Reading is one of the most enriching activities we can engage in over the course of our lives, and doing it aloud can enhance the experience even more. Not only is it a way of sharing stories, but it also has many benefits that can impact positively on our personal and social development, creating empathy and improving our language skills. At Meres International School in Asturias, we actively encourage this practice in our classrooms to strengthen communication and build connections among students.

It is also a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, providing the perfect excuse to get together with a group on a Sunday afternoon and share your favourite literary passages.

In this article, we explain the importance and benefits of reading aloud.

Why is reading aloud so important?

One of the main reasons why you should consider reading aloud is the fact that you can better connect with the text. By vocalising the words, you not only read actively, but you also interpret, feel and understand the content on a deeper level.

Reading aloud also has a strong social component. It can be an act of sharing and discovering together, promoting communication and emotional connection. When we read aloud, we are creating a space for others to participate, reflect and express opinions, which enriches the understanding of the material.

But we should also highlight that it is a very effective tool for the development of communication skills, especially in  primary education, where students must be fluent in two languages. Practising intonation, diction and facial expression while reading can be very useful when communicating in different situations. Therefore, it is not only an entertaining activity, but also a way to strengthen our communication skills in different areas.

Benefits of reading aloud

Reading aloud has benefits ranging from cognitive development to emotional well-being.

  • Improving our reading and comprehension skills: when we read aloud, we force our brain to process information in a more active way. Not only do we have to recognise the words, but we also have to understand their meaning. This process can be especially beneficial for children, who are at a crucial stage of learning. It enables them to expand their vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension.
  • It strengthens memory and information retention: by engaging more of our senses, it is easier for us to remember what we have read. This advantage is very beneficial for students, as it can help them to better assimilate more complex concepts.
  • It can be a therapeutic way to identify our emotions and process personal experiences: another benefit of reading aloud is that it allows many people to release stress and tap into their creative side. For example, reading poetry can be particularly empowering for reflecting and evoking deeper feelings.
  • It strengthens social bonds: creating moments for reading aloud can be an ideal way to spend time with loved ones and enjoy lifelong memories.

So, is reading aloud a good thing?

As you can see, whether it is with friends, family, or even in a work environment, the benefits of reading aloud are undeniable. We can experience our reading on a deeper level and even connect more deeply with others. But it is also a powerful tool for personal development, improving communication skills and strengthening personal relationships.

For example, reading a bedtime story to your child can be a great opportunity for bonding and encouraging a love for reading. It also helps your child to develop their imagination and teaches them values through the different stories you enjoy together.

Similarly, a teacher reading aloud in class not only conveys information, but can also lead to discussions that open the door to new ideas and points of view, creating a more collaborative learning environment.

If you have never tried reading aloud before, now is the perfect time to start! You can choose a book you like and share it with someone close to you or even organise a reading night with friends.

No matter how old you are, there is always room to learn and grow so don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Start reading aloud now and discover how enjoyable it can be.