Are you reading to your kiddos often? Whether you are reading your childhood favorites or an uplifting book series, reading to your child can give them lasting benefits. Their language skills can improve, their imagination and creative juices start to flow, they build skills in concentration and listening, and a lifelong enjoyment for reading. Children need that early, and continual, exposer as they progress through their schooling.

In a study done by the Department of Experimental Psychology at Ghent University, the average person reads 183 wpm orally. For fun, let’s say that you read 20 minutes a day, each weekday, to your children. In one year that exposes your child to roughly 870,000 words. Of course, many of the words read will already be in their everyday vocabulary. But, just think of all the amazing descriptive words, eloquently written sentences, amazing plot lines, and new vocabulary words that they’d be missing out on if you didn’t read aloud to them. Hearing that many words a year will also help improve their own reading skills, and will give them a great start in their own writing skills.

Encouraging your child to read to you and having them read on their own as they strengthen their reading skills is also very beneficial and needed. As our children grow, they will be able to read for longer periods of time on their own and increase in their literary difficulty. But when we set the tone for the importance of books and for reading as we read to them, they will be more likely to reach for a good book when they are older.

However, lets not get too stuck on thinking that the only way that our children can benefit from all of these amazing things is if we are reading out loud, sitting on the couch together. As lovely as that image is, it is not always possible. Some days are busier then others, some days kids don’t want to sit still, some days little siblings can make it nearly impossible to get anything done, let a lone read out loud. Our voices get tired after teaching them their other lessons, or we are tired and barely get through a page before our eyes start getting heavy. Whatever the reason, sometimes we need a different game plan, and that is okay!

So, how can we work in a read aloud when the idyllic comfy couch session isn’t possible? Here are some ideas that have worked for us and many other homeschooling families.

• Reading as your children play at the table, on the floor, or in any other comfortable spot in your house. I tell my kids they get to play with something/do somethings as long as they stay quiet enough so everyone can hear. Some great options for play during this time could be playdough, Legos or other building toys, drawing/painting, or puzzles. Perhaps you have older children that want to stay busy as your read. Some ideas for them could be snap circuits, jewelry making/beading, crochet or knitting, or even origami. Honestly, the sky’s the limit on this. Whatever quiet activity your child is interested in will work great. Children seem to listen better when their hands are busy.

• Listening to the audiobook version. Your kids are still hearing all those descriptive words and indulging plot lines. But your voice gets a break. You could put it on in the car, while making dinner, or before bed as it is time to start winding down. This still sets the tone for the importance of reading (or listening to) great books.

• Get those older kids involved! If you have older kids that can take a turn reading, do it. They will gain benefits as they practice reading out loud and it can be a fun change for younger siblings. Letting your older child pick one of their favorite books can also help in their willingness to read.

• Save read aloud time for when dad is home. A great way to get dad involved in the homeschooling load is to have him do the read aloud. It can be a great bonding time for them and a chance for you to get a much-needed break!

It is never too early and never too late to read to your child! These can be some of the sweetest moments from the day and will always be worth doing. Make it your own, make it work for you and enjoy the seeds for reading you are planting in your child’s heart.

Your Homework:

What’s a homeschool blog without a little homework?

• Browse our Chapter Book List
• Pick a fun family read aloud
• Pick a good time of the day (morning, afternoon, before bed)
• Set a weekly goal: I will ready to my kids every (time of day) for (x) minutes from (title of book)