Why Read-Alouds Work
The strategies below are backed by sciences of reading research and reflect what literacy experts know about how children develop language, comprehension, and reading skills—starting at home.
Children Understand More Than They Can Read
Fact: Kids can comprehend language years before they can decode it.
Why it matters:
When adults read aloud, children access richer stories, ideas, and vocabulary than they could read on their own—building comprehension first, not last.
Oral Language Is the Foundation of Reading
Fact: Reading comprehension = decoding + language comprehension.
Why it matters:
Read-alouds strengthen the language comprehension side of the reading equation—supporting children at every stage, even after they can read independently.
Vocabulary Grows Faster Through Listening
Fact: Children learn far more new words from listening to books than from everyday conversation.
Why it matters:
Read-alouds expose children to rare and academic vocabulary, which directly predicts later reading comprehension.
Joyful Reading Builds Lifelong Readers
Fact: Motivation matters.
Why it matters:
Positive read-aloud experiences increase engagement, confidence, and love of reading, which research links to greater reading volume and growth over time.
Read-Alouds Build Background Knowledge
Fact: Knowledge fuels comprehension.
Why it matters:
Hearing stories and informational texts builds world knowledge, helping kids understand what they read later—a core principle of Science of Reading research.
Talk During Reading Strengthens Comprehension
Fact: Discussion deepens understanding.
Why it matters:
Asking questions and talking about books strengthens oral language, reasoning, and meaning-making—skills essential for strong readers and writers.
Read-alouds aren’t extra.
They’re essential.
They build the language, knowledge, and thinking skills children need to become confident, capable readers—starting long before they read on their own.