Families For Life | Reading and Storytelling with Babies and Children-Young Children

Children aged 4 to 6 are becoming more confident readers and are often eager to explore topics that interest them. Regular exposure to books helps strengthen language skills, build knowledge and fuel imagination.

Encourage your child to read a variety of materials. In addition to storybooks, they may enjoy magazines, simple instructions, letters, comics or informational books about their favourite subjects.

Making the Most of Library Visits

Libraries provide free access to a wide range of books, allowing your child to discover new authors, topics and genres.

Before a library visit, build excitement by asking questions such as:

• How many books would you like to borrow?

• Can you find books about a favourite topic?

• Would you like to try a new author?

• Which book would you like to read first?

Giving children a chance to choose their own books can increase motivation and confidence.

Expand Reading Opportunities

Book exchanges with relatives, friends or preschool communities can be a cost-effective way to introduce fresh reading materials.

Libraries also offer storytelling sessions, activities, audiobooks and e-books. These resources allow children to enjoy stories in different ways and can help maintain their interest in reading.

Key Takeaway

When children have access to a variety of reading materials and opportunities to choose books that interest them, they are more likely to develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading. Regular library visits can play an important role in nurturing this habit.