In-home Reading Aloud: An Analysis of Parental Perceptions

This study examines parental perceptions of shared reading practices at home, focusing on their impact on parent-child relationships, emotional connection, and child development. Conducted in six public nurseries in the Municipality of Foligno during the 2022/2023 academic year, the rese- arch involved parents participating in a book-lending program, a training session on reading aloud, and maintaining reflective diaries. Qualitative ana- lysis of these diaries identified seven thematic categories: parenthood, joy and satisfaction, connection and tenderness, parent-child relationship, chil- dren’s rhythm and choices, physical sensations, and learning.The findings reveal that parents perceive shared reading as a multifaceted activity that fo- sters cognitive, linguistic, and emotional growth while strengthening the parent-child bond. Parents described reading as a meaningful moment of affection and mutual engagement, where they could encourage their chil- dren’s autonomy, instill values, and reflect on their parenting role. Shared reading emerged as a tool for nurturing emotional security and fostering critical thinking and social skills. While the study’s exploratory nature and small sample size limit generalizability, it provides insights into the affective and educational value of shared reading. Future research should explore bar- riers to sustained practices, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged contexts, to inform strategies for promoting family literacy and educational equity.