The Rise of Read-Aloud

Scholastic surveys thousands of kids and their families across the U.S. biennially for our Kids & Family Reading Report, gaining special insight into the latest trends in children’s reading habits. The first of three installments, The Rise of Read-Aloud, focuses exclusively on the practice of, you guessed it, reading aloud. We wanted to know: When do parents start reading aloud to their children? How often are they reading? What are they reading? And how do kids feel about it all?

This week, you'll hear from a literacy expert, an author, an editor, and several kids and families all about what makes the read-aloud so special, and why it's a crucial experience for kids of all ages. 

Additional resources: 

See all of our findings from our Kids & Family Reading Report: The Rise of Read-Aloud
Read more from Pam Allyn about the findings in our report
Learn more about Sandra Magsamen
Learn more about World Read Aloud Day from Scholastic and from LitWorld

Guests:

Pam Allyn is the Senior Vice President, Innovation & Development at Scholastic Education. She's also a leading literacy expert, author, and motivational speaker. In 2007, she founded LitWorld, a global literacy organization serving children across the United States and in more than 60 countries, pioneering initiatives including the summer reading program LitCamp and World Read Aloud Day.
Sandra Magsamen is the author and illustrator of many books for young children, including  a number of bestselling novelty stories such as Baby Love, I Love You Little Pumpkin, and Peek-a-Boo I Love You. As an artist, an art therapist, and a mom, she uses her creativity to remind people to express themeselves and connect with others. 
Liza Baker is the vice president associate publisher of Scholastic's Cartwheel Books and Orchard Press imprints.

Special thanks:

Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl
Sound mix and recording by Daniel Jordan
Edited by Mackenzie Cutruzzula
Produced by Emily Morrow