Power of Reading Aloud

I just started a new book this week that came highly recommended by a literacy expert I’ve followed for years. It’s called The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction — and I’m only a few chapters in, but I already can’t wait to read more!

As a former English major, I love digging into books, highlighting favorite lines, and scribbling notes… but I know it’s back-to-school season and life is busy!

So…I pulled out a few of my favorite ideas from the first chapters to share with you — quick, powerful reminders about why reading aloud to young children is truly magical (& so impactful!)

Key Takeaways:

✅ Reading aloud is one of the best predictors of a child’s future success.

Researchers now consider it that powerful.

✅ Story time calms children’s minds.

Listening to a book helps settle kids into a state of peace and focus.

✅ Every read-aloud builds the brain.

Early experiences literally “wire” the brain, strengthening the pathways used for thinking and reasoning.

✅ Kids who are read to gain a cognitive advantage.

Because they hear richer language and imagine more often, they develop stronger vocabularies and thinking skills.

✅ If reading aloud were a pill, every child would get a prescription.

Instead, too often, we hand them screens.

❤️ So what does this mean for you?….

Even a few minutes a day of reading aloud makes a difference. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making story time a regular part of your child’s life — 

You’re not just reading a book.

You’re building their brain. 

For a list of some of my favorite read alouds, click here. 

Happy reading!!