Why reading with your BIG KID still matters.

As parents, we often place a huge emphasis on reading aloud in the early years — and rightly so. Those precious moments spent reading picture books, sharing bedtime stories and helping your child sound out words form the foundation for lifelong literacy.

But what happens when your child becomes a more confident, independent reader? Once they can pick up a novel and read it on their own, it can be easy to take a step back — and before long, shared reading time quietly slips away.

At Launch Learning Centre, we are firm believers: keep reading together (for as long as you can!). Even as children move into the senior years of primary school and beyond, the benefits of reading with them are immense — both for their academic development and your connection with them.

The power of reading together – even in the later years

Whether it’s reading to your child, listening to them read aloud or reading the same book so you can talk about it together — making time to engage with your child’s reading still matters. Here’s why:

1. It builds fluency

Hearing a more capable reader (that’s you!) model fluent reading helps children develop their own expression, rhythm and phrasing. This is especially important as texts become longer and more complex.

2. It deepens comprehension

As children grow, the books they read include more subtle character development, complex plots and abstract ideas. Discussing what you’re reading together — asking questions, making predictions, talking about character choices — builds those critical thinking and comprehension skills.

3. It strengthens your connection

Reading together can be a quiet, tech-free moment of 1:1 connection in an otherwise busy day. Older children may seem more independent but they still value this focused attention — and sharing a book can offer a natural, pressure-free way to connect.

4. It fosters a love of reading

Reading together allows you to share your enthusiasm and model reading as something enjoyable and valuable — not just a school requirement. This helps to keep the love of books alive, especially in the face of competing distractions like screens and social media.

5. It helps you monitor content

As children move into upper primary, their reading choices can become more varied. Reading alongside them or being familiar with what they’re reading gives you a chance to gently guide their choices, make sure content is age-appropriate, and open up conversations about themes or topics they may encounter.

Finding time in a busy life

We know — with sport, homework, social events and ever-changing routines, it’s not always easy to find time to sit and read together. But it doesn’t have to be every night or for hours at a time. Even just a few pages here and there, reading a chapter together on the weekend, or listening to an audiobook in the car can create valuable opportunities for shared reading and discussion.

A simple, powerful habit

So, if you’re wondering how to support your child’s literacy as they grow older, our number one tip is this: keep reading together. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful habits you can build into your family life — and the benefits go far beyond the page.

Happy reading!

The Launch Team 🚀