When was the last time you read anything out loud? Either to yourself or to someone else, it doesn’t really matter, just the simple act of reading out loud – when was the last time?
When our girls were younger, it was common for us to read to and with them. (Ok, this was mostly Heather but I did quite a bit also.) And then, and I’m not exactly sure when it happened, that activity stopped. We would still read, but silently and to ourselves. Of the two girls, Rachel is an avid reader whom I often need to (yes, I actually do this) ground FROM her books. Sydney does read but she tends to be more reluctant. To get Syd back into reading we began reading with her again, out loud. For the most part it has worked! She and I will be starting “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” soon. Not to be out done by her younger sister, Rachel approached me a few weeks ago with, “Dad, want to share a book together?” My answer: “Of course!”
When we read to children it not only gets them interested into books and helps build vocabulary but, as in my case with Rachel, it helps to create a bond, a human connection, that may be lacking. Here are 10 benefits of reading out loud to kids: https://www.gearhungry.com/
I’d offer an 11th benefit not on this list: less device time!
Children aren’t the only ones who can gain from reading out loud. There are a host of benefits for adults too. Here is an article of some of these benefits: https://www.voices.com/blog/
Whether you read to a child you know or volunteer your time at the local library, go ahead – give it a try. Besides finding some new stories to get lost in, maybe we can all keep our minds a little sharper in the process. For me? Sydney is home from a week of camp, so I think it is fitting we begin our next book today. Afterall, today is J.K. Rowling’s birthday (author of the Harry Potter series).
Please remember that we are “here” and available for you as well. If you have any questions or concerns, financial or otherwise, please do not hesitate to call or email. If you have friends, family, or neighbors you feel would benefit from a conversation with me, I’m more than happy to have a call or jump on a Zoom meeting with them.
As always, I hope that you are doing well, and staying safe & healthy!