From the River Forest Library - Reading Aloud to Independent Readers

At what age should we stop reading with our children? A good answer to that question would be "as long as they'll possibly allow it... don't stop!" Everyone knows the importance of reading aloud to emerging readers. However, did you know that reading aloud remains important as children become fluent, independent readers? Reading aloud to independent readers:

• Helps expand your child’s vocabulary as you may be able to read more complex material to them than they could handle on their own.
• May increase your child's reading comprehension if you ask questions to encourage interpretation or expand upon ideas to support understanding of the text.
• Helps to broaden his or her interest in new genres, authors and topics.
• Offers a starting point for discussion of social concerns and your family values.

Families are busier than ever and shared down time is a precious commodity. What better quality time can be found than curling up with your child, no matter his or her age, and getting lost in a good book together? The Children’s Room staff members would love to assist you with finding good chapter books to read-aloud with your independent reader. Here are some new books that we think would be great to share aloud and discuss with your 4^thor 5^th grade child.

Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani

Chained by Lynne Kelly

Visit RFPL Kids for more great info on engaging your young reader.