Families For Life | Reading with Toddlers
Reading with your toddler is a simple way to support their learning and strengthen your bond. Whether you are sharing a bedtime story, looking at pictures during a bus ride, or singing nursery rhymes together, these everyday moments help your child build language and communication skills.
Why Reading Matters
From ages 1 to 3, children learn rapidly through listening, watching and interacting. Hearing stories introduces them to new words, sounds and ideas. Over time, this helps build the foundations for speaking, understanding language and later learning to read.
Books also spark your child's imagination and curiosity about the world. Most importantly, reading together creates warm, positive moments that help your toddler feel safe, connected and loved.
The earlier you start, the better. Even a few minutes of reading each day can make a difference.
Making Reading Fun
At this age, the goal is not to finish a book or read every word. Instead, focus on enjoying the experience together.
You can make reading interactive by letting your toddler choose a book, turn the pages or point to pictures. Talk about what you see: "Where's the dog?" or "What colour is the bus?" Encourage your child to name familiar objects and make fun sounds, such as animal noises.
If your toddler knows a favourite story, pause and let them complete a word or sentence. Singing songs and nursery rhymes also helps build language skills in an enjoyable way.
Many toddlers enjoy hearing the same book repeatedly. While it may seem repetitive to adults, repeated reading helps children remember words, understand stories and gain confidence.
Building a Reading Routine
Try to set aside time each day for books. This could be before bedtime, after childcare, or during a quiet moment at home.
Create a cosy reading spot with a few books within your child's reach. Turn off distractions such as the television so your child can focus on your voice and the story. Sitting close together while reading helps your child see the pictures and makes the experience more comforting and engaging.
Keep sessions relaxed and follow your child's interest. Some days your toddler may want to read several books, while other days a few pages may be enough.
Choosing Books for Toddlers
Toddlers often enjoy books with bright illustrations, simple stories and repeated words or phrases. Rhyming books, songs and predictable stories are especially appealing because children can join in.
Look for books about topics that interest your child, such as animals, vehicles, family life, playgrounds or everyday routines. Interactive books with flaps, textures or moving parts can also capture a toddler's attention.
Recommended Books
You may want to explore these popular titles:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Time for Bed by Mem Fox
Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz
The Wheels on the Bus by Richard Merritt
I Went Walking by Sue Williams
Peepo! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Hairy Maclary books by Lynley Dodd
Visit Your Local Library
Singapore's public libraries are great places to discover age-appropriate books. Membership is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and libraries offer story sessions, reading programmes and a wide range of children's books. Librarians can also recommend books that match your toddler's interests and stage of development.
Reading together does not have to be perfect or lengthy. A few enjoyable minutes each day can help your toddler develop a lifelong love of books and learning.
Video: Early Literacy for Infants and Toddlers
Watch this video to learn about the importance of teaching literacy from a young age, and how to instill literacy skills in your child.