According to the National Literacy Trust, reading to children under five brings numerous advantages, including feelings of reassurance, relaxation and happiness. For even younger ones, meanwhile, having a grown-up read to them frequently can be an incredible springboard as they learn to comprehend language more fully and start to use it for themselves.
Recent research suggests, however, that less children are actually read to every day (or nearly every day) at home – meaning that many would benefit from more inspiration and support at this critical juncture in their development. The guide has practical tips for helping children to experience the joy of story time.