How We Foster a Love for Reading

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.