Yolo County Library

Why Bedtime Reading Matters

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Reading to children before bed isn’t just a way to end the day; it is a vital part of their development that nurtures their imagination and creativity.

Image of a book cover with a drawing of a sleeping full moon. Title: Buenas Noches Author: Meritxell Marti and Xavier Salomo

Creating a Routine:

Establishing a bedtime story routine helps children feel secure and calm. Familiarity with this nightly routine can ease anxiety about bedtime, making it a comforting transition from a busy day to restful sleep.

Encouraging Listening Skills:

Children learn a great deal by listening. Through stories, they develop language skills, expand their vocabulary, and improve their comprehension. Each story exposes them to new words and phrases, enhancing their ability to express themselves.

Fueling Imagination and Creativity:

When children are read to, their imaginations take flight. They begin to visualize characters, settings, and scenarios, which fosters creative thinking. Moreover, storytelling isn’t limited to books; encouraging children to create their own stories based on a single picture or from their imagination enhances this creativity even further.

 Making Up Stories Together

One of the joys of nighttime Storytime is the opportunity to create stories together. Parents and children can look at a picture and weave a tale around it or invent fantastical stories on the spot. This collaborative storytelling not only sparks creativity but also strengthens the bond between parent and child.

The Benefits of Imaginative Play

Imaginative play is a natural extension of storytelling. When children make up stories or reimagine their favorite tales, they are practicing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This type of play allows them to explore different perspectives, emotions, and scenarios, helping them navigate their own experiences and feelings.

Image of a book cover with a child wearing pajamas in bed holding a red hardcover book. On the bed are three small robots. The child is looking at them and smiling. Title: Beep Beep! Go to Sleep! by Todd Tarpley Illustrated by John Rocco

 

Check out our early learning kits: Visit your local library!

Bilingual backpack : cuentos para dormir

Storytime kit : bedtime

 

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