You can start raising a reader from the very first months. Babies are ready to soak up letters, words and stories long before they can talk, and short, colourful, playful moments with words plant the seeds of a lifelong love of reading. By kindergarten, the best motivator is giving your child a reason to read: a story they love, a series they can't wait to continue, or a recipe they want to make.
Key takeaways
- Start early: babies are a captive audience, and words are entertainment to them, not a chore.
- Choose books that stretch your child, with rich vocabulary and a mix of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and activity books.
- Give them a reason to read, such as a recipe, a pet or a favourite subject.
- A book series turns reading into visiting an old friend.
Why start reading with babies?
Picture this: your little bundle of joy, barely able to hold their head up, already soaking in the world of words. Sounds crazy, right? But it's true! Babies are like tiny sponges, ready to soak up everything we give them. So why not make that "everything" include letters, words and a love for reading? (If that sounds surprising, here's how much young children can really learn.)
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Flashcards for a baby? That sounds about as fun as watching paint dry." But hear me out! We're not talking about boring, plain flashcards. We're talking bright, colourful cards with fun pictures that grab their attention. It's like a mini TV show for their growing brains, only better.
For example, did you know that newborn babies are drawn to high-contrast black-and-white patterns more than to soft blocks of colour? Their little brains are ready for input and complexity from an early age!
The fact is that babies are a captive audience, looking to learn about the fascinating world they've been born into. They're not going to roll their eyes and say, "Ugh, Mum, not flashcards again!" Instead, they'll be all eyes and ears, taking it all in. It's entertainment for them, not a chore, and that's exactly what we want.
Of course, we're not expecting them to recite the alphabet or read War and Peace. It's all about familiarity. Think of it as planting tiny seeds that will blossom into a love of reading further along the road. For everyday ideas, see how to help your child learn to read at home.
How does early reading help in kindergarten?
For our kindergarten teachers, you get to see this early exposure in action. These children arrive ready and inspired for their learning journey, which makes teaching reading in kindergarten a lot smoother. You can build on their early experiences with even more exciting activities and engaging read-aloud books.
Meanwhile, for parents of kindergarteners who haven't had early reading activities, don't worry! It's never too late to start. Short, fun activities can introduce letters and words without overwhelming them. Remember, it's not a race: every child learns at their own pace.
How do you choose books for kindergarteners?
First of all, don't be afraid to stretch those little minds a bit, or even a lot. Look for stories with a wide range of vocabulary and captivating plots. Mix it up with different types of books: some non-fiction, some rhyming books such as Maggie's Rhyming Time Book, some activity workbooks, and books where children can learn how to do things.
Give your child a reason to read
When children can see the point in learning to read, it becomes a motivation for discovering more about the things they're interested in, whether that's a recipe book for their favourite cookies or a leaflet on how to care for their pet gerbil.
Give your child a reason to read and they'll be off. My own daughter's reading journey launched when she decided she wanted to bake some popovers. (That's why Maggie Gets Baking includes a real recipe to make together.)
When it comes to choosing books, don't be afraid to challenge them a little. Children are smarter than we often give them credit for. Look for books with rich language and interesting stories. If you're yawning while reading it, chances are your child will too.
Bedtime stories, short stories and audiobooks
Bedtime is a perfect opportunity for storybook reading and settling lively youngsters off to sleep. If you're pressed for time, there are plenty of engaging short bedtime stories that give your little one their nightly dose of reading without cutting into your precious evening.
And for those nights when you're running on empty (we've all been there!), audiobooks can be a real lifesaver. They keep the reading routine going while giving your voice a well-deserved break.
For daytime and weekend reading, choose books that spark imagination or connect with what your child is learning at school. This reinforces their learning and shows them how reading relates to their everyday world.
Why is a book series so good for young readers?
When children find a character they love, it's like making a new friend. They're eager to discover the adventure waiting in the next book. The familiarity of a series not only motivates children to keep reading but also helps improve their comprehension. It's like visiting an old friend. That's the idea behind the Maggie's Magic T-Shirt storybooks, which are also available as money-saving bundles.
We're not just teaching children to read, we're raising readers
We want them to love books, to get excited about stories, and to see reading as an amazing adventure. By starting with simple exposure and gradually introducing a wide range of interesting books, we set them up for a lifelong love of reading.
So let's embrace the journey from baby board books to kindergarten favourites. Every child moves at their own pace, but early exposure to letters and words often makes the path to reading smoother. If reading seems unusually hard for your child, my guide to the early signs of dyslexia may help.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start reading to my baby?
From the very first weeks. Babies don't need to understand the words to benefit; hearing your voice, seeing bold pictures and handling books all build the foundations of reading.
Are flashcards good for babies?
Bright, colourful cards shown for a few playful moments can be fun and stimulating. Keep it short, keep it joyful, and stop the moment your baby loses interest.
What books are best for kindergarteners?
A mix: stories with rich vocabulary, non-fiction about their interests, rhyming books and activity books. A series with a favourite character keeps them coming back.
Explore Teri's early learning books and e-books →
About the author
Teri Farrari is a developmental psychologist, natural health practitioner and early years consultant with more than thirty years' experience with young children and their families. She founded and ran her own Holistic Early Learning Schools, and her work has featured on BBC News, Sky Television, The Sunday Times, the Daily Mail and in Parents magazine. Read more about Teri or work with her one-to-one.
