Every child, at some point, learns the magic of deciphering those small letters scattered around the world: on packaging, on street signs, in bedtime stories.
The process is not always simple. And how nearby adults encourage—or do not encourage—this contact with books makes a real difference in whether this discovery turns into a habit.
The good news is that cultivating a love for reading in early childhood education does not depend on complex formulas. It depends on presence, routine, and a few simple care habits that any family and any school can apply every day.
In this article, you will discover that:
- Physical contact with books, even before a child learns to read, builds the foundation for future literacy;
- Children who listen to stories regularly tend to develop a richer vocabulary than those who only engage in everyday conversations with adults;
- The example set by adults carries more weight than any speech about the importance of reading;
- An environment designed for reading, inside or outside of school, lowers the entry barrier for young children into the world of books;
- Respecting each child’s interests prevents reading from becoming an obligation and turns it into a discovery;
- Technology can support this process, provided it is used judiciously and without replacing contact with physical books;
Why the reading habit in early childhood makes such a difference
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its recommendation on this topic: reading to a child from birth through at least the end of early childhood helps build brain circuits linked to language and emotional bonding.
A study led by researcher Dominic Massaro at the University of California, Santa Cruz reinforces this point, showing that reading aloud builds vocabulary and grammatical mastery more effectively than merely talking with a child throughout the day.
How to bring children closer to books from infancy
Initial contact with books can (and should) happen long before formal literacy. A few simple choices help during this stage:
- Offer books from early life, prioritizing textures and materials resistant to handling;
- Set up a reading nook at the child’s height, with low shelves, cushions, and free access to books;
- Take the child to the school or neighborhood library, so contact with books is not restricted to a single environment.
The role of example: why seeing adults read matters
When a child observes an adult reading for pleasure, they perceive reading as something desirable, rather than an imposed task.
Reading to the child every day, at home and at school, and discussing the story afterward helps develop both comprehension capacity and vocabulary at the same time.
How to make reading enjoyable and stimulate creativity
Enjoyable reading arises from connecting the story with the child’s real world. A simple strategy to apply: when reaching a suspenseful moment, pause reading and ask what they imagine will happen next. This short pause encourages the child to form their own hypotheses even before knowing the ending, exercising imagination and comprehension simultaneously.
Respecting the child’s interest and varying formats
Every child goes through different stages and has distinct preferences when it comes to books. Offering varied genres, from animal stories to picture books, helps the child discover what sparks their interest most and develop autonomy of choice early on.
The role of technology in encouraging reading
Technology can be an ally when used judiciously: interactive apps and audiobooks expand the child’s repertoire. However, it is worth remembering that organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend prioritizing physical books during this stage, as direct interaction with pages better supports attention and language development than screens.
Book suggestions to get started
- Bedtime on the Farm (Hora de dormir na fazenda – Yoyo Books)
- Woolly Lana (A ovelha Lana – Vale das Letras)
- Woof Woof! Says the Dog (Au au! Diz o cachorro – Kathryn Smith)
- A Bear Song (Uma canção de urso – Benjamin Chaud)
- The Walk (O passeio – Pablo Lugones)
- Puzzles (Quebra-cabeças – Diego Bianki)
How St. Nicholas encourages reading in early childhood education
At St. Nicholas School, a benchmark in early childhood education in São Paulo, this encouragement is present from the earliest years, with environments designed for spontaneous contact with books and an international curriculum that values curiosity as the starting point for learning.
What is the ideal age to start encouraging a child to read?
There is no exact moment. Experts recommend exposure to books and reading aloud from the first months of life, respecting the interest of each stage.
How to build a reading habit at home?
By setting aside a fixed time of day to read with the child, creating an inviting space for books, and showing an interest in reading yourself.
Do digital books help or hinder children’s reading development?
They can complement the process when used in moderation, but physical books better promote attention and language development at this stage of growth.
Why does the school play an important role in this encouragement?
Because it provides a structured environment, complete with time, materials, and appropriate mediation that reinforces and expands what the child experiences at home.
Conclusion
Encouraging reading in early childhood education does not require complex methods: it requires presence, environment, and consistency. Small everyday choices, inside and outside of school, are what truly build this habit.
If you are looking for an environment that values this process from the earliest years, learn more about St. Nicholas School.
