First grade is when many children put it all together and begin to read independently. But reading aloud with first graders remains not only a pleasurable but an important activity. It encourages longer attention spans — children can focus on a page of images and words for longer periods, build their understanding of the connection between speech and print. Their sense of language develops as they are introduced to its use in different types of books ranging from poetry to nonfiction or even in a silly story that uses repeated sounds. And they can see themselves and others more readily as they read about other places and characters.
See also: Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3.
Kindergarteners — they’re growing up, and so is their taste in books. They’re developing relationships with other children, acquiring empathy. Reading aloud to children lets them see how different characters in different situations behave toward others. It also helps children understand the way language works. They hear how sentences are put together, grasping the meaning of words either in context or when talking with the adult. Often these verbal exchanges extend beyond the book as children begin to relate what happens in books connects to their world. Children at this age can often listen to longer stories or hear chapters from longer books.
See also: Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3.
Build on your young listener’s love of words, information, and story with lots of reading aloud. You’re building their experiences while building vocabulary. Remember, young children can understand many more spoken words than they use. And the language in books tends to be greater and more diverse than the words we use everyday when talking with children. Preschoolers enjoy simple books as well as more complex books, the sound of language — even nonsensical words — and a good laugh; after all, they’re developing a sense of humor!
See also: Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3.
The world is a big place and there’s no better to meet it than between the covers of a book shared between parents or caring adult and a child. Most children are emerging readers by now but are still building both receptive language (what they hear) as well as expressive language (what they say). They’re also expanding their interests and putting ideas together in new and different ways. Books – timeworn and new, fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose – shared aloud allows both adult and child to explore together.
See also: Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3.
Often adults think just because children can read by themselves that reading aloud is no longer important. It is! What better way to tackle tough topics than by sharing a book and talking about it? Questions may include what a child thinks of a character’s behavior or actions (what would you do if…? Or how would it feel to be in…?). Interests and ideas keep on coming but remember, children’s reading levels are usually lower than what they understand when books are shared aloud. Empathy, experience, vocabulary and a love of language continue to grow long after children can read by themselves.
See also: Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3.
Read about the history of voting, presidential trivia, or a duck who thinks he should be in charge, in this month’s list of recommended books for kids ages 0-9. They all pay tribute to our unique democratic system. So, grab a book, get involved, and don’t forget to vote!
Discover some of our favorite picture books for kids that celebrate sharing, community, and family. You’ll also find books about the history of our Thanksgiving holiday. Read these stories to the children in your life to help them see what the spirit of Thanksgiving is really all about. Browse this related booklist: Remembrance and Giving Thanks.
Hats from around the world, family stories, hats for cats (or not?), hats knitted with love, funny stories about hats, hats for friends, and more hat tales in these picture books for kids.
Heroes are not just characters in comic books, saving the day. They are real people who make a brave choice in a difficult situation, take a risk and beat the odds, or stand up for what’s right when no one else will. Some heroes become famous and change the world for those who come after them. Some heroes change the world for one person. Whether or not you make history, the message in these recommended books for kids ages 0-9 is that we can find acts of courage all around us — even in ourselves. Discover many more related titles with Book Finder.
Explore ways of getting around through fiction and nonfiction books! We’ve selected a “wheelie” great collection of books to steer young readers toward a wide range of genres — informational nonfiction, biography, history, poetry, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and mystery — as well as different formats (audio books, graphic novels, and chapter books).
This booklist supports the Reading Without Walls Challenge, a nationwide initiative launched by Gene Yang, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
Reading Rockets’ first annual holiday buying guide makes it easy to find good books kids will enjoy. Discover fiction and nonfiction books for kids ages 0-9 years old, selected by our children’s literature expert and blogger Maria Salvadore.
Reading Rockets’ second annual holiday buying guide makes it easy to find good books kids will enjoy. Discover fiction and nonfiction books for kids ages 0-9 years old, selected by our children’s literature expert and blogger Maria Salvadore.
Reading Rockets’ third annual buying guide makes it easy to find good books kids will enjoy. Discover fiction and nonfiction books for kids ages 0-9 years old, selected by our children’s literature expert and blogger Maria Salvadore.
Reading Rockets’ fourth annual buying guide makes it easy to find good books kids will enjoy. Discover fiction and nonfiction books for kids ages 0-9 years old, selected by our children’s literature expert and blogger Maria Salvadore.
Good books last. They are truly the gift that is remembered long after the holiday or celebration is over. In fact, a book that connects with a young reader will grow with them as it is shared countless times. These books were chosen with just one criterion in mind — good literature that’s so engaging that your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or student will gladly turn off the TV and put away the Gameboy. Give books as gifts and watch kids read.
What is often remembered long after they’ve been used, are often passed on from one generation to the next, and can create connections between people far and near? Books, of course! They make readers weep and laugh, learn and question, introduce ideas and deepen them. They are gifts that last and are just right for any occasion. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving. So give a book, share a book, and enjoy a book with the children in your lives.
What better gift to give than one that can be shared again and again? Books are just that kind of gift. They create memories, too, when read by and with children. This year’s list was carefully crafted with just one idea in mind — to find books so engaging that the TV is happily turned off and the iPod and electronic games are put away. Books open new windows to the world.
What better gift to give than one that can be shared again and again? Books are just that kind of gift. They create memories, too, when read by and with children. This year’s list was carefully crafted with just one idea in mind — to find books so engaging that the TV is happily turned off and the iPod and electronic games are put away.
What better gift to give than one that can be shared again and again? Books are just that kind of gift. They create memories, too, when read by and with children. Season’s Readings from Reading Rockets!
What better gift to give than one that can be shared again and again? Lots of things go away quickly. But stories and books have sticking power and can be shared time and time again. Try a new story, revisit an old favorite. How about a story of fact or perhaps a fantasy? Stories can be read alone, together, aloud or quietly. Pick up a book for yourself and your favorite child this season.
There are lots of days (and at least four weeks!) in a month. Why not share a new story, pick up a book, or listen to an old favorite each day or even once a week for the month? You might find a new friend, discover something new about an old one, or even come across a fresh idea or information. Discover a new season of sharing — all year long!
In December, why not share a new story, pick up a book, or listen to an old favorite each day? You might meet a new friend, discover something new about an old one, or even uncover fresh ideas or information. Celebrate this season of sharing, with books and reading!
There’s nothing better on a chilly winter day than to curl up with a book. In our new collection for 2016, you’ll find high adventure, biographies, historical fiction and real life events, Greek myths, stories about kids from around the world, books about all kinds of science (from animals to weather), graphic novels, and so much more. All are made to share. So pick up a book, share a story, learn something new — and enjoy the season!
