Reading with children is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support their development. Storytime is more than a way to wind down at the end of the day. It helps children to build language, grow their imagination, and deepen their connection with you.

Why Reading Matters

From the very first stories shared with babies, reading plays a role in shaping how children see the world. Listening to stories introduces them to new words, sentence patterns and ideas. It supports their vocabulary and helps them understand how language works.

Books also help children to make sense of feelings. Characters often face challenges, feel scared, or celebrate success. By following their journeys, children can better recognise and name emotions, which builds empathy.

Storytime is also good for focus and memory. Remembering what happened last time and predicting what might happen next keeps children engaged and thinking. Perhaps most importantly, stories fuel imagination. They take children beyond the limits of their own experience and encourage them to dream, wonder and create.

Making Storytime a Daily Habit

You do not need a huge library of books to enjoy storytime. What matters most is consistency and enjoyment. Choose a cosy place, keep distractions away and make it part of the daily routine. Many families enjoy bedtime reading, but it can also work after school or at breakfast on a lazy weekend.

Read with expression and make it interactive. Use different voices, pause to ask questions and let your child guess what might happen next. For younger children, pointing to pictures and naming objects can help them learn. For older children, ask how they think a character is feeling or what they would do in the same situation.

Bringing Storytime to Life

Stories do not need to end when the book is closed. You could draw favourite characters, act out scenes, or make up new endings together. A blanket fort or den can transform into a reading corner where the magic feels even stronger.

Mix up the kinds of books you read. Picture books and fairy tales are wonderful, but non-fiction can also spark curiosity. A book about the sea can lead to a trip to the Plymouth waterfront, while a story about animals can be followed up with a visit to a local wildlife park.

Local Opportunities

Libraries in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall regularly run story sessions, rhyme times and reading challenges. These are free or low cost and are a brilliant way to meet other families. Bookstart, run by BookTrust, also provides free books for children under five, so check with your local library or health visitor.

Useful Resources

• BookTrust for book lists and advice

• BBC Bitesize for literacy support and activities