From the first time a child clutches a board book to the day they proudly read aloud to a friend, the journey into reading is one of the most exciting adventures of early childhood.
Helping children fall in love with stories isn’t simply about learning letters or sounding out words—it’s about nurturing curiosity, imagination, and joy.
Parents and teachers each have a vital role in cultivating this love of books. When home and nursery work together to surround children with positive reading experiences, literacy becomes a natural, cherished part of daily life.
Start Early and Make it Fun
Research consistently shows that the earlier children are exposed to books, the more likely they are to develop strong reading skills later. But early exposure doesn’t have to feel like instruction. Infants love the rhythm of rhyming books, toddlers delight in lift-the-flap stories, and preschoolers thrive on tales that mirror their experiences.
At wembley nursery, educators make reading time an immersive, interactive experience. Storytelling is often paired with props, puppets, and songs so children can engage all their senses and connect language with action.
Create a Print-Rich Environment
One of the simplest ways to encourage reading is to make books a natural part of a child’s world. Keep books within easy reach on low shelves. Display them cover-out to entice curious hands. Mix in magazines, maps, and recipe cards so children see print in many forms.
In classrooms and homes alike, labelling objects and creating cosy reading nooks send a powerful message: books are valued and loved here.
Model a Love of Reading
Children learn by example. When they see adults reading for pleasure—whether it’s a novel, newspaper, or cookbook—they understand that reading is a meaningful activity, not just something they do for school.
Share your own favourite stories and talk about why you love them. Show enthusiasm when you discover a new book. These small moments make a big difference in shaping attitudes toward reading.
Connect Books to Children’s Interests
Every child has unique passions, and tapping into these interests is one of the most effective ways to inspire a love of books. Is your little one fascinated by dinosaurs, trucks, or space? Seek out stories that reflect those topics.
At wembley park primary school, teachers often create themed reading corners and tailor book selections to classroom projects. This approach not only sustains interest but also shows children that books can fuel their curiosity about anything and everything.
Make Reading Social
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Shared reading, buddy reading, and storytelling circles create community and make literacy feel collaborative.
Invite your child to act out favourite stories with friends or family. Host a mini book club where children can talk about characters and plot twists. These experiences build comprehension and communication skills in a natural, joyful way.
Celebrate Progress, Big and Small
Learning to read is a journey filled with tiny victories. Whether a child recognises a single letter or reads a whole sentence for the first time, celebrate it. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivates children to keep exploring.
Display their favourite books proudly, mark milestones with small rewards, and most importantly, remind them that reading is about discovery—not perfection.
A Lifetime of Stories
When parents and teachers join forces to create rich, inviting reading experiences, children quickly learn that books are a source of comfort, adventure, and endless possibility.
By embracing everyday opportunities to share stories and model a love of reading, you’ll be giving children a gift that will support them academically, emotionally, and socially for life.
