Do you want spend more quality time with your kids but don't want to organize events and activities? The answer is between the pages of a book. Set a goal to read aloud with your kids every day. For those of you who enjoy structured guidance when it comes to setting goals and following through, this All Year Family Read Aloud Challenge is for you!
We've done a Poetry Reading Challenge, a Poetry Writing Challenge, even a Summer Library Challenge and now (drum roll) a family read aloud challenge. Given how pushy I am when it comes to reading aloud to your kids, I must confess I was shocked to discover I had yet to offer you this resource!
This reading challenge is designed to be flexible enough that you can easily complete it. All you have to do is read aloud to your kids one novel or chapter book each month.
Now, you might be saying, "Too easy! I read aloud at least one War and Peace-length novel to my kids each week!" To which I respond, "That's so good! You'll be able to complete this challenge for sure."
Others may be saying, "Too hard! My kids won't sit still for 5 minutes at a time." To which I respond, "I hear you. That why I've kept wriggling kids in mind with suggestions that will always include a short novel or chapter book." In addition, at the end of this post, I'll give you some handy tips for fitting read aloud time into your busy day.
See? This is gonna be so fun and so easy.
Would all your yearly goals be so attainable!
How it works:
You already know you only have to read one book per month to be a winner. Each month has a special prompt to help you choose a book. Just before the start of each month, I'll email a few suggestions for books based on age groups. You can use one of my recommendations, or find your own.
If you're not already subscribed to our email newsletter, fill out this form and when you get the read aloud challenge printable, you'll also be subscribed.
Note that this is a novel or chapter book challenge. But, hey! If you want to make it a picture book challenge, go for it. Any and all books you read aloud to your kids count towards your "Best Parent in the World" certificate.
Read Aloud Challenge Monthly Prompts
Each month has a unique reading prompt. You'll choose a book that aligns with the prompt. For each prompt, I've included corresponding book lists to help you pick a book.
January: a book that was turned into a movie
This can be a book that was the basis of a movie you and your kids have already watched or want to watch, but want to read the book first!
February: a book written by a Black author
February is Black History Month, a great time to be intentional about choosing a book written by a Black Author. The genre and subject matter are up to you, so go ahead and pick historical fiction, mystery, science fiction or fantasy–whatever you like best!
March: a Newbery Award winning book
The Newbery Award, established in 1921, is a literary award recognizing excellence in American children's literature. It is primarily awarded to authors of children's novels, as opposed to the Caldecott, awarded to illustrators. Not all Newbery winners or runner-ups stand the test of time but they make a great collection of books from which to pick you next read aloud.
Useful List: My Favorite Newbery Award Books
April: a poetry book
April is National Poetry Month. Long time readers of this blog know I am super pushy when it comes to demanding encouraging you to read poetry with your children. If you've never read aloud a poetry before, you may have reservations. Choose a poetry book or two and try reading one poem a day, at bedtime or at dinner time. You'll be surprised how easily poetry can become a daily habit.
May: a book by an author with Asian heritage
In the US, May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Your book can be set in Asia (an enormous continent with plenty of locations to chose from!) or someplace closer to home.
June: a detective story
Everyone loves a good whodunit! Keep your kids on the edge of their seats with a suspenseful mystery novel.
July: science fiction or fantasy
A good science fiction or fantasy books lets the imagination soar! Kids love to escape their everyday existence and imagine what could be.
August: an anthology
Short stories make great read alouds. With discreet tales to read every day, no one is ever left hanging from a cliff, kids can get the full benefit of learning about literary devices and development in one sitting, and if you don't like the one you start, you can quickly skip to the next tale in your book!
Useful list: Short Story Anthologies
September: a book set in a different country from yours
Expand your world view by reading a book set in a country far from home!
Useful list: Read An Adventure! Around the World in Middle Grade Books
October: a spooky or spooky-ish book
October means Halloween and while some kids love to feel tingles racing down their spines, others do not. Fortunately, not every Halloween-themed book is spooky and we have book recommendations to suit any sensibility.
November: a book by an Indigenous author
November is Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate and learn by reading a novel written by an Indigenous author.
Useful list: Middle grade books by Indigenous authors
December: a novel set during the holidays
Pick a holiday, any holiday. Sure it could be Christmas, but don't overlook Hanukkah or New Year. Or pick a random holiday from another time of year! The choice is yours.
How to Find Time to Read Aloud Everyday
Even if you have the best intentions, finding time to fit in reading aloud to your kids can be a challenge for some. The best way to start is to make a commitment to read aloud for 15 minutes every day. And you never know, it might be easier to find 15 minutes than you think!
Tips
Read aloud at bedtime. This is probably the most popular way parents take time out to read to their children. Everyone is (hopefully) relaxed, it's a great way to get kids to stay in bed (well, for 15 minutes at least) and it's easy to keep to a schedule.
Read at meal times. This is one of my top tips for reading aloud to children of different ages. Everyone is at the same place at the same time and you have a captive audience. Sure, you may not be able to get you dinner or lunch consumed, but I found this to be a very helpful technique for my kids who have a 4 year age difference.
Read aloud while waiting. This strategy is harder to keep to a regular schedule, but look at your children's activities. Do you sit on the sidelines with your youngest while your oldest has their music lesson? Are you waiting for one kid to finish up at the dentist while the other one waits for their turn? Stick a book in your purse or in the car (or use an e-reader on your phone) and you'll be able to read aloud during those moments where you might otherwise hand a screen over to keep them busy.
Read aloud during chores. Their chores, not yours! Perhaps you require your child to pick up their room and make their bed every day. Can you read aloud to them while they perform the task? It will make the chore more enjoyable for them and perhaps with the prospect of story time, you won't have to ask them forty-five times to make their bed!
I hope you join the challenge!
Charlotte says
Hi Erica! Thank you so very much for the lists of books you always share. I have been using your recommended books and tips on reading. As I write now, the kids have developed a love for reading. Even those who would never open a book to read on their own! Many Blessings to you for your had work!
Erica says
Hi Charlotte! That's wonderful to hear. I'm glad the book lists have been helpful. Happy reading!
Debby Chase Putman says
Good Morning Erica,
I write middle-grade stories with the same goal in mind: to encourage kids of all ages to use their imaginations rather than rely on the internet for answers and entertainment. I love your ideas and book suggestions, and the clever way you have arranged them for a year of fun and possibilities. Looking forward to exploring more of your links. Thanks for all you do!