How We Foster a Love for Reading

June 9, 2025

Encouraging literacy from an early age with engaging books and storytelling

A recent article in The Guardian raised concerns among educators after revealing that many Gen Z parents are finding it hard to engage with reading to their children – describing it as boring or uninspiring. It’s a worrying trend, especially given how crucial early reading is for language development, emotional wellbeing and school readiness.

At Pendley Day Nursery, we take a very different view. We believe that stories are magical – and that helping children fall in love with books from an early age gives them the very best start in life.

Why stories matter

Reading isn’t just about preparing children for school. It’s about sparking imagination, building confidence, and creating joyful moments of connection. Being read to helps children develop listening skills, a richer vocabulary, and a stronger sense of narrative and empathy – even before they can recognise letters or words.

At Pendley, we make reading an enjoyable and enriching part of the daily routine. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a favourite storybook or an animated group storytime with props and actions, we tailor the experience to each child’s age, stage, and interests.

Bringing stories to life

We know that sitting still with a book doesn’t appeal to every child – and that’s okay! That’s why we use puppets, costumes, and role play to bring stories off the page and into the imagination. This active, multi-sensory approach not only boosts engagement but also helps children develop critical thinking, social skills, and a real sense of fun.

From soft sensory books for babies to picture books with recurring phrases for toddlers, we build confidence step by step – and celebrate every “Again!” with enthusiasm.

Stories that reflect every child

Children are far more likely to enjoy reading when they can see themselves in the stories they hear. That’s why we choose books that celebrate different families, cultures, feelings and experiences. We also use stories to help children process big emotions, understand others’ perspectives, and explore new ideas in a gentle and age-appropriate way.

How you can support a love of reading at home

We know that parents are children’s first – and most important – teachers. To help you continue the joy of reading at home, we regularly share book recommendations and ideas for making stories part of your everyday routine.

Whether it’s bedtime reading, a picture book picnic in the park, or simply chatting about the story on the front of a cereal box, every little bit helps. And remember, children love repetition – so if you’ve read The Gruffalo 57 times this week, you’re definitely doing something right!

And remember, it’s not about how you read – it’s about creating moments that matter and nurturing a lifelong love of stories.

For more advice and support, our team at Pendley Day Nursery is always here to help! Please call us on: 01442 967140 or drop us an email to: info@pendleydaynursery.com. You’ll also find us on Facebook.

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Falling in Love with Books: Creating Early Readers for Life

February 7, 2026

As we look ahead to World Book Day on Thursday 5 March, it feels like a lovely opportunity to celebrate the magic of books and the special role they play, not just in early childhood but throughout our whole lives. It’s also worth noting that 2026 is the National Year of Reading, a campaign designed to encourage more people to read by bringing books closer to everyday life and culture. The focus is on weaving reading into the things families already enjoy, from sport, music and films to food, play and family time, helping reading feel like a natural, enjoyable part of daily life rather than something forced or academic. At Pendley Day Nursery, books are part of everyday life; they are not just something we reach for at story time. They help children make sense of the world, spark their imagination and build skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Why books matter so much in the early years Babies and young children are natural learners. Long before they can read words, they are learning how books work, how language sounds and how stories flow. Sharing books from an early age will help to: Build listening and attention skills Support speech and language development Introduce new words and ideas Encourage curiosity and imagination Create calm, comforting moments of connection Perhaps most importantly, positive early experiences with books will help children develop a love of reading. That enjoyment is what stays with them as they grow. Reading together at nursery In the nursery, we make reading relaxed, fun and part of the daily routine. Children can enjoy: Cosy group story times One to one sharing of books with familiar adults Rhymes, songs and repetitive stories they can join in with Exploring books independently at their own pace We follow the children’s interests, whether that is animals, vehicles, fairy tales or favourite characters – there’s no pressure to sit still or finish a story. Sometimes a child might want to turn the same page again and again or talk about a single picture. That is all part of learning. How parents can encourage a love of books at home You do not need to be an expert reader or have shelves full of books to support your child at home. Small, simple moments can make a big difference. Here are a few easy ideas for you to try: Let your child choose their own books, even if it is the same one every night Talk about the pictures and ask gentle questions Use different voices or actions if you feel comfortable Read little and often rather than trying to fit in long sessions Make books part of everyday routines, such as before bed Most of all, keep it enjoyable. If your child wriggles, chats or wanders off, that is all perfectly normal. You’ll also find more tips and information on the National Year of Reading website. World Book Day at Pendley World Book Day is all about celebrating stories and encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. We will be marking the day (Thursday 5 March) at the nursery with activities, stories and book themed fun, all designed to feel inclusive and relaxed. We will also be inviting the children and staff to dress up for World Book Day, making the day even more fun and memorable. You can find out more about the day and its aims on the official World Book Day website . Creating readers for life Falling in love with books does not happen overnight. It grows from warm, shared experiences and positive feelings around stories. By introducing children to books early and making reading a happy part of everyday life, we are helping to give them a wonderful gift that lasts far beyond their early years. If you would like ideas for books to share at home or want to chat about how we support early literacy at Pendley, please feel free to speak to a member of the team. We are always happy to help. Telephone: 01442 967140 or email us at: info@pendleydaynursery.com .