Why Reading Aloud Still Matters—Even After Kids Can Read Themselves Artwork

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.

Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.

As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.

You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.

Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.

Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!

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Engaging Reluctant Readers

Why Reading Aloud Still Matters—Even After Kids Can Read Themselves

May 22, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 8

Is your child starting to lose interest in reading? If they push back when it’s time to pick up a book—even after they’ve learned to read on their own—you’re not alone. Many parents stop reading aloud once kids become independent readers, but that’s a mistake.

In this heartfelt episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how reviving the read-aloud tradition helped reconnect her son to books—and how you can use the same approach to make reading enjoyable again. You’ll learn why reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers and how it strengthens reading skills, vocabulary, confidence, and connection at every age.

What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why reading aloud benefits fluent readers too
✔ How to build a reading routine that’s fun and stress-free
✔ The role of read-alouds in vocabulary growth and comprehension
✔ How to use voice, expression, and storytelling to build fluency
✔ Tips for making shared reading time something your whole family enjoys

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

[00:02:58] Why read-aloud time matters—even after kids can read

[00:03:46] How read-alouds help preteens stay engaged

[00:04:37] Modeling fluency, expression, and confidence through reading aloud

[00:06:13] Making it fun: character voices and family routines

[00:06:44] Read-alouds boost vocabulary and expose kids to new genres

[00:08:04] Why shared stories spark deep conversations and curiosity

[00:09:44] Turning reading into a family tradition, not a task

[00:11:43] The lasting impact of shared reading experiences

[00:12:35 ] Sneak peek at next week’s episode

📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/06/16/reading-aloud-for-independent-readers/

📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/5KIezoP2h54

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