If you’ve known me for more than five minutes, chances are I’ve read aloud to you. I can’t help it—I love sharing stories! Luckily, my work in literacy education has given me plenty of opportunities to read to preservice teachers, parents, and children. But this isn’t just a personal passion; reading aloud is one of the most powerful tools we have for building literacy and connection.

Why do I spend so much time reading aloud and encouraging parents, teachers, and other humans to do the same? Why do I enjoy it so much and how does it benefit the listeners? Well, I’m glad you asked! In today’s blog, we’ll explore why this simple, joyful practice matters, and why research shows we need it now more than ever.

The Power of Literacy

When we read aloud, we do more than share words on a page. We open doors to new worlds, experiences, and perspectives. Children hear stories that reflect their own lives and stories that expand their understanding of others. This builds empathy and confidence, two qualities every learner needs.

It’s no secret that there are some stories we hear a lot, while others are less common. When we participate in read alouds, we get to be a part of expanding the stories that are heard. We empower people to share their loves, hurts, passions, fears, and dreams. We get the unique opportunity to step into other lives for a few precious moments and recognize the truth and fullness of others. Perhaps most importantly, we build empathy as we inhabit these lives. Further, we build confidence and self-awareness as we enjoy stories that reflect our own lives.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reminds us that literacy improves health, expands life opportunities, and empowers people to participate fully in society. Reading aloud is a gateway to that power. It makes literacy accessible, joyful, and communal.

Read Alouds Boost Skills

Research consistently shows that reading aloud strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Reading aloud to young children helps them develop their understanding of language and how print matches speech, while also building narrative skills such as story structure and character development. As we grow older, listening to read alouds improves our vocabulary and word usage. Being read to gives us access to language and ideas that may be above our ability to comprehend through independent reading.

Building Community Through Books

Above all, the community-building, empowering, joy-sharing, skill-building magic of read alouds is FUN. Because we’re doing voices and movements while laughing and crying together, it is FUN! Read alouds spark conversations. They invite laughter, questions, and shared emotions. Whether in classrooms, libraries, or living rooms, these moments create bonds that go beyond the text.

In short, reading aloud is pure joy. In a world that often feels heavy, fun matters. And when learning feels fun, children want more of it.

The Challenge: Fewer Families Are Reading Aloud

Here’s the hard truth: Many parents aren’t reading to their children regularly. According to The 74 Million, barriers include time constraints, lack of confidence, and misconceptions about when to start. EdWeek notes that “as their screen time increases, young children are less likely to be read to by their parents.” Meanwhile, for parents who are digital natives, reading for pleasure is an uncommon pastime and not one they prioritize for their children. This is especially concerning since early exposure to language is critical for brain development and school readiness.

Children who are read to often enter kindergarten with stronger vocabularies and comprehension skills, and these advantages have lasting impacts on a child’s educational experience and outcomes. Furthermore, this practice needn’t take copious amounts of time. According to the University of Rochester School of Education, “spending just 15 minutes a day reading aloud can build knowledge, strengthen family connections and set children on a path to long-term academic success.”

While many caregivers may find it daunting to read to their kids after a long, busy day, it’s worth it on both academic and social-emotional levels and can ultimately benefit adults as well. In addition to building empathy, reading to very young children is linked to decreased levels of aggression, hyperactivity, and attention difficulties.

Call to Action: What Educators Can Do

We can’t assume every child comes to school with rich oral language experiences. Daily classroom read alouds help level the playing field. They model expressive reading, build listening skills, and support multilingual learners by providing accessible entry points into academic language. Here are a few tips for making your read alouds more effective.

Classroom Read Aloud Tips

• Schedule It Daily: Make read alouds a non-negotiable part of your literacy block. Even a few minutes a day makes a huge difference!
• Choose a Variety of High-Quality Texts: Include books that reflect varied cultures, languages, and experiences. Engage students by showing them the world they know and the world beyond their own community.
• Model Expressive Reading: Don’t be afraid to get silly! Use tone, pacing, and gestures to bring the text to life.
• Pause for Interaction: Ask open-ended questions, invite predictions, and encourage students to make connections. Remember, storytelling is a shared experience in which the listener is an active participant.
• Think Beyond Picture Books: Read aloud novels, nonfiction, poetry, and even mentor texts for writing. A few pages of a chapter book or a couple of funny poems are perfect for those transition times like the few minutes before dismissal or when you’re waiting for your class to be called down for an assembly.
• Create a Safe Space for Discussion: Let students share feelings and ideas sparked by the story. You’ll discover teachable moments during which you can continue to build community and empathy.
• Connect to Curriculum: Use read alouds to introduce themes, vocabulary, and concepts across subjects. There is so much rich literature available and read alouds are the perfect vehicle for building shared understandings and background knowledge.

Recommended Read Aloud Books

How will you incorporate read alouds into your classroom or home routine? What stories do you want to share to build empathy and connection? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, commit to reading aloud. It’s one of the simplest, most joyful ways to build a foundation for lifelong learning. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out the resources below.

LitWorld: World Read Aloud Day Hub

LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day to celebrate the joy of reading aloud and advocate for literacy as a human right. Their site offers activity packets with celebration ideas, printable bookmarks, and banners; virtual read-alouds from authors and celebrities; and book lists and teaching guides for classrooms and families.

Scholastic 10: Read-Aloud Tips from Experienced Teachers

This page offers practical advice from veteran teachers on making read-alouds engaging and instructional, including how to prepare and practice, tips for making connections and encouraging discussion, and strategies for balancing flow and interaction.

Edutopia: How to Make Read-Alouds Fun and Effective for All Ages

Edutopia provides research-based strategies for planning impactful read-alouds, research on why read-alouds matter beyond early grades, techniques for critical thinking and vocabulary development, and tips for middle and high school classrooms.

Read to a Child: Read Aloud Resources

A resource library with book recommendations for different age groups, tips and best practices for families and educators, and articles on the importance of reading aloud for equity and engagement.

Read Write Think: Teacher Read-Aloud Strategy Guide

This resource offers guidance on using read-alouds to model deep comprehension, including how to plan before, during, and after reading; interactive elements like think-alouds and discussion prompts; and links to related literacy strategies.

Storyline Online

A free platform featuring videos of actors reading children’s books, as well as activity guides for teachers and parents. This resource is great for remote or hybrid learning environments.