There’s something incredibly special about reading with your child. Whether it’s a snuggly bedtime story, a giggle-filled picture book on the couch, or a quiet moment with your baby in your arms, these shared experiences do more than create lovely memories - they help your child grow.
At Milestones Early Learning, we know that reading aloud from birth to age five lays the foundation for learning, confidence, communication, and emotional connection. And it’s not about being perfect - it’s about being present. Your child loves the sound of your voice, your attention, and your time together.
Babies (0–1 Years): Tiny Ears, Big Impact
Even before your baby can talk, they’re soaking up language through your voice. Reading to babies helps them:
-
Build vocabulary and language patterns from the earliest months
-
Learn sentence structure and rhythm
-
Strengthen memory and listening skills
-
Feel calm and connected through bonding with you
-
Begin to understand books as joyful and safe
You may wonder if your baby is really listening, especially when they’re more interested in flipping pages or chewing the corner of the book. But research shows that reading aloud from infancy supports brain development and early language skills (AAP, 2014). Every story you share helps shape your baby’s future.
Toddlers (1–3 Years): Curiosity Comes Alive
Toddlers are active, curious, and full of questions, and storytime taps into all of it. Reading with your toddler each day supports:
-
Language growth, as they learn new words and begin forming sentences
-
Emotional development, through stories about feelings and friendships
-
Imagination and memory, by following simple plots and remembering characters
-
Bonding, through predictable routines and close connection
Stories become part of the rhythm of the day - in the car, before bed, or even during transitions like getting dressed. And that routine becomes a learning anchor.
Preschoolers and Kindergarten-Aged Children (3–5 Years): Literacy in Action
Between ages three and five, children are building the foundational skills for reading, writing, and school readiness. Reading together helps:
-
Develop early literacy, such as phonics, letter recognition, and storytelling
-
Build empathy, as children understand how characters think and feel
-
Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking
-
Strengthen focus and comprehension
-
Fuel imagination, as they picture scenes and ask big questions
According to the OECD, children who are read to daily develop stronger cognitive skills - including memory, attention, and comprehension - all of which support school readiness and lifelong learning.
At Milestones, our School Readiness Program helps children aged 3–5 build these skills through rich literacy experiences, STEM learning, and social-emotional development.
Try This at Home: Let your child choose the book, even if it’s the same one again! Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think that character feels?” These questions build comprehension and encourage conversation.
The Joy of Reading Together
At Milestones, we see firsthand how storytime helps children settle, connect, and thrive. Reading becomes part of their daily rhythm - a quiet moment, a fun routine, or a springboard into imaginative play.
At home, even just 5–10 minutes a day creates connection and calm. It’s a chance to pause together, talk, listen, and share something just for the two of you. And over time, those small moments create big learning gains.
A Love of Reading Starts Early
At Milestones Early Learning, we’re proud to support your child’s early literacy journey through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. Our educators incorporate stories, songs, and language-rich experiences into every day, from our nursery through to our kindergarten-aged programs.
Whether it’s reading after morning tea, winding down before nap time, or exploring books in the garden, literacy is everywhere in our centres, and it all starts with the simple joy of a story shared.
Coming Soon: Watch Our Educators Share Their Favourite Storytime Tips
Stay tuned!
Summary: The Benefits of Reading Aloud
-
Boosts vocabulary, memory, and attention
-
Encourages empathy, imagination, and problem-solving
-
Builds strong early reading and writing skills
-
Reduces stress and supports emotional wellbeing
-
Strengthens your bond and supports lifelong learning
Need a recommendation?
Ask your Milestones Centre Team for their favourite age-appropriate book suggestions, or tips on how to make storytime work in your daily routine. Every story you share makes a difference.