Many research studies show that reading aloud is the most valuable support you can provide you child in learning to read and loving to read. So even if you child can read on his own, keep reading to him so that he learns to love to read. To encourage him to read on his own, consider taking turns reading a book together. If you notice that your son will read on his own, but only by himself, perhaps he is reluctant to read aloud in front of others because he lacks confidence in his reading skills. He may be worried that he will make a mistake and look foolish in front of others. This scenario is especially true of children who tend towards perfection. Encourage his reading successes to build his confidence, read together and give him time and privacy to read on his own.