Home Reading Initiative
Whether we enjoy reading or not, the important role that books play in children's development should be clear to us all.
Stories can entertain, teach and amuse and help children to understand how they fit in to the world. Reading together will also have a positive effect on a child's emotional development. Cuddling up for a story with their parent or carer can make a child feel special and important.
An early start
It is never too early to start familiarising children with books and developing a pattern of activity and interest.
The Bookstart initiative provides nearly every new parent and child in the UK with a free book and advice on reading with children. Young children who share books and read regularly are likely to continue doing so throughout their lives.
Bookstart demonstrated that these children are at an advantage when they reach primary school age. Their research showed that children's language skills and confidence when dealing with numbers improved.
Illustration by Ali Scott, from 'Beginning with Books'.