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Why We Love Reading With Our Kids

Diana Phillips • March 11, 2024

Let’s face it—you’re busy, and so are your kids. It’s hard to find time to have a meal together, much less actually read together. Research shows that reading with your child has benefits beyond just learning to read; children who are read to also build empathy and connection with their caregivers. 


March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate reading together. In honor of National Reading Month, we polled the One Minute Reader staff to find out why they love reading with their children or grandchildren. We hope their responses will inspire you and your children to spend some time enjoying a good book together! 


Here is why our staff loves reading with kids:


"Reading aloud at bedtime is wonderful. I miss some of the voices who did that for me." ~Ian, IT Team 


"Reading with my kids was a lot of fun. I'd try to perform the books instead of just reading them so that the kids would really enjoy them." ~Marc, CEO 


"I loved the routine of getting the kids ready for bed and reading a book or two before tucking them in. As they got older, I loved reading chapter books with them and discussing the plot, characters, and theme. I now get to enjoy bedtime snuggles and reading with my 9-month-old grandson. There is nothing better!"  ~Michelle, Assistant Director of Curriculum 


"I love having them close to me and sharing a story. I love listening to their opinions and questions." ~Claire, Teacher Trainer


"Reading every night to my kids has, I think, been one of the best things I've ever done as a parent. We've shared in adventures and laughter; experienced fear and distress (from the safety of our home); felt the joy of love and redemption; and together kindled the spark of imagination.  And beyond the aim of spending quality time together, I know that reading together has helped develop their curiosity about their world and has shown them reading isn't something to be feared or shied away from. It provides an opportunity to learn new things and experience the world in new ways. It is a tool to help them continue to grow and be better humans." ~Dan, Director of Operations 


"Enjoying books with children is one of the great joys of life. Hearing a toddler ask for a favorite story again and again shows their love of reading from an early age." ~Sarah Jane, Director of Research and Professional Learning Materials 


"I love when my kiddos make the connection of something that happened in a book to something in real life. Seeing that "click" and light shine in their eyes is so fun to watch." ~Jenna, Customer Service 


"I love the bond that forms between the reader and listener. And it's so fun to see understanding growing and expanding." ~Karen, Director of Curriculum 


"I love the way reading connects me with my four kids. My 14-year-old was just complaining about needing to read Great Expectations for his literature class, which made me reminisce about reading that book at his age. I told him I thought it was boring at first too, but it's worth it to hang in there. It was fun for us to have a shared experience over the same book, decades apart. I have this experience when I introduce my kids to books I loved as a kid, too; it's even better to relive those books through their eyes. They've introduced me to some great books over the years too!" ~Anne, Writer 


What did we miss? What is your favorite part about reading with your kids? Please share!

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By Anne Hauth December 30, 2025
Regardless of where kids are on their reading journey, there are countless ways to incorporate reading into cozy days at home this winter. Here are some easy ideas for kids to try at home over winter break and beyond! Have kids think of the trusted friends, family members, or adults in their lives who can read, and encourage them to read aloud with these people as often as possible. Depending on their reading ability, they can simply listen to a book read aloud, or they can take turns reading and being read to. Have the kids fill out this Read-Aloud Log every time someone reads to them or every time they read to someone. You could offer a small reward for completing this activity every day of winter break (or every day during a predetermined time period). Reading aloud to their pets, stuffed animals, or even to themselves counts too! Set up reading challenges in which kids set goals and record their minutes spent reading or the number of books they read. Have kids color and decorate these winter-themed bookmarks to make reading even more fun. Encourage kids to borrow books from the library and have a big pile to choose from on cozy winter days. See this Cozy Wintertime Book List for book ideas. Refer to our 7 Ways to Create a Cozy Reading Environment document to create an ideal reading space. Lend or gift kids the first book in a series that’s likely to hook them. Sometimes all it takes is the right series to turn a reluctant reader into a bookworm! Incorporate reading time into other fun activities. For example, while making dinner or baking holiday treats, kids can read the recipes and write out the grocery lists. Create a snowflake book wall. Print out this Snowflake Wall Template , and have kids fill out a snowflake each time they finish a book. Then, have them tape the snowflake to the wall. Encourage kids to find ways to read while playing favorite games or while spending time on electronic devices. While playing games, have them read the game instructions aloud. While watching shows, have them turn on and read the subtitles. Have kids practice reading and writing while completing this fun Winter Scavenger Hunt . They’ll get some fresh air too! Refer to this Send Some Cheer printable for addresses to places where kids can send letters. Have them practice their writing skills and spread kindness by writing to kids in hospitals, senior citizens, refugee children, and more. Set up daily One Minute Reader time, and see literacy progress in just minutes! This research-proven, parent-trusted program is free for 7 days and just $8/month after that. Your kids will have so much fun beating their goals, they won't want to stop. Download the Splat-o-Nym vocabulary iPad app , which keeps kids entertained while boosting their vocabulary. Kids can try a free version of this game and purchase to get the full experience. Note that this app is only available for iPads, not smartphones or other devices. Add your own ideas to this list! Our hope is for all kids to experience the joy of reading this winter season and always.
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