Do This If You Want Your Child to Read Better

When children struggle with reading because of dyslexia, ADHD, or other reading difficulties they avoid reading.  They feel left out if they can’t read the books their classmates and friends are reading.

A simple yet highly effective strategy that can make reading easier, more enjoyable, and can boost reading skills and comprehension is to combine audiobooks while reading the text.

This “listen while you read” approach is backed by research—and it’s an effective bridge for children who are still developing decoding skills to access books they can’t read on their own.

🎧 Why It Works

Listening while reading the text is a multi-sensory approach that caters to different learning styles. For auditory learners, hearing the words reinforces understanding. Visual learners benefit significantly from seeing the text at the same time.

When your child listens and reads at the same time the science-based speech to print approach is employed:

• Their ears hear correct pronunciation and fluent expression.

• Their eyes see how those sounds connect to letters and words.

• Their brain connects meaning, sound, and spelling—without the overwhelm of figuring out every word on their own.

  
  

This multi-sensory approach not only supports decoding and comprehension but also builds young readers' confidence.

And when kids feel successful and confident,  they want to read more.

🧠 What the Research Says

Supports Struggling Readers

Audiobooks present a valuable alternative by reducing the pressure associated with decoding words. When your child listens to and reads the text, they can focus on comprehension without struggling to pronounce each word.

Dr. Patricia Alexander, a renowned education professor at the University of Maryland, points out, “When children hear the words while seeing them, it creates a multi-sensory experience that can significantly enhance their reading skills.”

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who listened to audiobooks while reading demonstrated an impressive 30% boost in comprehension compared to those who read the text alone.

Dr. Sally Shaywitz, a recognized expert in dyslexia research, emphasizes the potential of audiobooks: "Audiobooks can be a game-changer for struggling readers. They allow children to access content like their peers without the frustration of reading difficulties."

This newfound access can significantly enhance your child’s confidence and spark a love of reading.

Improved Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Listening to audiobooks while reading provides an excellent opportunity to enhance vocabulary and pronunciation. When your child hears words pronounced correctly, they are more likely to understand and use these words in their speech and writing.

This aspect is especially critical for young readers still building their language skills who might not grasp the meaning of new words by reading them alone.

Research from the University of California indicates that children who listened to audiobooks while reading enjoyed a 40% increase in vocabulary acquisition. 

Word recognition and understanding of context develops both reading fluency and comprehension skills.

Increased Engagement, Motivation, and Confidence

Audiobooks have a unique way of bringing stories to life. Characters and plots become vivid and accessible, making it easier for your child to dive deeper into the text.

One of the advantages of combining audiobooks with reading is the increased engagement it promotes. If your child has trouble maintaining attentions or finds reading frustrating and unappealing, they will be more eager to read when captivated by a narrator who gives each character its own voice and changes pace at important moments in the story

Another advantage of listening as you read is the boost in self-confidence it can provide. If your child feels discouraged and avoids books altogether, reading along with an audiobook can provide a clearer understanding of the plot.  They can be included in discussions about the book with friends and feel confident doing so.

Literacy expert Dr. Timothy Shanahan notes, "When children can engage with stories through audiobooks, they are more likely to develop a lifelong love for reading."

This motivation can lead to higher reading levels and a more favorable attitude towards learning.

Reading can be transformed from a chore to be avoided to something to enjoy and look forward to doing.

💬 The Big Picture

Comprehension is a combination of decoding words and understanding language.  When decoding is still developing, pairing print with audio lets your child keep learning, building vocabulary, and enjoying books—without frustration.

Think of the audiobook as training wheels. It keeps your child moving forward and excited about reading until they’re ready to ride solo.

In short, using audiobooks and print books together is a support until decoding catches up.

🏠 How to Try It at Home

If you are worried that audiobooks slows down reading progress or think listening to books might be cheating, research indicates otherwise.

A study in the Reading Research Quarterly revealed that children using audiobooks alongside traditional reading exhibited improved reading fluency and comprehension.

This suggests that audiobooks can be a beneficial tool in nurturing your child's literacy growth as long as they are used together with print books.

You might also be concerned that audiobooks rob the joy of reading. In reality, many children discover that audiobooks enhance their passion for stories, making them more excited to explore new books on their own.

In the digital era, accessing audiobooks has never been easier. Numerous platforms and apps offer an array of audiobooks, making it simple to integrate them into daily life.

Audiobooks allow readers to adjust the narration speed and to click on a word to get its definition.

Libraries often have the print and audio versions of books children enjoy.

Another option is to purchase the book on Amazon and its Audible companion. If you need ideas, I've put together a list of print and audiobooks to get you started.  Please note if you use the links provided, I will earn a small amount as an Amazon Associate.

Listening to audiobooks while reading presents numerous advantages for children, especially

those who have reading struggles such as dyslexia and ADHD. By engaging multiple senses, enhancing vocabulary, boosting focus, and building confidence, this dual approach can create a more enjoyable reading experience for your child.

In a world where literacy is vital for success, finding effective strategies to support your child is especially important.