Why it's important to introduce a love for reading

“Begin reading prenatally. Babies can hear prenatally. You will promote attachment if you begin to read or sing to your baby prenatally,” says Debbie Kunz, coordinator for Parents as Teachers. “They need to know the sound of your voice, and the intentional time interacting with your fetus helps prepare you for the focused attention that your child needs to receive.”

Kunz says babies love books. They like the hinges on the book pages. Parents don’t need to read every word on the page. Explore the book with the child and follow the child’s lead. You might just point to and label pictures. It’s less important how much of the book actually gets read, in terms of the story, than to have that intentional time together. Actual three-dimensional books are better than e-books or tablets. Children need to explore the world in all dimensions, and the dimension of the book teaches them about spatial perception.

The library is a great place to start. It’s got something for all ages and interests.

“Story time is probably the first thing people think about when they think about children and libraries,” says William Stuck, children’s department manager at the St. Joseph Public Library. “Depending on what library you go to, the story times are always going to have some elements that are different. But the central theme no matter what library you go to is instilling a love of reading at an early age.”

Each library location will offer something different.

“We do four stories a week as well as sing songs,” Stuck says. “My story times incorporate vocabulary in Spanish and sign language. I’m a fan of educating the parents without sounding preachy. I’m a theme kind of guy. I pick a theme and try to find books to plug in within that theme. I really like funny books that are audience participation. If I can get the kids laughing, they’re going to have a good time. I’m really a big fan of parents learning that they can do this stuff at home.”

Kunz encourages reading as it promotes routine in a child’s day. Children can’t tell time, so having a set schedule for reading helps children understand time and routine. You’re creating a routine and pattern for your child’s day, which gives your child predictability and a sense of security.

“Early literacy practices are important in developing lifelong readers and book lovers,” says Adelaide Lancaster, co-founder of We Stories. “There are many ways to encourage literacy in your family, even among your littlest members. A few suggestions are to make reading a regular part of the day and make sure the books are as plentiful as toys or screens.”

It’s also great for parents to demonstrate their own love of reading. And plan to take books in the car and in backpacks when you will have waiting time in various places.