Can you recite Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown by heart? Are the pages of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. falling apart from the hundreds of times you have read it?
Though sometimes we feel like covering our ears when we have to read that one book one more time, rereading books is actually a very good thing.
Whether we reread a book to a child or an independent reader wants to reread a previously enjoyed story, there are many benefits that can come from the act of rereading.
3 Benefits of Adults Rereading Books to Kids
Repeating, Reviewing, and Remembering
The more we engage with a story, the more we take away from it. That is often why, as adults, we choose to reread those classics we were assigned to read as students in school. We're sure to get more out of the book that second or third time we read it.
Similarly, when kids listen to the same story multiple times, they pick up new information, dive deeper into the meaning of the book, and make connections between themselves and the book — as well as between the book and other books they've heard.
Developing a Thirst for Books
Letting kids pick books they want to be read aloud is important for helping to develop a thirst for books. Book choice is powerful. In fact, according to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, many of us are letting our kids do just that. The report found that 81 percent of kids ages 3-5 pick their own books for read-aloud time.
Bonding as a Family
Reading any book together can help your family bond. In fact, many of us look forward to those bedtime reading rituals. Chances are you remember a book that your family read aloud numerous times growing up. For me, it was The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry each holiday season. Build traditions by sharing your favorite books over and over. (Check out these ideas for great family read-alouds.)
MORE: Bring Your Family Together With Books
3 Benefits of Kids Rereading Books They Enjoy
Getting to Know a Friend
The more time we spend with someone, the better we get to know that person. Books are the same way. The more time a child spends rereading a section, a favorite quote, or the entire book, the more connected the child feels to the story. The key here is that your child chooses to reread the words because she wants to engage with the book a second, third, or even tenth time.
One of the reasons that kids (even adults) love to read book series is because they bond with the characters. They want to know what is going to happen next for their book friends. We want to keep reading. How many of The Baby-Sitter's Club books by Ann M. Martin did you read growing up?
Rereading Fills the Gap
Sometimes it can be tough for kids to find books they enjoy. The Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report found that 41 percent of kids struggle with finding books they like as they get older. So, rereading past favorites keeps kids reading while they find their next book match.
You can help kids find their next book match with a multitude of book list recommendations on Scholastic Parents.
Building Fluency
Newly independent readers need lots of practice to get past the word by word choppy reading into fluent reading. When a child chooses to read a favorite book over and over again, he is getting lots of practice to build fluency.
So the next time your little one asks to read Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin three times in a row or your independent reader wants to read Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey for the sixth time this month, embrace it and enjoy the reading ride.
To connect with Jodie Rodriguez visit Growing Book by Book.
