The Benefits of Reading Aloud

Do you know what simple pleasure has nearly disappeared from the homes of most Americans? The answer is the pleasure of reading out loud to your children. With the advent of the television and video games, the interest in books has waned greatly and our children are suffering for it.

If I could make two suggestions that could help increase the interest and scholastic aptitude level of your children it would be to eliminate or reduce the use of TV and spend at least 15-30 minutes a day preferably at bedtime reading books with chapters to your children.

Reading a book with chapters is significant. Every chapter ends on a high point, naturally leading into the next segment. Thus when the chapter is over, often children beg for “just one more, please!” This increases their anticipation and eagerness for the next reading session. You will be amazed to find that you, too, are looking forward to reading time with as much anticipation as your children.

Of course, of greatest importance is reading the Bible and Bible story books. Missionary books are excellent too. We have read and enjoyed the Jungle Doctor series by Paul White. What a treasure to read and experience!

Often books read as a child can be read and enjoyed again by a parent. Much history is easily and painlessly learned by reading books such as “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder. New worlds open up to our children as they discover how children lived and flourished in different periods of history and various cultures.

Grace Christian Schools has book lists available for each grade level. It is important to read books to your children a bit above their reading level. Children have an amazing ability to grasp the significance of advanced levels of language.

Time spent reading aloud will become a tender memory in the hearts and minds of your children. The love of reading is a fantastic heritage to pass on to the next generation. Read to your children!