Starting early and reading often and aloud will help your children for years to come. Benefits of reading to kids includes the development of language, vocabulary, and thinking skills. Reading also helps children develop creativity and emotional skills. Stories allow children to put themselves in other’s shoes, helping them to develop empathy.
A few tips for reading sessions with kids:
Make it part of your routine - Setting a time each day for reading, whether that’s before bed or mid-morning, will help establish security and set expectations for what’s important to them.
Read the pictures - Look for cues and talk about what’s happening and how the characters feel.
Pause - Talk about the story as you go or after you wrap up. Ask for their thoughts.
Our team at Monarch Montessori assembled a list of our favorite children’s books. At Monarch Montessori, we make books like these, and more, available to our students. If you’re looking for reading help, we also offer tutoring services.
Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee “The vivid, lyrical language! The gorgeous illustrations! This gem is my favorite book to read aloud with children.” – Julia, Monarch Montessori Executive Director and Lead Teacher
A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats “I am always reminded of this book during the first snowfall. Every Minnesotan can connect with curious little Peter.” – Jennie, Monarch Montessori Board Member
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima “A children’s book I fell in love with as an adult. A beautiful story about being different and defining who you are.” – Maria, Monarch Montessori Board Member
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems “Anyone who has a child or has been a child will relate to this sweet story of a city-dwelling family's trip to the laundromat.” – Julia, Monarch Montessori Executive Director and Lead Teacher
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault – “I remember reading this as a class out loud when I was in Kindergarten. My teacher had an over-sized copy of the book and we would all read it together, especially the part when we got to yell Chika Chika Boom Boom!” – Julie, Monarch Montessori Board Member
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes “I loved this story as a child because I connected so much with Lilly (I even had a purple plastic purse!). She loves everything and is really eager to share her excitement with others.” – Jennie, Monarch Montessori Board Member
The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey “The curiosity of the pup” – Maria, Monarch Montessori Board Member
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown “Both my grandma and mom would read this to my brother and I before going to bed. I love the memory of these bedtime stories. It’s my favorite book to give for any baby shower.” – Julie, Monarch Montessori Board Member