Start here
The Benefits of Reading to Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
A plain guide for parents and caregivers on making read-aloud time enjoyable and useful, from choosing books and setting a routine to talking about the story.
Children and Learning
Benefits of Reading to Children
Why reading aloud to children, pets and older kids has value at home.
The Benefits of Reading to Children with Special Needs: A Review of the Research
What research can and cannot show about reading aloud to children with special needs, with practical, flexible ideas. This article reports no study of its own.
The Benefits of Reading to Pets
Why reading aloud to a dog, cat or other pet can be low-pressure practice for nervous readers, plus simple tips for setting up a calm, friendly session.
The Benefits of Reading to Pets: A Study on Animal Companionship
A thoughtful look at companionship and calm when reading with animals, and what such evidence can and cannot show. This article reports no study of its own.
The Benefits of Reading to Your Children (Even When They Can Read)
Why reading aloud to older children still matters after they can read alone: harder stories, richer talk, shared time and a lasting love of books.
The Role of Reading in Fostering Empathy in Children
How picture books and relaxed conversation can help children notice how others feel, with simple questions, book-choosing ideas and realistic expectations.
Related topics
More in children and learning
Raising Young Readers Helping children begin and enjoy reading. Literacy Support Reducing barriers for readers who face extra challenges. Reading-Friendly Spaces Making homes and schools welcoming to readers. Overcoming Reading Obstacles Supporting struggling, adult and language-learning readers. Reading Aloud Why and how to read aloud to children and to each other. Reading With Special Needs Gentle, practical ideas for readers with learning or sensory differences. Reading in School Settings How reading works in classrooms from early years to science lessons. Science of Reading Skills How people learn to read, understand, speed up and remember.