How to develop a habit of reading books early on in your child?

Parents who model the habit of reading books often inspire their children to develop curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.

“If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.”

– Roald Dahl

Developing an interest in book reading early on is a crucial step in your child’s development. Why do you ask? Well, once your little one starts taking an interest in reading, they not only start focusing on words, but also develop a sense of concentration.

Here are some of the simplest (and tested) ways to encourage a habit of reading books and instil a lifelong passion for books in your little one. 

Why is concentration important for reading? 

Concentration is one of the most important skills for book reading because it will allow your child to focus their attention on the words and sentences they are reading. Plus, it will also help them to process information in a more systematic and efficient manner as they grow up.

With strong concentration skills, your child will be able to read fluently, comprehend the meaning of the text, and remember what they have read. Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori method, believed that concentration is a key component of learning, and she developed a variety of techniques to support its development in children.

Montessori techniques for nurturing a habit of reading books in your little one 

Montessori techniques are like magic for helping your child develop a love for books!

With fun activities and special spaces, you can create a world where your little one will be able to dive into the joy of reading.

Here are some of the steps that you can implement at home:

1. Preparing the environment: For a Montessori prepared environment, you need to prepare the surroundings in such a way that they support concentration carefully. This means that there should be a designated area in the room that is quiet, free of distractions, and arranged in a way that encourages children to focus on their reading.

2. Encouraging movement: Maria Montessori believed that movement is essential for a child’s physical and cognitive development, and she developed a variety of movement-based activities to support their development. For example, your child may be encouraged to walk along a line as they practice focusing on the line as they walk. You can try to incorporate physical activities into book reading, such as acting out stories, introducing props, and making reading an interactive experience. 

 3. Follow your child’s interests: Please encourage your child to explore different genres and themes based on their curiosity and inclinations. Each child possesses unique preferences and interests, so be receptive to their choices and incorporate their favourite subjects into their book-reading routine. Whether it’s dinosaurs, fairies, or outer space, let their enthusiasm guide the selection of books. By catering to their passions, you cultivate a sense of ownership and ignite their natural eagerness to delve deeper into the world of book reading. 

4. Encourage storytelling and writing: Writing and storytelling go hand in hand with book reading. Please encourage your child to express their creativity by drawing, dictating stories, or writing narratives. Provide soft prompts such as, “Tell me about your favourite character,” or “Can you draw a picture depicting the most enjoyable segment of the story?” These activities will help develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination while fostering a deeper connection to the written word. 

5. Using sensorial materials: Montessori encourages filling the surroundings of your child with sensory materials, such as sandpaper letters and movable alphabets that allow children to explore language in a hands-on and tactile way. These materials help children develop their concentration skills by engaging all their senses and providing a rich and varied learning experience.

6. Providing a rich language environment: Montessori education theory believes that a rich language environment is essential for developing concentration and other cognitive skills. This means that parents should provide their children with various language experiences, such as reading books, telling stories, singing songs, and engaging in conversations. By exposing children to a rich and varied language environment, parents can help them develop strong concentration skills and a love for the habit of reading books. 

Check me out: Montessori Mindful Parenting - Second Year Course (13-24 months)

7. Visit libraries and bookstores: Extend your child’s reading experience beyond the boundaries of your home by visiting local libraries and bookstores. These spaces will expose your child to a vast collection of books and cultivate a sense of community and love for reading. Engage in library story-time sessions and encourage your child to select their own books to borrow. These outings will provide valuable opportunities to connect with other book-loving families and reinforce the importance of reading.

List of books to encourage the habit of reading books in young children (ages 2–8)

• The Why-Why Girl by Mahasweta Devi
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Gajapati Kulapati by Ashok Rajagopalan
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
• The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond
• Tiger on a Tree by Anushka Ravishankar
• I Am Enough by Grace Byers
• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
• I Will Save My Land by Rinchin
• The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories by Sudha Murty

Summing it up

Helping your child build the habit of reading books isn’t about finishing pages—it’s about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and bonding.

When parents make an effort to prepare a quiet and comfortable reading environment, encourage movement, and use sensory materials for their children, they help develop a reading and learning friendly zone. Over time, reading will become more than a habit and turn into a lifelong love that shapes their imagination, empathy, and confidence. This will also go a long way in developing not only a habit of reading books, but also lay the foundation for developing strong concentration and cognitive skills.

So, start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, make reading feel like an adventure, not a task. Someday, you will look back and smile, knowing those tiny story sessions opened big worlds for your child.

Happy Reading!

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A little about us

At Nino Mondo, we believe childhood is the perfect time to sow the seeds of curiosity and imagination. Through our Montessori Mindful Parenting Courses, we guide parents to create nurturing environments where children naturally build habits like the love of reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to develop the habit of reading books early in children?

Starting early helps children build vocabulary, imagination, focus, and empathy. It also creates a positive bond between parent and child through shared stories.

2. At what age should I start reading to my child?

You can start as early as infancy! Babies may not understand the words, but they enjoy your voice, rhythm, and the comfort of story time.

3. How much time should my child spend reading every day?

For toddlers, even 10–15 minutes daily is a great start. As children grow, you can gradually increase reading time while keeping it fun.

4. What types of books are best for young children?

Board books, picture books, rhyming stories, and short tales with colourful illustrations are perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

5. How do I make reading interesting if my child gets distracted easily?

Use expressive voices, choose interactive books, or let your child pick the story. Keep sessions short and fun to match their attention span.

6. Can digital books help in developing the habit of reading books?

Yes, digital books can be engaging, but balance is key. Physical books offer a sensory experience—touch, turning pages, and pictures—that children love.

7. How can I encourage a reluctant reader?

Start with topics they are curious about—animals, vehicles, or colours. Celebrate small wins, and avoid making reading feel like a chore.

8. How can parents be role models in developing the habit of reading books?

Children imitate adults. When they see you reading regularly, they are more likely to view books as a natural and enjoyable part of life.