trying to do the same for my kids! 🙂
Awesome, Christine! What a legacy for your own children.
This is a great round-up (and thanks for the mention)! I love the audio version of Mem Fox’s Reading Magic because she demonstrates many of the ways she encourages parents to read. 🙂