Hey there, fellow homeschoolers! Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s close to my heart and crucial for our little learners – the art and science of read alouds. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned educator seeking fresh inspiration, understanding the benefits of reading aloud and integrating it into your daily routine can transform your teaching journey. Plus, I’ve curated a special list of classic books that are perfect for sharing with your children. Let’s explore together how read alouds can light up our homeschooling adventures!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may make commission off of purchases made through the product links.
The Benefits of Read Alouds
Reading aloud isn’t just a bedtime ritual; it’s a powerful tool for educational growth and emotional bonding. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Enhances Listening Skills: Kids develop better focus and understanding by listening to stories. They are able to enhance auditory skills and listening comprehension. You model reading fluency which helps them mimic it later on their own.
Builds Vocabulary: Exposure to a wide range of words enriches their language skills. Not only are they hearing new words, they are exposed to words in context, which helps them to figure out the meaning of new words.
Fosters Imagination: Stories spark creativity and open doors to new worlds. When children get to listen instead of read, they are able to visualize the story in a more meaningful way. They get to focus just on making the story come to life, without the pressure of reading.
Strengthens Comprehension: Discussing the story as you read improves their ability to grasp complex concepts. You are able to work on their comprehension skills and strategies in a low stress setting.
Encourages a Love for Reading: Early positive experiences with books create lifelong readers. Spending time reading together builds strong bonds with your child and encourages them to love stories.
If you want to dive deeper on this topic, I highly recommend you read THE READ-ALOUD FAMILY by Sarah Mackenzie. It’s a must read for all homeschool parents in my opinion.
How to Incorporate Read Alouds into Your Homeschool Routine
Incorporating read alouds into your homeschooling routine can be seamless and enjoyable. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Set a Specific Time: Whether it’s morning kickstart, after lunch, or winding down before naptime, having a fixed read-aloud time helps create a habit. It’s okay if your set time is different depending on the day. For example, if you read in the morning, but on Tuesdays you leave early for co-op, don’t wake up early to fit it in. Simply change the time of day you do it on Tuesdays.
Choose a Cozy Spot: Create a special reading nook that’s comfortable and inviting, making read-aloud sessions something to look forward to. Let them have special pillows or stuffed animals that stay in your reading area. It makes it extra special for them during reading time.
Involve Your Child: Let your child pick the book sometimes. It gives them a sense of control and excitement. Make a special trip to the library for all of you to pick out read aloud books together. Let your kid take turns picking the book each time.
Read During Free Play: While you’re reading, let your kids have free play or provide something hands-on for them to do. It’s a known fact that children can listen better when their hands are busy. Let them color, build with legos, or another quiet activity while you read to them. There’s a good chance you already have some free play time in your schedule, this is a great way to get in read aloud time without much effort.
Utilize Audiobooks: Audiobooks are a great way to add read alouds into your routine. It’s also a great option for work from home parents or families who spend a lot of time out and about or schooling in the car. You can utilize apps like Libby or Hoopla that work with your library card to get read audiobooks. Personally, my favorite is AUDIBLE. It’s a monthly subscription through Amazon. We have the Premium Plus Membership which gives us one credit a month for any book. Plus access to their audible exclusive content for free. You can get a free trial HERE to test it out.
Classic Books to Read to Your Homeschooler
Here’s a list of timeless classics that you and your children will love exploring together:
- “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: A heartwarming tale of friendship and life on a farm that teaches valuable life lessons.
- “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter: Dive into the mischievous world of Peter Rabbit with stories that captivate and entertain.
- “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne: Join Pooh Bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood for adventures filled with humor and wisdom.
- “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis: A series that combines fantasy, adventure, and morality in a magical land.
- “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll: A whimsical journey that encourages imagination and curiosity.
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Discover the transformative power of nature and friendship through the eyes of Mary Lennox.
- “Matilda” by Roald Dahl: Celebrate the love for books and the strength of a young girl with extraordinary powers.
- “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: A philosophical tale with life lessons for both kids and adults.
You can find all of these and more on my AMAZON STOREFRONT.
Incorporating read alouds into your homeschooling routine is a simple yet profound way to enhance your child’s education. It’s about more than just reading; it’s about connecting, exploring, and growing together. With the classics list in hand and tips to make the most out of your read-aloud sessions, you’re all set to create memorable learning experiences.
Remember, every read-aloud session is an opportunity to nurture a deeper relationship with your child while instilling a love for learning. Happy reading, and here’s to the wonderful adventures you’ll embark on, one book at a time!
TRY THIS FAMILY-STYLE NOVEL STUDY!
Have you ever downloaded a novel study from teachers pay teachers or Etsy just to realize it’s a bunch of worksheets designed for classroom use? I certainly have and it’s incredibly frustrating. That’s why I created this novel study for THE LOST LIBRARY by Rebecca Stead with homeschool families in mind. It’s designed to work as a parents guide to expand your reading experience. It includes chapter discussion questions, writing prompts, vocabulary words, project ideas, family connection ideas and much more. Make this your next read aloud and get the novel study to enhance your read aloud experience!
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