Why is it important to share books and stories with babies?
Sharing books and stories helps to build babies and children’s language and communication skills from the very start.
You don’t need special skills or lots of time. Your child will love hearing your voice. If you sing, play, or make things up with your child, you are already sharing stories.
Find fun and simple ways to enjoy books and stories with your 0-5 year old in our Share stories with me booklet.
Download the free booklet
You can complete many of the activities anywhere, anytime! You know your child best, so choose the activity ideas that feel right for you and your child.
How can books and stories help my baby learn to talk and communicate?
It’s never too early – or too late - to have fun sharing books and stories together. When you make this a part of your daily life, your child will experience lots of different benefits.
- Sharing books and stories is a lovely way to bond with each other. Especially when you read and make up stories about the things they’re interested in.
- They give babies and children the chance to hear and recognise sounds and words. Inviting little ones to join in, helps them practise those sounds and words.
- Books and stories introduce new words about new things, such as vehicles, places, or animals. Hearing familiar words within a story also helps them understand what these words mean.
- The back and forth conversations you have as you talk about books and stories helps them learn how to take turns in conversations.
- Spending a little time sharing books and stories together regularly is the best way for your child to develop a love of reading. As they grow, a love of reading can help support their happiness, confidence and future learning.
