Blog Series Alert!
This blog is a supplement to our Family Engagement Newsletter written each month by Tanya Robin Fisher, Collaboration for Early Childhood Family Ambassador. Thanks for being here!
As someone who prefers the smell of libraries over apple pie…
whose perfect date includes wandering a new-to-me bookstore, and who spent Brewers baseball outings and concerts with her nose in books, I always aspired to raise little readers. From the first weeks after my son was born, I started what I proudly called “snuggle-up-and-read time,” convinced that with every book we read, I was one step closer to raising a fellow bookworm.
Science says that when we read and talk about stories with young children, we’re doing one of the most powerful things for their brain development. Reading builds vocabulary, ignites imagination, and teaches problem-solving — all while helping kids understand the world around them and gain knowledge about all sorts of things.
CONFESSION: I used to think that preliteracy learning was the whole point. But now I know it’s also my favorite way to build our relationship. Storytime is like a pause button — a chance to snuggle up, breathe in that freshly (or not-so-freshly) shampooed hair, pretend the mountain of dishes doesn’t exist, and travel to a different world with my favorite little people.
You know how kids sometimes interrupt a book 62 times before you even finish page two? Turns out, that’s not a bug — it’s a feature. Research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child shows that “back-and-forth” conversations are like rocket fuel or fertilizer for growing brains. Every time we pause to answer a question, ask what they think, or follow a tangent about dinosaurs, cake, or rain boots, we strengthen their language, memory, and critical thinking — and get to peek inside a window to see how they see and think about the world.
Talking about stories helps kids make sense of life. Asking, “Why do you think the caterpillar ate so much?” or “What would you do if you were this character?” helps them practice empathy, perspective taking, decision-making, and problem-solving — skills they’ll carry far beyond storytime. Plus, it can open the door to talking about all sorts of things that may be going on in your lives.
Studies also show that kids who regularly discuss stories build stronger vocabularies and are more likely to enjoy reading later. And honestly? It makes the whole thing more fun — and often hilarious — for us grown-ups too. I still laugh at full-blown discussions about whether board games are called board games because you play them when bored, why wading pools aren’t called waiting pools, or if the taco-eating dragon prefers flour or corn tortillas. The story is just the spark. The real magic comes from talking about it.
CONFESSION: There have been times I’ve agreed to read Goodnight Moon or Hop on Pop for the 47th time and immediately regretted it — but then my kid says something hilarious or insightful beyond their years, and I’m hooked all over again.
As the proud mom of two now-big-kid bookworms, I’ve compiled a few favorite tips for reading with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids:
Get Comfy: Cuddle up with a blanket on the couch or in bed. Invite stuffed animal friends to read along.
Flip the Script: Hand the book to your child and let them “read” to you by making up a story from the pictures. Expect talking animals, maybe explosions, definitely plot twists.
Ask Unexpected Questions: Skip “What color is the dog?” and try: “Do you think dragons brush their teeth?” “What do you think this character is feeling?” “What would you do if you were the shopkeeper?”
The 5-Minute Hack: Pressed for time? Read one page — just one! — and talk about it. Kids remember the conversation more than the page count.
Survive the Endless Re-Read: If your kid wants the same book for the 47th night in a row, switch it up: Change the character names to friends, pets, or celebrities. Use ridiculous voices. “Accidentally” mix up the story and let your kid correct you (they LOVE this). Read it to the tune of their (or your!) favorite song
Sneak Reading Into Daily Life: Storytime doesn’t have to be bedtime. Read a grocery label, a street sign, or the back of the cereal box. My daughter once narrated an entire breakfast based on the Cheerios box. Pulitzer-worthy, in my opinion.
Reading and talking about stories builds brains, bonds, and big imaginations. It doesn’t have to be perfect or scripted. The interruptions, offbeat questions, and unexpected tangents? That’s where the magic happens.
CONFESSION: Sometimes I agree to read yet another story well past bedtime because I’m savoring the snuggles and the giggles — and sometimes that’s just what we all need.
Tanya’s piece about reading and discussing stories is exploring one aspect of The Basics, a group of five principles that anyone can do with young children to promote their healthy development. You can learn more about The Basics here!
