📚 This Could Benefit Your Child’s Vocabulary Tremendously!

Summer is for Summer reading programs. But, are you taking advantage of the growth your child could have this Summer? 

 

Let’s bust a myth: reading aloud is only for little kids.

 

The truth? Even upper elementary and middle schoolers benefit tremendously from being read to—and it’s one of the easiest, most powerful things you can do to support your child’s learning.

 

Here’s why it still matters:

 

When you read aloud, your child hears what smooth, expressive reading sounds like. This builds their ability to read with accuracy, rhythm, and proper phrasing—which helps with comprehension and confidence when they read.

 

Books at a higher reading level expose your child to richer language than conversation or independent reading often does. Reading aloud lets you pause to explain new words, or better yet—have your child ask about them.

 

Talking through the story together helps your child connect ideas, predict what might happen, and reflect on deeper meanings. Ask questions like:

 

“Why do you think the character did that?”

“What would you do in that situation?”

It builds critical thinking without feeling like a quiz.

 

Even for older kids, reading aloud is a chance to slow down, laugh together, and open up conversations that might not happen otherwise.

Some of the best talks happen during (or after) a good book.

 

So if your child is 9, 11, even 13—grab a book and read together a few nights a week. Or try audiobooks while driving or winding down before bed.

 

The habit might start small—but the impact will be big.

 

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

 

Happy Learning!