Reading aloud to children is more than just a bedtime ritual—it’s a cornerstone of literacy development and emotional bonding. Linking reading and love and safety creates humans who love reading for life, and we all know what an impact that can have on futures. Yet, recent findings reveal that many parents find this practice challenging. As educators, we have a pivotal role in supporting and guiding parents to make reading aloud a joyful and integral part of their family life.

The Current Landscape: Challenges in Reading Aloud

A 2025 survey by Nielsen and HarperCollins highlights a concerning trend: only 40% of parents enjoy reading aloud to their children. Furthermore, just 41% of children aged 0 to 4 are read to regularly, a significant drop from 64% in 2012. This decline is particularly notable among Gen Z parents, who often view reading as a skill-building activity rather than a source of enjoyment. Sadly, in this recent research we find that only 32% of 5–10-year-olds frequently choose to read for enjoyment, down from 55% in 2012.

Additionally, a 2023 study commissioned by Ladybird found that a third of parents with children under five lack confidence in reading aloud, citing challenges like using character voices and expressive reading.

The Importance of Reading Aloud

Reading aloud is a powerful tool that fosters language development, enhances comprehension, and builds a lifelong love for reading. The Department for Education’s Reading Framework emphasises that teachers play a vital role in choosing and reading aloud books that motivate pupils to read more demanding texts. We see this in action when visiting and working in schools. Children want to read books that teachers recommend, they want to read books that teachers read! Such experiences not only improve access to literature but also model fluent reading, helping children understand how to convey meaning through pace, intonation, and expression.

Moreover, research indicates that children who enjoy reading are more likely to achieve higher educational outcomes, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Strategies for Schools to Support Parents

To bridge the gap and encourage reading aloud at home, why not think about how you can engage and support parents with reading for pleasure at home. Some possible ideas are:
1. Model Reading Aloud: Incorporate regular read-aloud sessions in the classroom, demonstrating expressive reading techniques. Share recordings or live sessions with parents to showcase effective practices.
2. Social Media Engagement: Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share short videos of teachers reading aloud, book recommendations, and tips for parents. Keep them to just a few minutes long so parents can easily access them in a spare minute.
3. Website Resources: Create a dedicated section on the school’s website with resources, including reading guides, book lists, and instructional videos to support parents.
4. Home Lending Libraries: Establish a system where children can borrow books to take home to read with an adult, encouraging shared reading experiences. Consider putting the lending library at the school gate rather than inside the school.
5. Bedtime Book Bags: Introduce rotating book bags containing a selection of stories, perhaps accompanied by a soft toy or reading log, to make bedtime reading special.
6. Workshops and Training: Organise sessions for parents to build confidence in reading aloud, focusing on techniques like using different voices, discussing stories, and making reading interactive.
7. Celebrate Reading: Host events like “Reading Week” or “Storytelling Days” where parents are invited to participate, fostering a community that values and enjoys reading.
8. Homework: Consider a bedtime reading homework and collect photos that parents send in to display in school.
9. Newsletter: Use your school newsletter to promote books, top tips about reading and any workshops or events about reading. You could consider a regular reading themed newsletter too.
10. Research: consider sharing the research with parents without any of the jargon. Parents want their child to thrive and the facts are compelling!

By implementing these strategies, schools can play a crucial role in transforming reading aloud from a daunting task into a delightful experience for parents and children alike. Let’s work together to cultivate a culture where stories are shared, imaginations are ignited, and the love for reading is passed down through generations.