The Gift of Reading Together

Carving out family reading time might seem like another item to add to an already crowded to-do list. However, for parents of elementary-aged children, particularly, those precious memories spent reading together, discovering new books, and reading classics can offer far more than just a bedtime routine.

Yvonne Johnson

President, National PTA

Your home library, bookshelf, or local library already holds everything you need for an activity the whole family can enjoy together, regardless of age or reading level. Here’s how family reading time can transform your child’s relationship with reading and set them up for lifelong success:

Building confidence, one page at a time

When children read alongside their parents or caregivers, something impactful happens. They’re not just deciphering and comprehending words; they’re building confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Whether your kindergartener is sounding out simple words or your fifth-grader is discovering chapter books, your presence and encouragement can be the boost your child needs to know that reading is fun and achievable.

Strengthening classroom connections

Family reading time isn’t separate from school learning; it’s a reinforcement of everything your child encounters daily in the classroom. When children read aloud and discuss stories in the comfortable setting of home, phonics skills improve, vocabulary expands, and reading comprehension translates to better performance in the classroom and greater participation in class.

Opening doors to new worlds

One of the most magical aspects of reading is how it offers escapism, imagination, and mind development. Within the pages of a book, a child’s world expands beyond their immediate surroundings, opening their minds to possibilities they never knew existed. By experiencing stories through different characters’ eyes, your child can learn to see the world from perspectives beyond their own.

Developing critical thinkers

Family reading time creates the perfect opportunity for developing critical thinking skills through meaningful conversations. Pausing mid-story to ask questions teaches your child to dig deeper than the words on the page. Questioning characters’ motives, predicting outcomes, finding patterns, and making connections to their own lives help children grow from passive listeners into active problem solvers.

Making it enjoyable and attainable

Family reading should be flexible and feel attainable. Reading doesn’t require expensive materials or much time to prepare. Reading a chapter during breakfast, in the afternoon after school, before bed, or on the weekends helps create a healthy habit of reading. Make reading enjoyable for all by letting your child choose books that interest them, reading aloud, and acting out the characters’ voices.

When my children were young, our favorite time of day was bedtime, curled up together reading Goodnight Moon. That well-worn book passed from my son to my daughter and later to my grandson. Today, my grandson reads to me, sharing another set of beloved books through the Harry Potter series. I’ve always been an avid reader, and reading together set the tone for our family across generations. It’s a no-cost habit with lifelong returns.

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