The Importance of Reading with Children and Young Adults

In a world filled with digital distractions, video games and endless streams of entertainment, carving out time to read with children and young adults is more important than ever. Literacy lays the foundation for all other learning; it develops communication skills, enhances creativity and improves critical thinking. But reading together is more than just a means to improve school performance. It’s an opportunity to grow closer as a family, spark meaningful conversations and inspire a lifelong love of learning. 

Building Stronger Readers 

Children become strong readers when they are exposed to language early and often. Studies show that reading aloud to children from a young age builds vocabulary and comprehension skills, which are critical for academic success. Even after they’ve learned to read on their own, reading with parents or caregivers continues to support their literacy skills. Shared reading enables them to encounter new words and ideas they might not face on their own. Plus, hearing fluent reading modeled for them improves their sense of rhythm, pronunciation and expression. 

Young adults also benefit from reading together with adults. Teen years can feel tumultuous, and reading can help bridge the gap between generations. When a parent, teacher or mentor reads alongside a teenager, they create a safe space for discussion. That simple act can pave the way to deeper conversations about the world, identity and personal values. 

Creating Meaningful Connections 

Reading together is about more than decoding words on a page. It’s about making connections: to stories, to people and to oneself. When an adult shares a book with a child or teenager, they’re also sharing experiences, emotions and interpretations. This kind of bonding fosters empathy as children explore different cultures and perspectives, and it nurtures trust as they feel heard when they voice their own thoughts and questions. 

Literature also gives readers the tools to make sense of their feelings. A good story can help a child process fears, sadness or even the everyday stresses of growing up. Young adults especially appreciate this kind of support, and they often recognize themselves in the characters they read about. This sense of being seen is vital during these formative years, making reading together a powerful avenue for emotional and social development. 

The Role of Literacy Specialists 

Despite its obvious importance, supporting literacy is not as simple as encouraging kids to pick up a book. Every student brings different skills, challenges and motivations to the table, and this is where literacy and reading specialists play a key role. These professionals are trained to recognize strengths and areas for growth in readers of all ages. They craft targeted strategies that help struggling readers catch up to grade level and help advanced readers continue to thrive. 

Reading specialists also collaborate with teachers and parents to create a more holistic support system. Whether they’re developing engaging reading lessons, selecting diverse literature that matches students’ interests or equipping caregivers with tools to encourage reading at home, they serve as a vital link between the home and the classroom. 

By creating an environment where reading is celebrated and accessible, literacy and reading specialists help students of all skill levels find joy in literature.  

Strengthening Literacy for Lifelong Impact 

Promoting literacy can improve test scores and help students complete homework, but it can also empower students to understand the world and find their voice within it. Readers become more informed citizens who can better evaluate what they read, distinguish fact from fiction and participate thoughtfully in civic life. They grow into adults who appreciate diverse perspectives, appreciate lifelong learning and share a common humanity that transcends their immediate experiences. 

That is why reading with children and young adults is so vital. Every page turned together is an invitation to wonder, question and grow. 

Literacy and Reading at Concordia University, Nebraska 

If you feel called to make a lasting difference as a literacy and reading specialist, Concordia University, Nebraska offers a Master of Education in Literacy/Reading/ESL that equips educators with the expertise and practical tools they need to support readers at every stage of their development. This program empowers teachers to inspire students, foster a love of reading, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

Reading with children and young adults is one of the most valuable investments we can make in their futures. It builds essential skills, nurtures empathy and opens doors to new worlds of possibility. Literacy and reading specialists play a vital role in guiding this process and ensuring every learner thrives. 

By pursuing an M.Ed. in Literacy/Reading Specialist at Concordia, you’ll join a community of passionate educators dedicated to helping every child and young adult discover the transformative power of reading.