I wanted to switch gears a bit and graze by the ‘at home’ world with kids. I do homeschool our 3 kiddos, ages 12, 10, and 6. But, even if you don’t, even if your kids are grown but you have grandkids or neighbors, etc… let me tell you some of our favorite read aloud books!

First: why do we read aloud? Lots of people read to their kids when they are too young to read. But some don’t. Reading not only helps us as we learn to read, we hear complete sentences in the way they should be said, not slang or one word answers etc. Our attention spans grow when we learn to sit and listen, even if we add coloring or building blocks. Hearing books read aloud is a family bonding experience! It becomes something we can recall with those folks who heard it read also. Our vocabulary grows. This list could continue!

Second: how do we read aloud? As mentioned above, some kids benefit from tactile, hands on objects while they actively listen. It could be drawing or coloring, building, play dough, or even hand crafts like sewing/knitting for older kids. My kids in general do not like anything in their hands as they listen. They sit close. But, that isn’t 100% of the time. Another part of how could include audio books! You don’t have to be the reader of every book your family enjoys! If you are the one reading, try doing voices!

Third: who is a part of read alouds? Everyone!! Even if you don’t currently have kids of your own at home, read aloud to and with your spouse. My husband and I began Little Men aloud when we first were married. When your family comes to visit, read to them! Make it a priority. Again, the list of ‘who’ could be never ending.

Fourth: where and when should we read aloud? Outside on a quilt after a picnic lunch. Inside on a favorite cozy couch during a rain storm. At the kitchen table after supper every evening. In bed before kissing the kids goodnight. On the porch swing. In the car. Anywhere!!

Fifth and finally WHAT should we read aloud? Here is a list of some of my family’s favorite read alouds over the years. Some we have done numerous times! There are chapter books and picture books listed. Don’t forget the fun (and beauty) of a picture book, even for big kids and adults!

Chapter Books:

• Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
• the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  (We love the audiobooks of these by Cherry Jones!)
• A Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
• the Sarah Plain and Tall series by Patricia MacLachlan
• The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
• The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
• The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverley Cleary
• Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
• Eight Cousins and An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

Picture Books:

• The American Story by Jennifer Armstrong
• Beatrix Potter collection
• Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel
• Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer
• Little Bear collection by Else Holmelund Minarik
• What Do People Do All Day by Richard Scarry
• Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
• Oxcart Man by Donald Hall
• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
• Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
• Curious George by Margaret and H. E. Rey
• the Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain
• Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
• The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
• Blueberries for Sal by Robert McClosky

Do you recognize any of these titles? What are some of your favorites? Have read alouds be a DAILY part of your routine. Even 20 minutes a day can be an amazing benefit to everyone in your family.