Reading with your child can be a few pages at bedtime, a favourite story on the couch or a conversation about pictures. The shared time matters. You do not need to finish every book or turn it into a lesson.
Words, stories and conversation
Books give children opportunities to hear words and explore ideas beyond their everyday experiences. Pause when your child points, comments or asks a question. Talk about what a character might be feeling, or what your child notices in a picture.
Connection and familiarity
A familiar book can become part of a comforting routine. Repeating a favourite story lets children anticipate what happens next and join in with words, sounds or actions. Repetition can be enjoyable even when the book is very familiar to you.
Imagination and curiosity
A story can spark pretend play, a drawing or a new question. Follow that interest. After a book about animals, your child might want to make animal sounds, look for tracks in the garden or create a pretend home for a toy.
Five ways to make reading inviting
- Keep a few suitable books within reach and let your child choose.
- Use pictures as a starting point, even if you do not read every word.
- Share stories in your family’s home language.
- Let your child turn pages, repeat a phrase or tell part of the story.
- Stop or change activities when your child has had enough.
From babies to preschoolers
Babies may enjoy your voice, rhythm and looking at a simple picture. Toddlers often want to point, name things and return to favourite pages. Preschoolers may enjoy longer conversations, predicting what happens or telling their own version. Follow your child’s interest rather than a fixed target.
Connect with your child’s educators
Ask which books your child enjoys at the centre and share favourites from home. Our guide to family–educator partnerships offers more ways to keep those conversations going.