Summer Reading Tips Series: Tip #4 – Read Aloud Together (Even With Older Kids!)

When we think of reading aloud, we often picture toddlers cuddled up with a picture book and a parent’s voice bringing the story to life. But the truth is—reading aloud benefits children of all ages, including tweens and teens. This simple habit can strengthen bonds, build literacy skills, and make reading a shared joy.

Whether your child is 5 or 15, it’s never too late to enjoy the magic of reading aloud together.

Why Read Aloud?

Reading aloud does more than just entertain—it helps build important academic and emotional skills. When children hear stories read aloud, they:

• Learn new vocabulary

• Hear fluent, expressive reading modeled

• Improve listening and comprehension skills

• Explore more complex stories than they may be able to read alone

• Build deeper connections with family through shared experiences

  
  

And perhaps most importantly: reading aloud keeps reading fun—even for reluctant readers.

But What If My Child Is Older?

Yes—even older kids and teens enjoy being read to. They may not ask for it, but many appreciate the comfort, relaxation, and focused attention that read-aloud time provides. For preteens and teens, it can open up space for meaningful conversation and critical thinking—especially when the story touches on real-world issues, emotions, or values.

You can also take turns reading aloud to make it more interactive. This keeps things engaging and encourages your child to practice reading with expression and confidence.

How to Make Reading Aloud Part of Your Summer

Here are some simple ways to bring this tip to life:

• Pick a Chapter Book to Read Together Choose something exciting, funny, or meaningful. Try a classic you loved or explore something new from the library.

• Make It a Bedtime or Wind-Down Ritual Just 10–15 minutes of reading together in the evening can be a calm, comforting part of your summer routine.

• Use Voices and ExpressionDon’t be afraid to get silly! Fun voices and dramatic pauses make stories memorable and help bring characters to life.

• Let Your Child Choose the Book They’ll be more excited to listen (and read along) if they picked the story.

• Talk About What You Read After a chapter, ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How would you feel if you were that character?”

• 
  

Read-Aloud Book Ideas by Age:

• Ages 5–8: Magic Tree House series, Mercy Watson, Charlotte’s Web

• Ages 9–12: The Wild Robot, Wonder, Percy Jackson, Because of Winn-Dixie

• Ages 13+: Refugee by Alan Gratz, The Giver, Brown Girl Dreaming, or a short story collection

  
  

Reading aloud builds more than literacy—it builds connection. No matter your child’s age, your voice, your time, and your interest in stories can shape how they see reading... and how they see themselves.

Next in the series: Tip #5 – Set a Summer Reading Goal 🎯Stay tuned for more simple ways to grow great readers this summer!