There’s something timeless and beautiful about reading with your child. Whether it’s a familiar bedtime story, a quiet moment with your baby in your arms, or a favourite book shared again and again, these rituals do more than create connection, they actively support your child’s development in powerful, lasting ways.
At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that the early years are the most important in a child’s life. Reading aloud from birth to age five builds strong foundations for language, literacy, empathy and emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, it nurtures a lifelong love of learning, one page at a time.
Babies (0–1 Years): Listening, Bonding, and Building the Brain
Even before your baby can speak, they are absorbing language through your voice. Reading aloud supports:
-
Early vocabulary and sound awareness
-
Listening and memory development
-
Emotional security through rhythm, tone, and closeness
-
Positive associations with books and reading
You might wonder if your baby is really listening, especially when they’re wriggling or more interested in turning pages. But studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics (2014) confirm that shared reading from infancy boosts brain development and supports early language acquisition. These moments are more than meaningful, they’re developmental milestones.
Toddlers (1–3 Years): Language, Emotion, and Expression
Toddlers are naturally curious and active, and reading channels that energy into exploration, focus, and imagination. Reading with your toddler supports:
-
Language expansion, as they learn new words and phrases
-
Emotional awareness, through characters and stories
-
Cognitive development, by following simple storylines
-
Shared routines, building predictability and connection
At Papilio, our educators intentionally build reading and storytelling into daily routines, helping toddlers experience books not just as entertainment, but as tools for growth, comfort, and discovery.
Preschool and Kindergarten (3–5 Years): Literacy in Action
Between the ages of three and five, your child is beginning to understand how words work. They’re exploring letters and sounds, predicting storylines, and developing critical thinking skills. Reading together daily supports:
-
Early literacy, including phonics, comprehension, and storytelling
-
Empathy and emotional intelligence, through deeper engagement with characters
-
Focus and attention, as they follow more complex narratives
-
Problem-solving and creativity, sparked by imagination
The OECD (2019) notes that children who are read to daily are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. At Papilio, our School Readiness Program offers enriched literacy experiences, including Reading Eggs, expressive language development, and inquiry-based learning, all supported by our highly trained educators.
Try This at Home: Create a simple reading routine - five to ten minutes before bed, after lunch, or even while waiting for dinner. Let your child choose the book and ask questions like, “Why do you think that happened?” or “What would you do if you were in the story?” These conversations help build comprehension and confidence.
Storytime at Papilio: Purposeful, Nurturing, and Joyful
At Papilio, reading is more than a daily activity - it’s a way we connect, teach, and inspire. Whether it’s during circle time, independent reading in the Book Nook, or storytelling outdoors under a tree, we create rich literacy experiences every day.
Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is grounded in contemporary research and tailored to each stage of development. From our youngest babies to our kindergarten-aged children, literacy is embedded through intentional play, conversation, and connection.
Summary: The Benefits of Reading Aloud
-
Boosts vocabulary, memory, and attention span
-
Encourages empathy, creativity, and emotional resilience
-
Builds early reading and writing skills
-
Enhances focus, critical thinking, and comprehension
-
Strengthens the parent-child bond
-
Nurtures a lifelong love of learning
Looking for inspiration?
Ask your Papilio Centre Team for age-appropriate book ideas or tips for creating a calm, enjoyable reading routine at home. Our educators love supporting families in their reading journey.