8 Reasons to keep reading to your child
Reading to your child remains one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support learning, even after they can read independently. International Read To Me Day on 19 March reminds families that shared reading should not stop once children master the mechanics of reading.
Many parents step back once their child begins reading alone. It often feels like a milestone that signals independence. However, research consistently shows that continuing to read together provides powerful benefits for children well into their school years.
Professor Guyonne Kalb from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research, says, “… being read to remains an important factor that is not explained away by other factors such as the parents’ education. Children of 4-5 years old who are read to 3-4 times a week have reading ages 6 months ahead of children read to once or twice a week. Reading to children nearly every day almost doubles their progress to one year ahead of the group.”
Shared reading strengthens vocabulary, builds knowledge, deepens family relationships and nurtures a lifelong love of books. For parents of school-aged children, understanding why this habit still matters can help turn reading into a meaningful part of family life.
Here are eight reasons to keep reading to your child, long after they learn to do it themselves:
1. It expands vocabulary faster than independent reading
When children first learn to read, much of their attention focuses on decoding words. They concentrate on sounding out letters, recognising spelling patterns and following sentences. This effort limits how much energy they can devote to understanding meaning.
When parents continue reading to their children, they can focus on the story rather than the mechanics of reading. They encounter new vocabulary, richer language and more complex ideas.
Australian research highlights the impact of shared reading. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that children whose parents read to them daily at ages two to three achieved higher average Year 3 NAPLAN reading scores than those read to less often.
Vocabulary plays a major role in academic success. A strong word bank improves comprehension across subjects, including science, humanities and mathematics.
2. It strengthens reading comprehension
Reading words correctly is only one part of literacy. Understanding what those words mean is just as important.
Reading aloud allows parents to pause, explain ideas and discuss new concepts. These conversations help children process information and practise deeper thinking.
Researchers from Western Sydney University note that reading aloud supports language development and helps children build positive attitudes toward literacy and learning.
Over time, these discussions strengthen comprehension and analytical thinking. These skills are essential as school texts become more complex in later primary and secondary years.
3. It builds knowledge about the world
Books expose children to people, places and ideas they may never encounter in daily life.
A story might explore ancient civilisations, scientific discoveries or different cultures. Non-fiction books can introduce topics such as space exploration, wildlife or technology.
This exposure builds what educators call background knowledge. The more knowledge children have about the world, the easier it becomes to understand new information in the classroom.
Reading also introduces children to sophisticated language and concepts earlier than many everyday conversations.
4. It develops empathy and emotional intelligence
Stories help children understand emotions, relationships and perspectives beyond their own.
Through characters and narratives, children experience different viewpoints. They learn to recognise feelings, motivations and consequences.
Research from the University of South Australia found that reading aloud can significantly strengthen resilience in children. In some cases, children who were read to regularly showed up to three times greater resilience at school, particularly those facing adversity.
These emotional skills play an important role in friendships, wellbeing and future success.
5. It strengthens family relationships
Shared reading creates a calm and focused moment in an otherwise busy day.
Families often juggle school schedules, homework, sport and activities. Sitting down with a book allows parents and children to slow down together.
Australian research also shows that reading together is strongly associated with bonding. In a national survey, 81% of parents said reading provided quality time with their child, while 68% highlighted the role it plays in strengthening relationships.
These small moments of connection can become lasting family memories.
6. It encourages a lifelong love of books
Children who associate books with comfort and enjoyment are more likely to read independently later in life.
When reading only feels like schoolwork, motivation can fade. Shared reading changes that experience. Stories become something enjoyable rather than a task.
Research into family reading habits also shows the strong influence parents have on children’s reading behaviour. Around 83% of frequent young readers say their reading habits are influenced by parents or caregivers who enjoy reading themselves.
This modelling helps children see reading as a natural and rewarding part of everyday life.
7. It supports learning throughout primary and secondary school
Many families stop reading aloud once children become independent readers. However, studies suggest this often happens too early.
Research involving nearly 1,000 Western Australian students found that more than half of Year 4 students and around 70% of Year 6 students were no longer being read to at home. Yet older children still benefit from hearing complex stories read aloud. They can engage with books above their independent reading level and explore sophisticated ideas.
Shared reading at this age can also spark discussions about history, ethics, science and culture.
8. It creates opportunities for meaningful conversations
Books naturally lead to discussion.
Parents might ask why a character behaved a certain way or what their child thinks will happen next. These simple questions help children practise expressing ideas and explaining their thinking.
Researchers describe this approach as dialogic reading, where stories become conversations. Studies show that this interactive method has stronger effects on children’s language development than passive listening.
For many families, these discussions become the most valuable part of reading to your child.
How to keep reading together as children grow
Shared reading does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference.
Choose books that genuinely interest your child. Interests change quickly, so follow their curiosity. Graphic novels, fantasy series, sports biographies and nonfiction titles can all spark engagement.
Create simple routines. Reading before bed works well for many families, but after-school reading or weekend sessions can be just as effective.
Older children may also enjoy listening to audiobooks together in the car or discussing a chapter of a novel each evening.
The most important factor is consistency. Even a few minutes of shared reading can create lasting benefits.
Celebrating International Read To Me Day
International Read To Me Day encourages families around the world to celebrate the power of storytelling.
The message is simple: reading together remains valuable long after children learn to read independently.
Books introduce new ideas, strengthen language skills and deepen family relationships. When parents continue reading to your child, they support learning while also creating moments that children remember for years.
At All Saints Grammar, we believe literacy forms the foundation of lifelong learning. Our co-educational school welcomes students from PreKinder to Year 12 and fosters a strong reading culture across every stage of development.
Through engaging classroom programs, rich literature experiences and strong partnerships with families, we encourage students to explore ideas, think critically and develop a genuine love of reading. To learn more about All Saints Grammar, register for a small group tour.
