Key points

• Reading and storytelling with babies and children promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships.
• Sometimes you can read. And sometimes you can look at picture books, sing songs or tell stories from your culture.
• Babies and young children often enjoy books, songs and stories with good rhyme, rhythm and repetition.
• Anytime is a good time for a book or story! Try to share at least one book or story each day.

Why reading is important for babies and young children
Sharing stories, talking and singing every day helps your child’s development in many ways.

Reading and sharing stories can:

• help your child get to know sounds, words and language, and develop early literacy skills
  learn to value books and stories
• spark your child’s imagination and stimulate curiosity
• help develop your child’s brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills
• help your child learn the difference between ‘real’ and ‘make-believe
• help your child understand new or frightening events, and the strong emotions that come with them
• help your child learn about the world, their own culture and other cultures.

Sharing stories with your child doesn’t mean you have to read from the book.

Just by looking at books with your child and talking about them, you can be a great storyteller and a good model for using language and books. Your child will learn by watching you hold a book the right way and seeing how you move through the book by gently turning the pages.

Reading stories with children has benefits for grown-ups too. The special time you spend reading together promotes bonding and helps to build your relationship with your child.

Tips for sharing books with babies and young children

• Make a routine and try to share at least one book every day. A reading chair where you’re both comfortable can become part of your reading routine.
• Turn off the TV or radio, put your phone on silent, and find a quiet place to read so your child can hear your voice.
• Hold your child close or on your knee while you read, so your child can see your face and the book.
• Try out funny noises and sounds – play and have fun!
• Involve your child by encouraging talk about the pictures, and by repeating familiar words and phrases.
• Let your toddler choose the books when they’re old enough to start asking – and be prepared to read your toddler’s favourite books over and over again!
• If you have older children, they can share books with your younger children, or you can all read together.
• Taking turns, asking questions and listening to the answers are all important skills that will help children when they start learning how to read.