At Futuro, reading aloud is part of our everyday rhythm. It's how we connect, slow down, share stories, and support children's language and thinking from their very first days with us.
Whether it's a baby listening to the sound of a familiar voice, a toddler joining in with repeated phrases, or a preschooler asking thoughtful questions about a story, reading aloud plays a powerful role in early learning, and it's something we value deeply across all our centres.
Why reading aloud matters
Reading aloud isn't just about learning to read later on. It supports children to:
- build language and vocabulary
- develop listening and concentration skills
- strengthen emotional connection and a sense of belonging
- explore ideas, feelings and the world around them
Research shows that when children listen to stories, their brains are highly engaged, often more so than when they're watching screens. Unlike fast-paced digital content, reading aloud encourages children to imagine, think deeply, and stay focused for longer periods of time.
In a world where screens are everywhere, sharing a book together offers something different: calm, connection, and meaningful interaction.
Books in our learning spaces
The books children see and access each day matter. At Futuro, our Educators thoughtfully select and rotate books to ensure they are:
- age-appropriate and engaging
- inclusive and reflective of diverse families, culture and experiences
- supportive of children's interests and developmental stages
We also think carefully about how books are displayed, making them inviting, accessible and part of children's play and learning throughout the day.
Reading at home
Reading aloud doesn't need to be long or complicated. A few minutes together at bedtime, after dinner, or during a quiet moment can make a big difference.
You might like to ask your child:
- What did you notice in the story?
- How do you think the character felt?
- What do you think might happen next?
There's no "right" way; it's the shared experience that matters most.
Our educator-recommended book picks
To finish, we'd love to share some of our Educators' favourite books for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Many of you will already be familiar with these much-loved titles, as they're regularly enjoyed across our centres. Each supports early language, imagination, connection and a lifelong love of reading.
To help extend these experiences beyond the classroom, many of our centres have community libraries located in our foyers. Families are warmly encouraged to borrow, share and enjoy books together at home, supporting children's love of stories in everyday moments.