Nadine, the teacher behind Kitto Reads

Hi, I’m Nadine, a Canadian teacher with 20+ years in upper elementary and a proud middle-grade book pusher.

More about me · @kittoreads

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Raising Readers

Still read together

Every parent knows it’s important to read to their children when they’re little: picture books galore, family reading time, trips to the library. But what about when they know how to read?

Read-alouds are for big kids too

As upper elementary teachers, we often notice that once children become independent readers, many parents start stepping back from their child’s reading life. But continuing to stay involved matters.

Research shows that continued reading aloud after age 5 (and well beyond) improves reading and listening skills.

Common Sense Media

Even as kids grow, they conti

Every parent knows it’s important to read to their children when they’re little: picture books galore, family reading time, trips to the library. But what about when they know how to read?
Every parent knows it’s important to read to their children when they’re little: picture books galore, family reading time, trips to the library. But what about when they know how to read?
Even as kids grow, they continue to feel connected through the shared experience of being read to.
Read-alouds = emotional connection

Reading increases a child’s capacity for critical thinking, develops empathy skills, gives them the support they need during challenging times, and builds much needed resilience promoting skills which can help protect against various mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Linda C. Mayes, M.D., Psychology Today
Read-alouds = no wrong way

Kids aged 8–12 often stay up later, but reading together doesn’t have to wait until bedtime. Any time you can read is a good time. Read on the couch, in the kitchen, at a restaurant: no fancy setup required.

Worried you’re not doing it “right”? Just grab a book, pick a spot, and start.

Bonus: they might just sneak off to finish the book on their own. Total score.
Where to start

Stop by your school or local library and explore the shelves with your big kid. Think variety:

📚 Picture books

⚽ Sports stories

🧠 Nonfiction

📖 Chapter books

Sometimes kids want to read what their classmates are reading, but the text might feel too hard. Ask your child if there’s a book they’ve been curious about, and try it together!

Not sure about reading it aloud yourself? No problem! Find the audiobook and enjoy the story together.
Scholastic: Kids & Family Reading Report

Common Sense Media: 10 Reasons You Should Read Aloud to Big Kids, Too

Psychology Today: The Mental Health Benefits of Literacy

Free to use with your students or staff, just keep the credit to @kittoreads,

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