Toddlers love to explore and interact with the world. It’s how they learn, and along the way, you can help them develop valuable skills. Reading time is ideal, both for entertainment and learning. Setting aside time each day has several childcare benefits, and you’ll find you’re setting your child up to excel in the classroom.

What Are the Reasons to Read to Toddlers?

1. Setting an Example

When you create daily reading time, you’re engraining your child on the importance of reading. It becomes a habit and a hobby. They value the experience, and when it comes time to read, they’ll be excited to learn. Reading can become a lifelong passion, so try to set aside 20-30 minutes each day to go through an age-appropriate book together.

2. Improved Learning

Toddlers rely on their ears and eyes during reading time to understand a story. They begin forming connections between sounds and pictures and understand the importance of being an attentive listener. 

Developing these listening skills is crucial to success in the classroom in the coming years. In childcare programs and at school, your toddler will be able to listen to teachers better, digest what they’re learning, and then apply it.

3. Sparking Creativity

Reading takes your child to countless places and requires them to think creatively. They begin to understand the structure of a story and the roles that people can play in it. At times, they may need to use their imagination to picture parts of a story if there are no pictures. Creative thinking can contribute to problem-solving in other areas that will benefit your child.

At the same time, you’re exposing them to new topics that get them interested in the world. New cultures, animals, the environment, and many other topics help them enjoy learning and encourage them to explore.

If you’re in the Rochester, NY, area and looking for an enriching childcare experience, enroll your toddler at Imagination Childcare Academy, Inc. These NYS-certified educators host programs for preschool-aged children, pre-K, and kindergarteners. They pride themselves on their diverse curriculum and welcome children to their after-school programs. Learn about enrollment and scheduling on their website or call (585) 413-3948 to speak with their office staff.