By Hazel Ho
Instilling a love for reading in children is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them. It fuels their learning, nurtures their imagination, and promotes personal growth. For many families, this journey begins with school reading programmes—where children have access to a library and the opportunity to borrow books each week.
The Little Seeds Preschool (TSA-Tampines) Library Programme is a weekly initiative designed to promote a love for both English and Mandarin among children and help them become confident, independent readers. The programme includes a combination of structured activities and independent reading time. Teachers read aloud to the children during designated sessions to encourage language development and spark interest in various stories, while students are then encouraged to read at their own pace, either in the classroom or at home.
The books range from simple picture books suitable for beginner readers to more advanced storybooks for independent readers. This ensures that children are exposed to a variety of reading levels, allowing them to progress and develop their language skills.
How do school reading programmes make a difference?
The reading programme serves as an excellent starting point for cultivating a passion for reading from an early age. By encouraging both literacy and the holistic development of young learners, these initiatives play a key role in shaping their future love for books.
Many of our parents have witnessed firsthand the benefits of our school reading programme in their children.
“Having a school library is a fantastic way to encourage young children to develop the habit of reading,” says Rui Xin’s parents. “Each week, Rui Xin picks a book she’s excited to read and brings it home. She loves to share what she’s reading and always asks us to read along with her.”
For other families, these programmes help foster a love for reading that extends far beyond the classroom. “Alex brings home different books from school every week and reads them with his family. These books not only allowed him to gain knowledge but also made him have a strong interest in reading and developed a good habit of reading before going to bed,” shares Alex’s parents. “Reading has now become a regular part of our family routine, and it’s a wonderful bonding time.”
“Reading together every night has given our daughter the confidence to read independently,” say Emmanuelle’s parents. “Now, she loves her books even more than her toys!”
Simple and fun tips for parents to encourage reading at home
- Establish a reading routine
Set aside a specific time each day for reading. Even just 10 minutes before bed can help develop a lasting reading habit.
- Make reading enjoyable
Use voices, sound effects, or even act out parts of the story to make reading fun and interactive for your child.
- Encourage independent reading
Let your child choose their own books. This empowers them and boosts their enthusiasm to read. - Introduce various reading formats
Explore a variety of materials—magazines, comic books, and audiobooks—to keep reading exciting and fresh.
Nurturing a love for reading starts from young
Starting with a school-based reading programme that offers access to a library and the opportunity to borrow books sets a strong foundation for a lifelong love of reading. But it doesn’t end there. By incorporating reading into daily home routines, parents can continue to foster this passion, helping children develop habits that will last a lifetime.
Reading does more than impart knowledge—it sparks joy, nurtures creativity, and fosters connections. Parents play an essential role in shaping this love for books. By creating a home environment that celebrates reading, parents inspire children to embrace it as a lifelong habit. Whether it’s through reading aloud, encouraging independent exploration, or introducing innovative tools and technologies, there are countless ways to nurture a love for books. They key lies in consistency, active involvement and making reading an enjoyable part of everyday life.
For parents who have witnessed the transformative power of reading, investing time and energy in cultivating this habit not only builds essential academic skills but also strengthens family bonds and nurtures the imagination. A love for reading is truly a timeless gift that you can give your child—one that continues to enrich their lives for years to come!
To find out more about our preschools, visit https://littleseeds.edu.sg/.
Hazel Ho is the principal of Little Seeds Preschool (TSA – Tampines)
