post
BLOG AND NEWS

Bedtime Reading 101: How and Why to Make the Most of this Important Activity

Jun 24, 2016
 
 

Blog-Image-Bedtime-Reading-101

Bedtime reading can take children to a safe and enchanted world for a few minutes each night; and when kids are cozy and comfortable, reading aloud to them can help them “de-compress” from any worries from the day. Reading to your child is also a special time to be close to your child and bond with them. A wonderful and magical moment for the two of you to spend together with no interruptions, a precious time in this extremely busy and fast moving world we live in.

 

And as if that weren’t enough. . .there are several important benefits to their learning, too!

 

Discover how your child’s learning can benefit from bedtime reading, and how you can maximize the value of your nightly sessions:

 

Increased Language and Vocabulary Skills

 

Many researchers believe that during this nighttime ritual, you’re actually boosting your child’s brain development. Parents can use bedtime stories as a stepping stone for conversation in order to enhance a child’s language skills. For example, while reading with a young child, a father might point to Curious George’s baseball cap and ask questions like, “What color is the hat? Do you have a hat like that? Can you picture what color it is?”, offering practice connecting language and imagery. Reading with a child will expand their vocabulary even more than just talking with them will. This is true because books introduce kids to ideas and objects—such as porridge or kangaroos—that may not be in their direct environment and therefore not a part of their daily conversations. Look for stories that contain particularly rich or colorful language in order to stimulate your child’s vocabulary.

 

Improved Critical Thinking Skills

 

You know the phrase well: “One more time, please!” It might seem like this only serves to delay bedtime. But what kids—and parents—may not know is that reading a book repeatedly may help a child develop his critical thinking skills. The first time children hear a book, they may not fully understand what they listened to. But as they hear it again and again, they start to notice patterns and sequences in the story. Children learn the components of a story, they learn how to predict events that happen in a story, and they learn how to recall events in a particular sequence about stories they have heard. You can further this benefit by asking questions after “The End” like, “What do you think will happen next? How do you see that happening?” or “What do you think would have happened if. . .and what would that have looked like?”

By exercising critical thinking skills during bedtime reading, you are providing a skill set that will be beneficial all through their educational years.

 

Development of Reading Comprehension Skills

Most parents think the bedtime story stage is over once their snuggler learns to read. It doesn’t have to be! Continue this ritual and you can help her become an even better reader than she is right now. In fact, it’s during this time that your child develops reading comprehension skills. To ensure that her reading comprehension is intact, ask her what the story was about, or what she thinks will happen next, or how she would end the story differently. This is the time to confirm that your child is reading for meaning. If she doesn’t understand what she’s reading or listening to, she’s lost the meaning. Experts suggest that parents continue the tradition of bedtime reading even into the teenage years. By choosing books that are slightly above a teen’s skill level, you’ll continue to expose them to new words to add to their vocabulary. And books you’re reading with your child can turn into topics of discussion during dinner time conversation, which continues to be a critical time for connecting with your child.

 

Improvement of Reading Skills

 

As your kids reach the upper-elementary grades, their reading demands increase, yet one-on-one reading instruction for competent readers doesn’t. Listening to you read more advanced books shows her strategies that will help her at school. By listening to the stories that you read, she can see and hear important sight words and learn how to pronounce words correctly. You read aloud with expression. You pause for punctuation. You raise and lower your voice in tune with the action. You speed up or slow down to indicate the degree of tension in the text. All of these components are necessary in order to become independent, global readers.

 

_______________________

 

Bedtime reading can be an opportunity to develop the imagery-language connection as a foundation for your child’s learning skills. However, if you have any concerns about your child’s ability to understand stories, we’re here to help. Contact us for ideas: 800-233-1819

Connect with us
ADHD can affect much more than focus; it can also make learning to read and comprehend more difficult.
In our latest blog post, we explore how ADHD impacts learning and how the right support can make a real difference.
📖 Learn how personalized instruction at Lindamood-Bell helps students with ADHD succeed.
Read more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
“Is his reading going to improve?”
 Jody used to lie awake at night, worrying about her bright second grader, Drew, who was struggling to read.
Visit our website to watch an inspiring conversation with Jody as she shares Drew’s incredible journey and the remarkable progress he made with Lindamood-Bell.
You’ll see powerful before-and-after clips and hear answers to questions many parents have about our learning center instruction.
👉 Watch now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Unlock your child’s potential with Lindamood-Bell Academy!

Our accredited K–12 private school goes beyond academics by strengthening each student’s underlying learning ability, while delivering a full curriculum.

Enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year — save 20% on one month of tuition!
Contact us today to learn more and get started! Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Join us for a special webinar featuring Lindamood-Bell Co-founder Nanci Bell!

📅 Wednesday, August 6, 2025
 🕚 11 a.m. PDT | 2 p.m. EDT | 7 p.m. BST
Discover how our school partnerships change student achievement through a revolutionary approach to instruction and district collaboration. This webinar will explore the sensory-cognitive skills that make reading possible and how Lindamood-Bell’s evidence-based model leads to measurable gains, especially in underperforming schools.

Register now to save your spot! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🍂 Attention Educators! Our Fall Workshop Schedule is here!
Join our live online workshops grounded in the cognitive science of learning and aligned with the science of reading and structured literacy.
Discover evidence-based programs to help struggling students, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.
Gain practical strategies for teaching reading, comprehension, and math that you can use right away.
Reserve your spot today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 
We hope your 4th of July is filled with friends, family, and loved ones—enjoy a safe celebration!
🎧 New Podcast Episode! 🎧
In this special episode of Lindamood-Bell Radio, co-founder Nanci Bell reflects on 40 years of transforming learning and literacy, sharing powerful stories and insights from decades of student success.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about our evidence-based approach, this conversation will inspire you.
Listen to Celebrating 40 Years of Learning Transformation with Nanci Bell. 
Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 Lindamood-Bell Academy Week starts July 14! 🎉

Celebrate 10 years of Lindamood-Bell Academy, the only school that addresses a student’s underlying learning ability and offers a full curriculum!

📅 Experience it firsthand. Join us July 14–18 for Academy Week at our Learning Centers.

✅ Special offer: Enroll by August 18, 2025, for the next school year and get 20% off a month of tuition!

🔗 Get details at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Another life changed—meet Cyrus! 💫
Reading was a struggle, and school felt overwhelming. His family tried other programs, but nothing worked—until they found Lindamood-Bell.
After a summer of personalized instruction, Cyrus made incredible progress. He’s now reading above grade level and enjoying school again! 📚💪
That’s the difference our evidence-based approach can make.
Want the same for your child?
 ☀️ Summer spots are filling fast—learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Help your child overcome reading challenges with proven support.
At Lindamood-Bell, we provide personalized, evidence-based instruction that targets the root causes of reading difficulties.
From decoding struggles to comprehension gaps and beyond, our latest blog explains the signs to watch for and how our approach can help your child succeed.
📖 New on the blog: Support for Dyslexia and Other Reading Disorders
🔗 Read now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 Our Special 40th Anniversary Webinar is now available on demand! 🎥
Join Lindamood-Bell Co-founder Nanci Bell as she shares powerful stories and key insights from 40 years of student success.
Discover how our unique, evidence-based approach has helped thousands overcome learning challenges and unlock their potential.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, this inspiring session is one you won’t want to miss.
 👉 Watch now! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🌟 Teacher Appreciation Month Continues! 🌟
We're celebrating educators with exclusive savings EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 30!

📘 Get $100 off any Lindamood-Bell workshop now through summer!
Use code THANKYOU100 at checkout.

👥 Planning for your team?
Book an in-service workshop and get $175 off per registrant (minimum 10 participants).
Don't miss out. These offers are available through June 30. Get info and register now. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
📚 Send your child back to school with stronger skills and new confidence!

Lindamood-Bell Summer Instruction helps kids of all ages catch up or get ahead in:
 ✅ Reading
 ✅ Comprehension
 ✅ Math
Live online or in person. Fun, effective, evidence-based instruction.
Proven results for students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and more

Enroll by June 13 to get 10% off the first week (minimum applies).
Instruction must be completed by August 22. Hurry, Spots are filling fast!

Tap the link in our bio to learn more and get started, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Not all online schools are created equal. 🎓✨
From live instruction and personalized learning to community and flexibility, here’s what to look for when choosing the right fit for your child.
📖 New on the blog: What to Consider in an Online School
 🔗 Read now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Request Information

Request Information

When you complete our form, we'll send you to our digital information packet and reach out to you shortly.
You may also call us at

* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

Please fill out the form and we will be in touch to schedule an evaluation.

* required