If you have a child who reads independently, do you still read to him/her? At what age did you / will you stop?
My 9 year old is an avid reader, but she still likes to be read to every evening before bed. My mother read to me when I was very young, but as soon as I was reading on my own she stopped.
Dear Misha
Favorite Answer
"They" say you should continue to read together anyway. My boy is 9 and NOT an avid reader at all. Reads only non fiction on his own, but there's books that he'll choose that he'll want me to read to him...or books that he wants us to read together anyway. James and the Magic Peach is one we're reading right now. He'll read a few pages, I'll read a few pages. Sometimes, we'll just sit together and he'll read his book and I'll read mine.
It's good for bonding time and for knowing where the kid's head is when situations come up in stories. Ya know?
Stargazer Lily
My favorite memories from grade 4 was that my teacher would read to us and each character would have a different "voice". I was an avid independent reader by that time but I still loved the experience. (Thank you Mrs. Pike) so I too strive to read to my older child who is independently reading stage 2-3 books.
Sadly I don't get to do this as often as I'd like and he is more interested in physical activities (he's very energetic and needs to get active or he gets antsy and acts out). On top of that he's really proud that he can read on his own and feels almost babied if I read to him so I ask him to read to me. Sometimes he feels put on the spot if it's anything near a challenge so I let him read me books he knows for sure he can read out loud well and I always give him praise for being brave.
If my younger son is more comfortable with mom still reading to him after he learns how I plan to read to him.
PetMom
I have read to my children every night since they were very, very young. My daughter will be 13 very soon and still enjoys reading aloud every night. Each of us reads a portion of the nights selection. They are encouraged to pick out books they think they would like and we take turns reading from their choices.
Honestly, I hope that we will continue to do this for a long time to come.
desmeran
i read to my two older kids daily until sometime last year, when we lost the book we were in the middle of and got derailed. it also was related to the fact that my middle schooler is getting a ton of homework so it's hard to find the time. they're 9 and 11. they do read a ton on their own but i still feel guilty we haven't gotten back on track with read-alouds and they've been asking for it, so i guess i'd better track the book down or go get a new copy.
?
Read to her for as long as she wants you too! Don't take her childhood for granted. They're only young once. Soon she'll gain more independence and not want a whole lot to do with you. I think it's great that she still wants to listen to her mother's voice. :)