Earlier this month, African Children’s Stories hosted a virtual read-aloud in commemoration of World Read Aloud Day, and I have not stopped thinking about it since.
It takes me back to my childhood, when Goat Matata and Muddy Muddy Wedding storybooks were the talk of our classrooms. Every child in my class had copies of these books, and it was such a nostalgic moment to hear similar experiences from other people during the read-aloud.
Now, here is the catch: my memories of reading aloud as a child are linked to classroom experiences. At home, I remember studying, but rarely did we take out the same book to read together. Reading and studying at home was a rule my father had unconsciously written; no tv or radio after dinner time. While seriousness with education was encouraged from a young age, we didn’t do it for the love and motivation for reading, but rather for the fear of what would follow if it didn’t happen.
In our read-aloud session, the conversation revolved around parents’ involvement in building a reading culture at home. My father’s style was ‘strict disciplinarian’, making reading an obligation, but this session broadened my view of parent involvement. One question that stood out was: Do you read with your children at home? My father’s answer would have been a strong no!
Our moderator showed us practically how we can read collaboratively with our children at home. Together, we read aloud a story, Crocodile and Monkey were Friends, where different participants took up different roles and characters within the story. I remember reading the Monkey’s character.
At the end of the story, four of the Read Aloud participants had collaboratively brought the story to life. They acknowledged enjoying this segment, highlighting that it was fun and engaging.
Now imagine replicating this kind of experience at home, one story, different characters, and all family members involved. When we actively participate in building the reading culture in our homes, our children become receptive to it, hence improving their reading behaviours even before they engage in classrooms.
My biggest takeaway from this experience was how reading aloud with our children can build confidence while also becoming a meaningful way to bond. Reading does not have to feel like an obligation, but it can be a joyful and playful shared experience.
As you reflect in your own home, consider this: what does reading look like in your family? Even small moments like taking turns reading, acting out characters, or simply listening together can shape how children relate to books.
To get started, you can:
Watch the virtual read-aloud session: https://youtu.be/GV8uY6zn0Is
Explore a resource to help you begin a reading culture at home: https://shorturl.at/wovjC
Listen to African Children’s Stories: https://africanchildrenstories.edutab.africa/episodes/