Why Story Time Matters for Kids
Story time is crucial for children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. When a child listens to a story, they’re not just absorbing words—they’re learning language patterns, problem-solving skills, and the nuances of empathy and perspective-taking, ultimately establishing a foundation for lifelong learning and academic success.
According to HealthyChildren.org, reading books fosters essential brain connections necessary for children’s development. Reading together helps your child focus, develop curiosity, and expand their imagination.
In addition to story time, play time is also an important factor in child development. When parents and caregivers support a child’s purposeful play, children can develop important essential skills. Our blog on play-based learning emphasizes the significant role play has in early childhood development, problem-solving, fostering creativity, and social-emotional skills. It encourages children to learn through experimentation, exploration, and interaction. Though children have been learning through play throughout human history, this concept as a teaching tool has been growing in popularity thanks to its observable positive impact.
Many parents are now seeking to include educational and interactive screen time methods. This shift stems from the growing impact of digital media on child development, and the need for intentionality in digital consumption. Other key drivers include:
- Rise of Educational Technology: Tools and apps provide curriculum-aligned, gamified learning that appeals to both parents and children.
- Hybrid Learning Trends: Post-pandemic, many families have experienced the value of online educational resources and are more comfortable implementing digital learning.
- Interactive and Engaged Learning Benefits: Interactive media engages children in two-way communication (i.e. touchscreens, voice interactions, etc.), promoting active over passive learning.
Recent CivicScience data shows that a growing share of parents are limiting screen time to educational purposes during the week, signaling a shift toward more intentional and enriching digital engagement. The best way for toddlers to learn from screen time is for parents to play with them. Just like reading a book together, they learn more when you talk through what’s happening together. Using screens to interact with real people, like grandparents on FaceTime, is also a great way for toddlers to get a lot out of screen time.
Why Live Events Are Better Than Just Watching Stories
Live events offer a multisensory, social, and emotional experience that passive media cannot replicate. Advantages of live storytelling include:
- Reduced Distractions: Live events command greater attention and reduce the risk of multitasking.
- Real-Time Interaction: Children can ask questions and receive responses.
- Social Learning: Observing peers and facilitators in real-time helps reinforce social norms.
In-person story time facilitators play a crucial role. Children are more likely to engage when facilitators give real-time praise or encouragement. They can pause stories to ask questions, promote predictions, and encourage reflections.
When comparing passive content (i.e. YouTube) with live experience (i.e. in-person story time), there are differences in interactivity, engagement, socialization, and cognitive behaviors. For instance, with passive content there is low- one-way communication, short retention, isolated viewing, and primarily visual/auditory; whereas live experiences provide high responsiveness, sustained retention, group dynamics, and enhanced critical thinking and creativity.
It is important to keep in mind that reading in any format is good for kids. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with your child. Consider experimenting with both formats and choose what works best. Whatever method you choose, remember to just enjoy and keep reading!
Family Engagement Opportunities
In our interactive Story Time sessions, we read a book, sing songs, move our bodies, and connect with other children and caregivers. This event occurs weekly and is open to families, child care providers, and family, friend and neighbor caregivers. Each day we read a different story that engages children as they explore the world around them. CCRC’s Playgroups incorporates these story time sessions because we strongly believe sharing books together builds more than early literacy – doing so nurtures connection. And by making stories a consistent part of playgroups, we are able to help lay a strong foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
How to Join CCRC’s Playgroups!
Children and their caregivers can sign up for our next in person playgroup by following these three steps!
1. Visit our Event Calendar
2. Click on your closest playgroup location
3. Fill out the registration form to reserve your spot
For more information about playgroups please email [email protected].
Other Parent Resources from CCRC
To help make story time with your child even more meaningful, we’ve created this free, bilingual What A Difference A BOOK Makes bookmark. This is a simple, yet practical resource to encourage daily reading and celebrate the joy of stories. Click here to download your bookmark and make every story time count!
CCRC supports families in a number of ways. We are also your one stop shop for all things related to early care and education. From finding quality child care, to child care development options – we’ve got your covered! Be sure to check out our Event Calendar for free events, trainings, and other engagement activities! For additional services, please visit our Parent Support Hub.