Storytime is a cherished tradition at Innovative Early Learning and also in many households especially in the evenings, and for very good reasons, story time offers a host of benefits for both children and parents. Here are some reasons why we believe regular story times are so important:
Bonding: Reading together creates a special bonding experience between families and children. It's a time for closeness and connection, promoting a strong parent-child relationship.
Language Development: Reading aloud exposes children to a broader vocabulary and encourages language development. It helps children understand sentence structure, pronunciation, and grammar.
Cognitive Development: Storytime sparks children's imagination and critical thinking skills. They learn to visualise scenes and follow narratives, which are essential cognitive skills.
Early Literacy: It lays the foundation for a love of books and reading. Children who are read to often are more likely to become avid readers later in life.
Emotional Development: Many stories deal with emotions and social situations. Reading about characters' feelings and reactions helps children understand and manage their own emotions.
Bedtime Routine: A consistent evening routine, like story time, can help children wind down and signal that it's time to sleep. It can improve sleep quality and help establish healthy sleep patterns.
Quality Time: In our busy lives, story time provides an opportunity to disconnect from screens and spend quality time together. It's a moment of undivided attention and love.
Here are some Age-Appropriate Book Ideas
Selecting age-appropriate books is crucial to keep children engaged and ensure that they benefit from the reading experience. Here are some book ideas for different age groups:
Infants (0-12 months):
"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown - A soothing bedtime classic.
"Baby Faces" by DK - Featuring images of various baby facial expressions.
"Peek-A Who?" by Nina Laden - A fun, interactive book with peek-a-boo flaps.
Toddlers (1-3 years):
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle - A repetitive, colourful book that's perfect for learning about animals and colours.
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle - A timeless story about metamorphosis.
"Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney - A relatable tale for bedtime routines and separation anxiety.
Preschoolers (3-5 years):
"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak - A beautifully illustrated adventure in a world of imagination.
"Corduroy" by Don Freeman - The story of a teddy bear's quest to find a friend.
"The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats - A delightful exploration of a snowy day in the city.