Why Reading to Your Child Never Gets Old: The Power of Shared Stories

Reading aloud to children is often associated with cozy bedtime stories for toddlers and preschoolers. But the benefits of reading with your kids extend far beyond the early years, especially for children who struggle with reading or have dyslexia. Here's why you should keep reading to your children even as they grow older.

Bridging the Gap Between Ability and Interest

One of the most powerful aspects of reading aloud is that it allows children to access stories that match their intellectual and emotional maturity, even when their reading skills aren't quite there yet. A 12-year-old struggling reader might find grade-level books frustrating to read independently, but they can fully comprehend and engage with complex plots, rich characters, and sophisticated themes when the text is read to them.

This is particularly crucial for students with dyslexia, who often:

• Have strong comprehension skills that far exceed their reading level

• Feel frustrated when their reading difficulties prevent them from accessing age-appropriate content

• Need continued exposure to rich vocabulary and complex language patterns

Nurturing a Love of Stories

When we separate the act of reading from the joy of storytelling, something magical happens. Children who struggle with decoding text can discover that they are, in fact, natural story lovers. This discovery becomes a powerful motivator for pushing through the challenges of learning to read.

Consider these approaches:

• Family reading time with everyone taking turns reading different characters

• Shared audiobook listening during car rides or household activities

• Reading the same book together that's being studied in school

• Creating a family book club where everyone discusses the story

The Social-Emotional Benefits

Reading together creates valuable connections, especially during the teenage years when quality time becomes scarcer. It provides:

• Natural opportunities for discussing complex topics

• Shared references and inside jokes

• A safe space to explore difficult emotions through fictional characters

• Continued parent-child bonding as children grow more independent

Making It Work for Older Kids

Here are some practical strategies to keep the reading connection strong:

1. Choose books slightly above your child's reading level but that match their interests

2. Mix up the format – sometimes you read, sometimes they read, sometimes you listen together

3. Don't abandon picture books – even older students benefit from the visual support

4. Connect readings to movies, encouraging comparison and critical thinking

5. Use both audiobooks and traditional books to maintain engagement

The Research Behind It

Studies consistently show that reading aloud to children of all ages:

• Improves vocabulary acquisition

• Develops critical thinking skills

• Enhances listening comprehension

• Builds background knowledge

• Strengthens the neural networks that support reading development

A Note About Audiobooks

Audiobooks are not "cheating." They're a valuable tool that:

• Exposes listeners to proper pronunciation and pacing

• Allows students to focus on comprehension without the burden of decoding

• Makes literature accessible during other activities

• Provides professional narration that brings stories to life

Conclusion

Whether through traditional read-alouds, audiobooks, or a combination of both, continuing to share stories with older children supports their academic growth, emotional development, and love of learning. For struggling readers and students with dyslexia, this shared reading experience can be the bridge that connects them to the world of literature and maintains their motivation to become independent readers.

Remember: there's no age limit on the benefits of sharing stories together. Keep reading with your children as long as they'll let you – you're not just building reading skills, you're building memories.