Best of RAR: Why Read Aloud to Kids Who Can Read Themselves

Best of RAR: Why Read Aloud to Kids Who Can Read Themselves

From Read-Aloud Revival ® by Sarah Mackenzie

February 5, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance and benefits of reading aloud to children, even those who can read independently.

Join us for RAR's Summer Adventure . Why do we read aloud to our kids? Especially those who can read to themselves? This is a topic that comes up all the time at Read-Aloud Revival and it’s one I’m super passionate about. It’s foundational to what we do around here and I firmly believe it’s vital to our kids becoming lifelong readers. In this episode, we’re talking about the impact reading aloud has on our children, regardless of their independent reading level. Research shows that there are many benefits to reading aloud to your kids, and today, we’re going to focus on five of the most important ones. In this episode, you’ll hear: How books educate the heart as well as the mind, growing perspective and empathy The incredible impact of reading aloud on academic performance, language development, information processing, expression (the list goes on!) How reading aloud builds community, strengthens family bonds, reduces stress and anxiety, and enriches time spent together Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud Revival Waxwing Books Subscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Mackenzie

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Read-Aloud Revival, Waxwing Books

Books & works: Read-Aloud Revival

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