As children enter elementary school, reading becomes a bigger part of their everyday lives. Homework, library books, and classroom reading all become part of the school experience. While reading is important for academic success, it can also become one of the best ways for families to spend meaningful time together.
Creating a parent–child book club at home doesn’t require a long reading list or special materials. It simply means setting aside regular time to read the same book together, talk about it, ask questions, and enjoy sharing stories.
Not only does this help children become stronger readers, but it also strengthens the relationship between parents and children.
Why Read Together?
Reading together is about much more than learning words on a page.
When parents and children read together regularly, they create opportunities to:
- Build stronger communication skills.
- Expand vocabulary.
- Improve listening and attention.
- Encourage curiosity and creativity.
- Practice empathy by discussing characters’ feelings.
- Develop critical thinking through conversation.
- Strengthen family relationships.
Reading also creates predictable routines. Just twenty minutes together a few times each week can become a comforting tradition that children remember long after they have learned to read independently.
Choosing the Right Book
At six years old, many children are beginning to read independently but still enjoy reading with an adult.
Choose books that:
- Match your child’s interests.
- Include colorful illustrations.
- Have engaging stories.
- Introduce new vocabulary.
- Are challenging enough to encourage growth without becoming frustrating.
Allow your child to help choose the book whenever possible. Children are much more excited to read stories they helped select.
Make Reading Interactive
Instead of simply reading from beginning to end, turn reading into a conversation.
Ask questions like:
- What do you think will happen next?
- Why do you think the character made that choice?
- How would you solve this problem?
- Which character reminds you of someone you know?
- What would you have done differently?
These conversations help children develop comprehension skills while encouraging confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Extend the Story
Reading doesn’t have to stop when the book closes.
Try activities like:
- Drawing favorite characters.
- Acting out scenes.
- Building something from the story using blocks or LEGO® bricks.
- Writing a different ending.
- Cooking a food mentioned in the story.
- Visiting the library to find another book by the same author.
Connecting books to everyday life makes reading more meaningful and memorable.
Celebrate Reading
Keep reading fun instead of turning it into another assignment.
Celebrate every completed book by:
- Adding a sticker to a reading chart.
- Rating the book with stars.
- Drawing a favorite scene.
- Talking about what everyone learned.
- Letting your child recommend the next family book.
The goal is to build a lifelong love of reading—not perfection.
Visit Your Local Library
Libraries are wonderful places for families.
Many offer:
- Story times
- Reading challenges
- Family events
- Summer reading programs
- Crafts
- Children’s book clubs
Regular visits also help children develop responsibility by borrowing and caring for books.
Growing Together Tip
Your child may not remember every story you read together, but they will remember how it felt to curl up beside someone they love and share an adventure. Those moments help build not only stronger readers, but stronger relationships.
What the Research Says
Research consistently shows that shared reading provides benefits far beyond improving reading skills.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents begin reading with children from birth and continue throughout early childhood because shared reading supports language development, cognitive growth, school readiness, and healthy parent–child relationships. Reading together also creates positive, language-rich interactions that help children develop communication skills and emotional connections with caregivers.
Researchers have also found that interactive reading—where parents ask questions, encourage predictions, and discuss the story—is even more beneficial than simply reading aloud. These conversations strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, executive functioning, and social-emotional development because children become active participants in the story instead of passive listeners.
Brain imaging research has demonstrated that children who experience higher-quality shared reading show greater activation in areas of the brain involved in language, memory, and reading comprehension. These findings suggest that interactive reading supports the development of neural pathways that are important for later academic success.
Try This at Home
This week, choose one picture book or beginning chapter book.
After each reading session, ask your child:
- What surprised you today?
- How do you think the character felt?
- What would you have done?
- What do you think will happen next?
These simple conversations often have a greater impact than reading more pages.
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Westchester Family Resources
The following organizations and programs can help your family foster a love of reading, access free books, and connect with literacy resources throughout Westchester County.
Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System (WLS) connects 38 public libraries across Westchester County with one free library card. Families can borrow books, audiobooks, eBooks, museum passes, educational kits, and participate in free story times, reading challenges, homework help, and family programs.
Address:
570 Taxter Road, Suite 400
Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone:
(914) 674-3600
Website:
https://www.westchesterlibraries.org
White Plains Public Library
The White Plains Public Library offers one of the county’s largest children’s collections along with year-round literacy programming.
Programs include:
- Story Times
- Summer Reading Program
- Homework Help
- STEM Programs
- Children’s Book Clubs
- Family Events
Address:
100 Martine Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone:
(914) 422-1400
Website:
https://whiteplainslibrary.org
Greenburgh Public Library
Greenburgh Public Library provides free educational programming throughout the year for children and families.
Programs include:
- Story Times
- Reading Clubs
- STEM Activities
- Homework Help
- Family Literacy Programs
Address:
300 Tarrytown Road
Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone:
(914) 721-8200
Website:
https://greenburghlibrary.org
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails one free, age-appropriate book every month to enrolled children from birth until their fifth birthday. There is no income requirement for participating communities. The program is designed to help children build home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Currently Available in Westchester County
United Way of Westchester and Putnam currently offers the program in:
- White Plains (ZIP Codes 10601, 10602, 10603, 10604, 10605, 10606, 10607, and 10610)
- Port Chester (10573)
- Peekskill (10566)
United Way continues to work toward expanding the program into additional Westchester communities as funding becomes available.
Eligibility: Children from birth until age 5.
Cost: FREE
Website:
https://imaginationlibrary.com
Check Eligibility:
https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
PJ Library
PJ Library provides free monthly books celebrating Jewish values, traditions, culture, and history for families raising Jewish children. Children receive one age-appropriate book each month, and families are invited to local community events throughout the year. PJ Library also offers PJ Our Way, allowing older children to choose their own books.
Eligibility:
- PJ Library: Birth through age 8
- PJ Our Way: Ages 9–12
Westchester Contact
Westchester Jewish Center
175 Rockland Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Phone:
(914) 698-2960
Website:
https://pjlibrary.org
Local Information:
https://www.wjcenter.org/community/pj-library
Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read partners with pediatric healthcare providers to give children free books during well-child visits while helping parents learn how to make reading part of everyday family life. Research has shown that participating families read together more often and children develop stronger early language skills.
Ask your child’s pediatrician if they participate.
Reach Out and Read Greater New York
105 West 86th Street, Suite 330
New York, NY 10024
Phone:
(646) 453-6785
Website:
https://reachoutandreadnyc.org
Little Free Library
Little Free Library is a worldwide network of neighborhood book-sharing boxes where families can take a book or leave a book free of charge. There are many Little Free Libraries located throughout Westchester County.
Find one near you:
International Children’s Digital Library
Access hundreds of free digital children’s books from around the world in multiple languages.
Website:
https://childrenslibrary.org
Storyline Online
Storyline Online features award-winning actors reading children’s books aloud. Families can watch together for free while building vocabulary, listening comprehension, and a love of reading.
Website:
https://storylineonline.net
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice. Pediatrics.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026). Early Literacy. HealthyChildren.org.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice (Policy Statement).
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided by our nonprofit is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information and are not liable for any decisions made based on it. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.
