“When should I start reading to my baby?” is a common question I am asked in my role as an Usborne book seller. My answer? It’s never too early to start reading to them – as soon as you bring them home! There is something special about sharing your favourite story with your baby and the bond that begins to form in these early days is so precious. Perhaps the most special time to share a story with your little one is the all-important bedtime story. There are so many benefits to establishing a story into your bedtime routine that extend beyond helping your little one to fall asleep.
When we had our little boy it was important to me that he grew up to love books and reading, purely because it was such an important part of my life growing up. I became an Independent Usborne Partner to educate myself on what and how to read with him as he grew up. Over the years bringing him and then his sister up surrounded by books I have learned so much about the benefits of reading and seen first hand how much it has benefitted them both being surrounded by books!
Benefits of Bedtime Reading
Reading a story at bedtime strengthens the bond between you and your child, it is time for you to stop and come together for quality family time and your little one to feel safe, secure and happy. It gives your child time to wind down and relax after a busy day of learning and new experiences. It is time away from screens and noise and helps them recognise that it is time for sleep.
Listening to a bedtime story is boosting their language skills and developing their imagination. They will love the adventures their books take them on and this will help their creativity as they grow.
They can begin to choose the story for you to read as they develop their interests and personality. We had one story on repeat for weeks with my little girl, she loved helping to tell the story with actions and this in turn helped with developing her language and comprehension skills.
Most importantly, sharing storytime with your child helps to promote literacy and develop lifelong reading habits, which will help your little one with reading and writing and understanding the world around them. Such a powerful tool to equip them with on their journey through life.
By establishing the bedtime story into their routine it becomes predictable – they look forward to their bedtime snuggle and to listen to their story. They know that it is time to sleep when the story ends and the routine helps your child feel safe and secure, ready to go to sleep.
Bedtime story time for older children
As your child gets older and becomes able to read independently it is equally as important to keep bedtime reading a part of their routine. In an age of social media, YouTube and video games it is important for them to have time away from this as well as busy school schedules and out of school commitments. Immersing themselves in their book is also beneficial for your children’s mental health.
You may begin with reading the book together and then transition to independent reading. I found this a particularly emotional time with my son preferring to read to himself, but proud that he has developed such a love of reading that he wants to!
What if my child doesn’t like storytime?
It may take some children longer to get used to enjoying a story, or there may be periods of time that they become less interested. My advice in this situation would be to find a book about something they are particularly interested in. Focus on shorter stories, or even just books with pictures to spark their interest. Point out different things in the picture and discuss the scene on the page, give them the opportunity to interact and help tell the story. For older children, don’t focus on books that will stretch their ability – reading a book that they can read easily is better than not reading at all. Graphic novels or comic style books help reluctant readers – less words on the page and still pictures to bring the story to life.
My answer when I’m told “my child doesn’t like reading?”… they just haven’t found the right book yet!
If you would like advice on the right book for your child’s age and interests, contact Stacey:
Facebook – Stacey’s Story Books
Instagram – @staceysstorybooks
www.staceysstorybooks.co.uk
Call – 07972 592 697
Email – [email protected]
