Kids today are surrounded by entertainment — cartoons on TV, sounds from tablets, reels popping up everywhere.
But when it comes to reading? Many simply don’t feel interested anymore. Attention spans are shrinking long before Grade 1 even begins. Children can swipe, tap and scroll for hours, but they struggle to read a story for even 5 minutes.
As a result, we have over a million children who are below grade level in reading. That’s where interactive experiences like reading bedtime stories with children can help. Parents can also enroll their children in programs like i-Maths, where storytelling games and logic-based activities are part of their daily curriculum.
But what more can parents do to nurture observation, logic, and creativity in their children and make them better readers? Let’s find out.
Why Early Reading Habits Matter
Reading is one of the most powerful early learning activities you can introduce to your child. It’s not just about decoding letters and sounds — it’s about sparking curiosity, improving focus, and building the confidence to explore the world around them.
Studies show that children who develop strong reading habits early on are better problem-solvers, more empathetic, and perform better academically later in life. When children read regularly, they start to think critically, connect ideas, and even imagine possibilities beyond what they see — a skill that strengthens both their academic and emotional intelligence.
Create a Reading-Rich Environment at Home
To raise a reader, you first need to build an environment that celebrates reading. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — just intentional.
1. Surround your child with books
Create mini reading corners around the house — a basket of storybooks near the bed, a few picture books in the car, or fun rhyming books in the playroom. Easy access encourages spontaneous reading, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.
2. Make books part of daily life
Turn everyday moments into reading adventures. Read cereal boxes at breakfast, street signs during walks, or grocery lists together. These mini reading moments transform mundane routines into interactive preschool learning activities that strengthen vocabulary and comprehension.
3. Let your child see you reading
Children imitate what they observe. If they see you flipping through a book or magazine, they’ll naturally associate reading with relaxation and joy. Let them sit beside you with their own book while you read yours — shared quiet time can be just as powerful as storytime.
Choose the Right Books for Kindergarteners
Every child’s reading journey begins with the right stories — ones that capture their imagination and suit their developmental stage.
1. Pick stories that match their interests
If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, outer space, or fairy tales, follow that curiosity. When they read about topics they love, they build positive associations with reading itself. You can also take inspiration from this blog on Education Through Storytelling to see how stories can make learning feel magical.
2. Focus on rhythm, rhyme, and repetition
Books with rhythm and repetition help children recognize patterns and sounds — essential for developing phonemic awareness. Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems, or rhyming storybooks are perfect for early readers.
3. Include picture books and interactive stories
Visuals are vital for young learners. Picture books with expressive illustrations and interactive formats (lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or sound books) keep children engaged and make reading a full sensory experience — one of the most effective preschool activities for comprehension and creativity.
Turn Reading into a Fun Daily Routine
Consistency beats intensity when it comes to early reading habits.
1. Read aloud with expression
Your tone, pace, and enthusiasm can make or break your child’s reading experience. Bring characters to life with funny voices and sound effects. Reading aloud also helps them hear the rhythm of language and improve their listening skills.
2. Make bedtime reading sacred
Even five minutes before bed can make a big difference. It becomes a comforting ritual — one that children associate with love, safety, and learning.
3. Let them “read” to you sometimes
Even if your child can’t read all the words yet, let them describe pictures or retell the story. This builds narrative skills, confidence, and ownership of their learning journey.
Engage Your Child in the Story
Reading isn’t a one-way activity — it’s a dialogue.
1. Ask questions as you read
Pause and ask simple, open-ended questions like “What do you think happens next?” or “Why did the character feel that way?” This builds comprehension and helps them think critically.
2. Connect stories to real life
When a story mentions animals, talk about your last zoo visit or a favorite pet. These connections strengthen memory and understanding.
3. Encourage imagination and retelling
After reading, ask your child to act out scenes, draw their favorite part, or even create a different ending. These are excellent preschool learning activities that strengthen storytelling, creativity, and communication.
Make Reading Social
Reading doesn’t always have to be a quiet solo activity — it can be social and shared.
1. Visit libraries and storytime sessions
Local libraries often host storytime hours and seasonal events that introduce kids to new books and friends. If you’re searching online for an early learning centre near me, look for one that includes interactive storytelling sessions as part of its curriculum.
2. Organize small “reading playdates”
Invite your child’s friends for a short story circle or reading-themed craft day. Kids are more excited to read when they see their peers doing it too.
3. Use audiobooks for car rides or quiet time
Audiobooks develop listening skills and help children absorb stories even when you’re on the go. Try pairing an audiobook with a physical copy so your child can follow along visually.
Bring Technology into Reading — Mindfully
Technology can be a wonderful supplement when used intentionally.
1. Educational reading apps and e-books
Interactive platforms like Epic! and Reading Eggs can make digital reading engaging and educational. They blend storytelling with phonics and comprehension exercises — perfect for short afterschool programs or weekend learning sessions.
2. Balance screen reading with physical books
Encourage your child to enjoy both worlds. While screens offer convenience, the sensory experience of turning pages, tracing words, and looking at colorful pictures fosters better focus and comprehension.
Celebrate Reading Milestones
Children love recognition, and reading progress deserves to be celebrated. Track your child’s reading journey with stickers or drawings. Every completed book can be an achievement worth celebrating. Praise their enthusiasm, questions, and effort more than the number of pages read. Positive reinforcement motivates them to keep exploring.
You can also make it a tradition to gift a new book for birthdays, holidays, or back-to-school moments. Over time, your home library becomes a symbol of growth and happy memories.
The Bigger Picture — How Reading Builds Lifelong Learners
Reading is more than an academic skill — it’s the seed of lifelong curiosity. When children read, they learn to question, imagine, and make connections — abilities that go far beyond words on a page.
At i-Maths, we believe the same principles apply to early math and logic learning. Just as stories build comprehension and language, mathematical stories and activities strengthen reasoning and imagination. Our teaching method uses storytelling, visuals, and play-based lessons to help children develop the ability to think independently — a core skill in both reading and mathematics.
Whether you’re searching for an early learning centre near me or exploring afterschool programs that go beyond rote learning, i-Maths offers an environment where curiosity thrives and every child learns at their own pace. Don’t believe us, here are some testimonials from parents who’ve seen their children fall in love with learning.
To learn how our approach blends creativity, logic, and imagination — the same way reading does — book a free info session today.
Because when a child learns to love stories and numbers, they don’t just prepare for school — they prepare for life.
FAQs
That’s completely normal at this age! Don’t force it — instead, make reading playful. Try books about topics they already love (like animals, space, or fairy tales), use funny voices, or act out scenes together.
Even 10–15 minutes a day is enough to build a habit. The key is consistency. Reading together at the same time every day — like before bedtime — turns it into a comforting ritual rather than a task.
Not immediately. Let them enjoy the story first. Over-correction can make them self-conscious. Instead, gently model the correct pronunciation when you read the same word later. The goal is confidence, not perfection.
For energetic kids, use interactive books — ones that involve touch, movement, or sounds. You can also pair reading with movement: let them act out stories, use puppets, or draw their favorite scenes.
Yes — as long as it’s balanced with real books. Educational reading apps like Epic! or Reading Eggs can make stories come alive with sound and visuals. Just ensure screen time is short, supervised, and followed by some quiet page-turning with physical books.
Look for books with short sentences, repetitive words, and lots of pictures. Let your child flip through the pages — if they can recognize most of the words but still find it slightly challenging, it’s probably a good fit.
Make reading part of your family adventures! Carry books during trips, listen to audiobooks in the car, or try DIY story-making games at home.
At i-Maths, we combine stories, visuals, and problem-solving activities that strengthen the same skills children use while reading — imagination, reasoning, and focus. Our teaching method helps children think beyond words and numbers, developing a deeper understanding of how learning connects across subjects.