Encouraging a Love of Reading from the Start

Encouraging a Love of Reading from the Start

There’s something magical about the way a young child’s eyes light up during storytime—the anticipation, the characters, the colors, the rhythm of the words. Long before a child learns to read on their own, they are already absorbing the joys and foundations of literacy. The key lies in establishing early reading habits that feel natural, fun, and part of everyday life.

Reading is more than just a skill—it’s a gateway to imagination, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Studies show that children who are read to regularly from infancy are more likely to develop stronger vocabulary, better listening skills, and improved comprehension. But beyond the academic benefits, early reading experiences help build warm, secure bonds between caregivers and children. That connection makes reading feel not just important—but joyful.

At Magic Kingdom Learning Center, we know that fostering a love for books doesn’t begin with worksheets or phonics drills. It begins with moments: cuddles on the couch, silly character voices, pointing to pictures and asking, “What do you think happens next?” In this blog, we’ll explore why early reading habits matter, how to make storytime a cherished part of your routine, and simple ways to spark a lifelong love of reading in your child.

Why Early Reading Habits Matter

The first five years of life are a time of incredible brain development. During this window, the foundations for language, comprehension, and communication are rapidly forming. Reading aloud to young children introduces them to the sounds, patterns, and structure of language— long before they begin decoding words on a page.

When you read to a baby or toddler, you’re doing more than just entertaining them. You’re helping build neural connections that support memory, attention span, and literacy. These early reading habits play a critical role in school readiness.

Children who are consistently exposed to books from an early age are more likely to enter kindergarten with a richer vocabulary and a deeper understanding of how stories work. But the benefits go beyond school. Reading builds empathy by exposing children to different perspectives. It strengthens imagination and critical thinking. Most importantly, it creates a safe, comforting ritual that children associate with love, safety, and discovery.

Making Storytime a Daily Ritual

Like brushing teeth or eating breakfast, reading is most impactful when it becomes a consistent part of daily life. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a quiet moment after lunch, or a few pages while waiting at the doctor’s office, the key is regularity.

To build strong early reading habits, you don’t need hours each day. Even just 15 minutes of focused, shared reading can have a tremendous impact. The secret lies in your presence—your voice, your facial expressions, your willingness to pause and engage. Children thrive on routines. When reading becomes a predictable part of the day, it provides comfort and structure.

Over time, this consistency helps children begin to anticipate—and look forward to—those shared moments with books. Let your child take the lead. Let them choose the book, turn the pages, ask questions, and even interrupt with their own stories. These moments aren’t distractions—they’re signs of curiosity and active engagement, which are the building blocks of literacy.

Choosing the Right Books for Young Minds

Not all books are created equal, especially for little learners. When selecting books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, look for stories with vivid illustrations, engaging rhythms, and simple, repetitive language. These features support comprehension and keep young attention spans engaged.

Books with rhymes, predictable patterns, and animal sounds are particularly appealing for young children. They invite participation, which boosts memory and makes reading more interactive. As your child grows, you can introduce books that explore emotions, problem- solving, and simple narratives that reflect everyday experiences.

The goal is to make reading feel enjoyable—not a chore. If your child wants to read the same book over and over again, embrace it! Repetition builds confidence, reinforces language patterns, and provides a sense of mastery. These are all essential components of strong early reading habits. Libraries and local bookstores can be great resources for discovering new titles.

You can also rotate books at home to keep things fresh while maintaining a few cherished favorites.

Making Reading Fun and Engaging

For many children, reading is more exciting when it involves play. Use animated voices for different characters, add sound effects, or act out parts of the story together. These playful touches make the experience memorable and deepen your child’s emotional connection to books.

Pause often during reading to ask open-ended questions like “What do you think happens next?” or “How do you think they feel?” These questions encourage critical thinking and help children develop empathy and comprehension. You can also connect stories to real-life experiences. Reading a book about baking cookies? Bake some together afterward.

Read a story about animals? Visit a petting zoo or draw your favorite characters. These connections help reinforce that reading isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about exploring the world.

At Magic Kingdom Learning Center, we incorporate these same strategies into our curriculum. Reading is never passive; it’s woven into play, songs, art, and storytelling to ensure children are actively engaging with language in meaningful ways.

Partnering with Your Preschool

Preschools play a vital role in nurturing early reading habits. At Magic Kingdom Learning Center, we believe in immersing children in language-rich environments where books are everywhere— from cozy corners to dramatic play areas to circle time. Our educators model reading behaviors, encourage storytelling, and tailor book choices to match each child’s developmental stage and interests.

We also partner with families to reinforce reading at home. Whether it’s through take-home book bags, literacy workshops, or simply sharing favorite read-alouds, we work together to ensure every child has the tools and encouragement they need to fall in love with reading. This collaborative approach helps bridge home and school, providing consistency and support that helps children thrive.

When children see books as valuable in both settings, the message is clear: reading matters.

Inspire a Lifelong Love of Books at Magic Kingdom Learning Center

At Magic Kingdom Learning Center, we know that the seeds of literacy are planted early—and we’re passionate about helping every child grow into a joyful, confident reader. Through engaging storytimes, hands-on activities, and nurturing guidance, we help children develop strong early reading habits that will serve them for a lifetime.

Reading isn’t just about letters and sounds. It’s about wonder, connection, and the power of imagination. If you’re looking for a preschool where books come to life and your child’s love of learning takes root, we invite you to schedule a tour with us today. Let’s turn the page together on your child’s journey to literacy and beyond.