Reading with young children is one of the best things you can do for their development. It’s not just about bedtime stories, it’s about opening up a world of imagination, creativity, and learning. Sharing books together builds vocabulary, sparks curiosity, and strengthens the bond between you and your child. In fact, studies show that a child’s vocabulary at age five is a strong predictor of how well they’ll do academically later on. The good news? You don’t need fancy resources or expensive programs, just a good book and a few minutes a day. Mixing things up with different types of stories such as traditional tales, books with repeated phrases, and playful rhymes keeps reading fun and engaging. In this blog, we’ll explore why reading early on is so important and how you can make the most of it.
How Reading Supports Brain Development
Reading to young children is more than just a bonding activity, it actively shapes their developing brains. When children listen to stories, different areas of their brains light up, forming and strengthening neural connections. These pathways are essential for processing language, improving memory, and fostering imagination. The early years are a critical period for brain development, and regular reading helps optimise cognitive development, setting children up for success in school and beyond.
Expanding Vocabulary Through Reading
Reading exposes children to a much broader range of vocabulary than they might encounter in everyday conversation. Books often contain richer, more varied language, including words that describe abstract concepts, emotions, and ideas that may not come up in day-to-day conversation. Even if a child does not immediately understand every word, hearing diverse vocabulary helps build their language skills over time. Exposure to new words in context allows children to gradually grasp their meanings and usage, setting a strong foundation for later reading comprehension, verbal expression and writing. Reading a variety of genres is valuable too; introducing traditional stories, books with repeated phrases that children can join in with, and sharing poems and silly rhymes together all help enrich vocabulary and make reading a fun and interactive experience.
Building Quality Relationships Through Reading
Shared reading experiences offer parents and children a unique opportunity to bond. Cuddling up with a book isn’t just about learning, it’s about the warmth of connection, the joy of sitting together, turning pages, and exploring stories and ideas. When parents/carers and children share special reading moments, it strengthens their bond, creating a deep sense of trust and security. This closeness helps babies and children feel safe, supported, and understood, which boosts their emotional and social development. When children have strong, loving connections with their caregivers, they grow up feeling more confident, resilient, and ready to build healthy relationships of their own.
The Power of Real Books Over Audio Stories
Audiobooks and digital stories can be fun, but there’s something truly special about holding a real book in your hands, flipping through the pages, and exploring a story together. That simple act of turning pages, pointing at pictures, and following the words on the page helps children develop early reading skills. Unlike passive listening, physically interacting with a book keeps children engaged and helps them build important developmental skills. Turning pages supports fine motor skills, while seeing words alongside pictures helps them connect spoken language to written words. This hands-on experience lays the foundation for literacy in a way that digital stories simply can’t match.
And let’s not forget the magic of reading aloud! When you read to your child, you can change your voice for different characters, add excitement, and adjust your tone to match the story’s mood. This not only makes reading fun, but it also deepens comprehension, strengthens listening skills, and encourages emotional connection. More than just a way to learn, reading together creates warm, joyful moments that foster a lifelong love of books—and that’s something no audiobook can replace!
Using Stories to Introduce Rhyme and Alliteration
Early exposure to rhyme and alliteration through stories and nursery rhymes lays the groundwork for phonic awareness the ability to hear and break down the sounds that make up words. This is a critical skill for learning to read and decode language later on in their education. The playful repetition of sounds strengthens memory, improves pronunciation, and builds confidence. So, whether it’s a silly rhyme, reading a fabulous book by Julia Donaldson or a catchy nursery song, those rhythmic words are doing more than making your child giggle – they’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of reading success!
The Importance of Dad’s (or Grandad’s) Role in Reading
Research suggests that when fathers engage in reading, it provides unique and significant benefits. Dad’s are known to bring a different style of storytelling, often incorporating humour, action, and novel vocabulary. This diversity in language, pitch and interaction can enhance a child’s comprehension skills and understanding of language. Additionally, research shows us that when Dad’s are involved in activities such as reading, this can positively impact their child’s cognitive development and educational attainment through primary school.
Top-Tips
- Make it a daily habit – Set aside time each day for reading, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
- Choose a variety of books – Mix traditional stories, books with repetition, rhyming books, and engaging picture books.
- Encourage participation – Let children turn the pages, predict what happens next, and repeat familiar phrases.
- Use expression and gestures – Bring stories to life by using different voices, facial expressions, and actions.
- Ask questions – Engage children by asking about the characters, storyline, or their favourite parts of the book. Even if your baby or child can’t answer yet, they understand language before they can speak, so this will still help get their brain working.
- Create a cosy reading environment – A comfortable, quiet space helps children focus and enjoy the experience.
- Visit your local library regularly– Take your child to the library often to expose them to new books and encourage them to pick stories that spark their interest.
- Let children see you read – Set an example by reading books, newspapers, or magazines yourself.
- Be patient and flexible – Some children may want to hear the same story repeatedly, while others prefer new books—follow their lead.
- Have fun!– Turn reading into an adventure! When kids have fun with books, they’ll start to see reading as something exciting and full of endless possibilities. Make those moments count!
Reading in the early years is a gift that keeps on giving. It helps build vocabulary, supports brain development, strengthens relationships, and sets the stage for lifelong learning. Parents, carers, and grandparents all play a key role in creating meaningful reading moments that shape a child’s future. By choosing real books and mixing up the stories and genres, parents can help guide their children toward academic success and a lasting love of reading. Taking the time to read with young children today will pay off in their confidence, language skills, literacy, comprehension, and emotional well-being for years to come.
By Tia Claridge, Early Childhood Education Team