There’s nothing quite like cuddling up with your child and sharing a story. Whether you’re reading the same book for the third night in a row or flipping through pages with a curious baby on your lap, these small moments create lasting memories, and they do a lot more than you might think.
At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we know that reading aloud from birth to age five supports everything from language and communication to emotional wellbeing and school readiness. And the best part? You don’t need to be a perfect reader. Just being present, talking, laughing, and turning pages together is enough.
Babies (0–1 Years): Starting Strong from the Very Beginning
Your baby might not be saying words yet, but their brain is growing faster than it ever will again. Reading aloud helps them:
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Hear new sounds and rhythms in language
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Strengthen memory and listening skills
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Feel calm and connected through your voice and presence
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Learn to love books and stories early on
Even if your baby seems more interested in chewing the book than listening to it, that’s okay. Research shows that shared reading from infancy builds strong foundations for learning and communication (AAP, 2014). Your voice is their favourite sound.
Toddlers (1–3 Years): Big Feelings, Big Learning
Toddlers are busy little learners. Reading with them helps slow things down and supports:
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Language development, as they repeat words and copy your tone
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Understanding emotions, through stories about friendship, kindness, and challenges
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Building imagination, by picturing places and characters
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Daily routines, like reading before nap or bedtime, to create comfort and predictability
At Aussie Kindies, we include storytime every day - in groups, one-on-one, indoors and outdoors - because we know how much toddlers thrive when they feel safe, seen, and heard.
Preschoolers and Kindergarten (3–5 Years): Getting Ready for Big School
The years before school are a key time to support early literacy. Reading together at home and in the centre helps your child:
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Build confidence with letters, sounds, and storytelling
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Think critically, by predicting what happens next or asking questions
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Strengthen memory and focus, by following longer stories
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Understand different points of view, building empathy and emotional smarts
The OECD (2019) highlights daily reading as one of the most effective ways to prepare children for academic success. At Aussie Kindies, our Preschool and Kindergarten Program for children aged 3–5 includes meaningful literacy experiences, social development, and lots of opportunities to ask “why?”
Try This at Home: Don’t worry about reading the book “right.” Just have fun! Use silly voices, point to the pictures, or ask, “What would you do if you were in this story?” These moments help your child connect with you, and the story.
Why Reading Together Matters
Reading aloud is more than something to tick off a to-do list. It’s a way to bond, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Just a few minutes a day can:
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Build language and communication skills
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Support emotional regulation
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Encourage focus and memory
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Strengthen your relationship
At Aussie Kindies, we weave reading into every part of the day. Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum includes age-appropriate literacy experiences from birth to age five, helping every child build confidence and curiosity at their own pace.
Summary: The Benefits of Reading Aloud
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Grows vocabulary and builds early literacy skills
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Supports imagination, empathy, and emotional understanding
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Encourages memory, attention, and problem-solving
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Helps children feel calm, connected, and confident
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Prepares them for a positive transition to school
Want help finding the right books?
Our friendly Educators are always happy to share suggestions based on your child’s age, interests, and needs. Just ask - we love chatting about books!