Humans are reading and storytelling all the time without even realising it. We are constantly surrounded by books, films and newspapers. However, we also come across stories in day-to-day conversation and on Facebook; they are present all around us! Stories tell us about ourselves, people elsewhere and in the long distant past. They take us into a different world and help us escape reality for a little while.
They are vital for all children, and especially so in their early years. Here’s a few reasons why.
Why is reading so important for babies and toddlers?
- Promotes development and imagination
- Develops language, emotions and strengthens relationships
- Provides your child with a wide range of ways to learn and engage with reading and storytelling. Sometimes you can read, sometimes you can look at the pictures and talk about them, or even sing a song
- Helps children get to know sounds
- Learn to value books and stories
- Stimulates curiosity
- Helps to develop children’s brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills
- Helps children learn the difference between what is real and what is make believe
- Helps children understand new events and the feelings that come with them
- Helps children learn about the world around them, their culture as well as others.
The benefits of reading and storytelling aren’t just for children, there are benefits for adults too! By taking the time to read with your child, you are promoting bonding between the two of you and building a stronger relationship.
If you don’t have a book or can’t make up a story on the spot, there are many other ways that you and your child can share letters, words and pictures.
Why not try…
- Packages at home or in the supermarket – especially food packaging
- Clothing – What does it say on the t-shirt?
- Letters and notes – What do they say? Who sent them?
- Signs and posters in shops, on trains or buses – point out signs that have the same letters in as your child’s name
- Menus – This is a fun technique/activity which works well with older children. Read the menu with your child and let them work out and pick what they want to eat.
Top Tips
- Make a routine to share at least one reading book everyday.
- Turn off the TV and the radio, put your phone on silent and find a quiet place, so your child can hear your voice.
- Hold your child on your knee while you read, so your child can see your face and the book.
- Involve your child by encouraging them to talk about the pictures in the book and repeat familiar words and phrases.
- Try out some funny noises and sounds!
- Play and have fun!
Resources:
Books for babies from birth: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-babies-0-12-months/
Books for babies from 12 months: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-1-year-olds/
Books for toddlers:|
https://myboredtoddler.com/50-great-books-for-toddlers/
Books for Preschoolers: https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/books/childrens/best-books-for-preschoolers-3-year-olds-learning-to-read-a7367196.html
Libraries Near You:
Executive House:
Southglade Park Library
Southglade Rd
Nottingham
NG5 5GU
Kimberley:
Kimberley Library
Main St
Nottingham
NG16 2LY
Longdale:
Ravenshead Library
12 Milton Court
Ravenshead
Nottingham
NG15 9BD
Mapperley:
Mapperley Library
454 Westdale Ln West
Mapperley
Nottingham
NG3 6DG
Ruddington:
Ruddington Library
Church Street
Ruddington
Nottingham
NG11 6HD
Edwinstowe:
Edwinstowe Library
4 high Street
Edwinstowe
Mansfield
NG21 9QS
Pleasley:
Skegby and Stanton Library
Skegby and Stanton Hill
Mansfield Road
Sutton-in-Ashfield
NG17 3EE
Sutton-in-Ashfield:
Sutton-in-Ashfield Library
Idlewells Shopping Centre
Forest Street
Sutton-in-Ashfield
NG17 1BP
Wynndale:
Mansfield Central Library
Four Seasons Centre
West Gate
Mansfield
NG18 1NH
Worksop:
Worksop Library
Memorial Avenue
Worksop
S80 2BP
South Normanton:
Pinxton Library
Kirkstead Road
Pinxton
Nottingham
NG16 6NA
