~Storytelling has existed for thousands of years, and one can imagine our ancestors soothing their children to sleep with stories.~
Reading to children is more than just a simple pastime; it is crucial in their growth and learning. You might be asking, how so? Reading to them not only cultivates emotional intelligence, but also enriches their language abilities and literacy skills, while igniting their imagination. Furthermore, reading helps children develop empathy and, most importantly, strengthen their bond with their caregiver.
Most kids cherish one-on-one time with their caregivers, so it’s important to give them that time without distractions from technology or work. They know it’s their special time, and it really matters to them. SPD’s learning support educator Claire Beatrice Attenborough shares delightful ways to turn bedtime reading into a magical experience.
Step 1: Select a bedtime story
The best stories to read with your children are the ones they are interested in. When they are engaged, reading becomes a joyful experience for you and your child.
Start with ten minutes and gradually increase the time as they grow older, aiming for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Choosing the right bedtime story can bring a touch of magic to your routine. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Age appropriate: Toddlers enjoy simple, colourful stories, while older kids prefer longer, more detailed ones.
- Story Length: Think about how much time you have. If it’s late or your child is already tired, a shorter story can be perfect for winding down.
- Calming Themes: Opt for calm, positive stories about love, friendship, or gentle adventures and avoid anything that is too exciting or scary before bedtime.
- Fun and Engaging: Choose books with imaginative characters or scenarios.
- Child’s Interests: Match the story to your child’s interests such as animal tales for animal lovers or space adventures for aspiring astronauts.
You could also allow your child to select a bedtime story from a set of books you’ve picked out for the week. Another idea is to take turns choosing the books, for example your child chooses on Mondays, and you choose on Tuesdays.
Step 2: Start by getting everyone, including yourself, ready for bed!
Once you have chosen a book, get everyone, including yourself, ready for bed. As you and your child get dressed and brush teeth, you can talk about the chosen book and what they think might happen. This will build their excitement for the story and remind them that it is nearly bedtime.
To add some fun, occasionally use a theme, like wearing pink pyjamas.
Step 3: Story Companions
Story companions or props is something that you can do to bring the story to life. These companions can be items found at home, such as using a strainer as a soldier hat, chopstick as a magic wand, or a towel as a cape or hood. Unleash your imagination and get creative.
Step 4: Last but not least, bring your voice to life!
hemselves too fatigue to read to their children at the end of the day. This is where technology comes in handy. There are some online resources that parents can use to enjoy stories together with their children without doing all the reading themselves. Here are some the platforms:
1. Kanopy Kids by Kanopy
– A curated streaming collection for children, featuring educational and entertaining movies, series, storybooks, and animated favourites – all rated PG-13 or below.
– Can be played on mobile phones, tablets and laptops
– Platforms in Kanopy includes Vooks, Read Along Storybooks, Story Time, Classic Tales and many more.
– Sign up for free with your National Library Card username and password.
2. TumbleBooks
– A subscription-based service that offers animated picture books, chapter books, and educational videos.
– Can be played on mobile phones, tablets and laptops
3. Read Aloud for Kids
– This free platform provides a variety of interactive, animated read-aloud books for children, focusing on early literacy and comprehension.
– Can be played on mobile phones, tablets and laptops
4. Storyline Online
– Free, no monetary subscription required.
– Featuring celebrities reading popular children’s books, this site combines engaging storytelling with animated illustrations to create a captivating experience.
– Can be played on mobile phones, tablets and laptops
References
Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). Why is it important to read to your child? Child Mind Institute.
Education to the Core. (2020, October 10). 10 tips to instill a love of reading in students. Education to the Core.
Kidspot. (n.d.). Why bedtime stories are so important. Kidspot.
Moshi Kids. (2022). How to tell an amazing bedtime story in 2022. Moshi Kids.
Reading Eggs. (n.d.). The benefits of reading bedtime stories to children. Reading Eggs.
Scholastic. (n.d.). The importance of reading bedtime stories to big kids. Scholastic.
