If reading aloud could change the world, how soon would you start?

Read Aloud. Transform their Future.

Since 1995, Read Aloud America has been on a mission to reawaken a love for reading in adults and children. In addition to community outreach and dynamic resources, our innovative program, the Read Aloud Program (RAP), brings the joy of reading aloud into the home, inspiring a desire to read and transforming families’ lives. Our unique approach has impacted over 350,000 adults and children. Because we believe that the joy of reading aloud is the key to building strong families, preparing successful students, and setting the stage for a promising future, we are committed to building a nation of lifetime readers. 

Read Aloud. Transform their Future.

Since 1995, Read Aloud America has been on a mission to reawaken a love for reading in adults and children. In addition to community outreach and dynamic resources, our innovative program, the Read Aloud Program (RAP), brings the joy of reading aloud into the home, inspiring a desire to read and transforming families’ lives. Our unique approach has impacted over 350,000 adults and children. Because we believe that the joy of reading aloud is the key to building strong families, preparing successful students, and setting the stage for a promising future, we are committed to building a nation of lifetime readers.

A Nation in Need

Can you imagine a future in which America is a nation of non-readers? That reality may not be far away. Present-day challenges signal a rally cry to get back to the fundamental activity that builds lifetime readers: reading aloud to children.

Limited resources

Across America, 20% of kids aged 5-8 don’t own their own books. In middle-income areas, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1, while in low-income areas, it’s 1:300. 61% of low-income families have no books for their kids.

Digital distractions

Most parents report that their children’s interactions with digital devices interfere with reading. Lack of interaction with printed books is damaging social interactions between parents and children.

Weakened home-school bridge

Rising tensions, over-burdened teachers, and restrictions brought on by COVID-19 have weakened the home-school bridge. As a result, parents and teachers struggle to fully meet children’s needs.

Struggling readers

80% of those living below the poverty level aren’t proficient readers by the end of third grade. Not only that, but 65% of American fourth graders don’t read at grade level. Reading aloud to young children can prevent or lessen such struggles.

Unprepared Kindergarteners

Data suggests that around 25% of caregivers never read to their children. Compared to these children, those whose parents read aloud 5 books per day hear 1.4 million more words by the time they reach Kindergarten.

Fewer graduates

Studies show that when children show low reading proficiency by the end of third grade, they are less likely to graduate high school. Reading aloud to young children strengthens reading proficiency, which then boosts graduation rates.

The Read Aloud America Solution

Reading aloud to children is proven to be the “single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading” (Becoming a Nation of Readers, 1985). If we want to change the current landscape and transform the future, then reading aloud must be part of the solution.

That’s why Read Aloud America is dedicated to supporting families’ abilities to make reading aloud a regular, joyful activity. We believe, and research supports, that reading aloud to children will cultivate lifetime readers and give promise to our nation’s future.

The fact is, when families read aloud together, they strengthen these fundamental building blocks for success in school – and in life:

Cognition

Reading aloud to children from birth to age 5 stimulates a child's brain in targeted ways. Children process images, connect stories to real life, and build background knowledge.

Language

Listening to a story familiarizes children with new sounds and words. Not only does this build their vocabulary, but it equips them with skills to independently read and understand the words later.

Communication

When parents read aloud to their children, they simultaneously open lines of communication. Children learn to communicate thoughts, exchange ideas, and discuss curiosities with their parents.
family-child

Family Bonds

Reading aloud helps parents and children form bonds based on trust and security. Further, strong family bonds are proven to lead to greater success later in life.

The Read Aloud Program

For over 20 years, Read Aloud America’s Read Aloud Program (RAP) has inspired lifetime readers and bonded families. RAP is a festive, school-based program that immerses families through the joy of reading. RAP is intentionally designed to put families at ease. Within a festive atmosphere, whole families enjoy interactive games and read aloud experiences. Because of RAP, not only are more families reading together, but more adults and children are reading independently, too.

Build Your Lifetime Reader

If we truly want to build lifetime readers, accessing quality read aloud resources shouldn’t present a financial burden. That’s why Read Aloud America keeps its resources and recommendations completely unlocked. Anyone, anywhere, anytime can download our guides, posters, or booklists.

Free Resources

Colorful Graphics

Book Recommendations

Activity Suggestions

Education and Training

RAP Toolkit (coming 2024)

Experience the Joy of Reading Aloud

Each month, we explore a new topic to help parents experience the joy of reading aloud with their kids. Whether we take a deep dive on tips for encouraging reluctant readers, announce new studies, or review wonderful books, we are dedicated to providing parents, teachers, and advocates the best information available, so that we all can work together to transform our kids’ futures through reading aloud.

Does My Kid Need to Read Faster?

As parents, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of educational expectations and benchmarks. In over 20 years, we’ve had the pleasure to talk with hundreds of thousands of parents, who all want the best for their kids. And, we often get the question: “Does my kid need to

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How to Raise a Lifetime Reader

As parents, you hold the power to shape your child’s future in countless ways. One of the best things you can do for your child is inspire a love of reading. You might be wondering how to get started so you can raise a lifetime reader.  The journey begins right

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Beyond Test Scores: Why You Should Read Aloud to Children

In an era of technological advancements and shifting educational priorities, there remains a timeless practice that holds the key to nurturing both family bonds and the future of America: reading aloud to children.  Read Aloud America has been at the forefront of this approach, focusing not on test scores or

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For the Love of Reading

We at Read Aloud America believe that reading aloud is the #1 solution to change the world in a meaningful, positive, lasting way. When families bond, they become strong. When families are strong, they build stronger communities. And strong communities are the building blocks of a vibrant nation. Join us on our mission, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter, For the Love of Reading, to receive specially curated information, education, advice, and updates.

Connect on Social Media

Discover age-appropriate book titles, learn strategies to cultivate a reading-friendly home, and engage with other parents and teachers who care about reading as much as you do. Follow RAA on social today!

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