The Importance of Reading in Early Childhood
Why Reading to Your Child Matters More Than You Think
Building strong minds and big hearts, one story at a time!
As parents, we all want to give our children the best start in life. We buy them healthy food, encourage their first steps, and cheer on every milestone. But did you know one of the most powerful things you can do for your child’s development takes just a few minutes a day?
It’s reading.
Reading aloud to your child whether they’re a baby, toddler or preschooler offers lifelong benefits. It’s more than just a bedtime routine or a way to settle before a nap. Reading sparks imagination, builds connection, and lays the foundation for success in school and beyond.
So why is reading so important in the early years?
1. Language and literacy development
Every time you read a book with your child, you’re introducing them to new words, sentence structures, and ways of expressing themselves. This exposure helps build their vocabulary and strengthens communication skills essential tools for life and learning.
2. Brain growth and cognitive skills
Books stimulate thinking. Whether it's a simple story about a puppy or an imaginative tale about space travel, stories help children process information, follow ideas, and make sense of the world around them.
3. Emotional bonding
Reading together is about more than learning it’s about love. Those quiet, cuddly moments with a book strengthen the bond between you and your child, giving them a sense of safety and belonging. It can also be a time to talk about feelings, characters, and real-life experiences in a gentle, supportive way.
4. Focus and attention span
In a world filled with distractions, reading helps children learn to concentrate. Listening to a story from beginning to end teaches them to focus, be patient, and stay engaged skills they’ll use every day in childcare, school and life.
5. Empathy and problem-solving
Stories often include challenges or problems that characters must solve. As your child follows along, they learn to see things from different perspectives, think critically, and imagine how others feel. These are important building blocks for emotional intelligence.
6. Imagination and creativity
Books are windows to other worlds. Whether your child is dreaming about dinosaurs, adventuring through fairy lands, or exploring under the sea, reading fuels creativity and encourages self-expression through play, storytelling, and art.
What we do at Sage
At our early learning centre, reading is woven into our daily rhythm. Story time is a cherished part of everyday childcare whether it’s during group time or in a quiet moment of rest. Each of our childcare centre rooms includes a calm and inviting reading space filled with books that reflect the interests, cultures, and experiences of our children. We believe reading is a joyful part of childhood, not just a skill to learn.
By encouraging a love of books, we help children build the confidence, curiosity, and language they need to thrive.
How you can support reading at home:
Read aloud every day even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Let your child choose books they love.
Talk about the pictures and ask questions as you read.
Don’t worry about reading perfectly what matters most is the connection.
Visit the library together and explore new stories.
Children and educators enjoying story time in the park.