Savouring Storytime
Snug as two bookworms in a booknook
Reading (along with singing) to Leo was one of the things I most looked forward to while I was pregnant. So much so that I spent much of my pregnancy reading and singing away to my bump, which I’m sure looked weird but the science says it’s good, so 😅.
I remember the joy I felt as a child to be read to, sang to, danced with. It made me feel safe, loved, full of wonder. My Nan in particular would sing, dance and make up stories and adventures, and I have no doubt that the magic I feel for stories and music now all stems from the magic I was inspired to feel then. Even when times are difficult, those creative outlets have always kept our family’s hearts full. I hope Leo gets to feel a similar magic growing up. No doubt having two writing and music-obsessed parents will help!
We love this book, Bee, written by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. It’s one of the most stunning books I’ve ever seen. Leo regularly reaches for this one when I lay out a few to choose from, and I reckon that’s because of the bright, beautiful colours that span the cover and continue throughout this magical peek-through book. The story follows one little bee as she makes her way from bloom to bloom, before joining the bees back at the hive to share news of all the wonderful flowers that need pollenating!
At 6 months Leo is much too young to understand the story but he seems to enjoy the ear-catching onomatopoeia and rhyme that accompany the dazzling illustrations, and I’m confident this is a book that will captivate him as he grows.
1 week old Leo with his first contrast book
Babies are little learning machines. The roots of language and communication are developing in a baby’s brain long before they can talk, so even if they don’t appear to be taking much in, it’s still facilitating their development on no insignificant level.
Benefits of reading to newborns and infants:
It’s bonding time, soothing for your baby, and can also lower maternal stress.
While your baby might not understand the story, they can still pick up on the rhythm, tone and inflection of your voice which is great for brain development.
Studies show a direct link between the number of words a baby hears each day and their language skills later in life. Newborns who are read to everyday also tend to have a much larger vocabulary, and even more advanced mathematical skills.
Reading aloud introduces your baby to emotion and the idea that certain sounds mean certain things.
Most baby books are visually stimulating. Many have textures to explore too.
It cultivates the feeling that reading is fun, helping your baby to look forward to story time, rather than dread reading for school later in life.
It’s a great way to encourage a secure attachment.
It doesn’t matter what you read at this age, although contrast, brightly coloured or tough & feel books have added sensory benefits.
Leo loved staring at the black & white contrast books from as little as a week or two old, which are said to be great for developing eyesight and the ability to recognise patterns.
Establishing regular reading early increases the chance parents will continue reading to their children as they grow. We read at least once a day but we don’t have a set routine here. Some days we wander over to the bookshelf and I’ll let Leo reach for a book, but I also like to leave a couple of books in each room and one dangling on the pram, so that they’re always in sight and ready to pick up. At this age, books are only a few minutes long. That makes them easy to fit into the day. It’s a lovely way to be present with your baby and pausing to point at the pictures and emphasise the sounds makes it fun and engaging. A trip to the library is always fun, too.
Buzzing for Leo’s first World Book Day next week! Will you be taking part?
