Did you know that, on average, Singaporeans spend three times more time searching for properties than reading bedtime stories to their children¹? In the busy whirlwind of parenthood, storytime, a quiet yet powerful moment, often remains underutilised. 

As parents, we hold the key to fostering child development, a love for reading and the journey into a magical world of imagination — where every word is a discovery and every moment is a cherished memory. 

Curious about ways to help your child enjoy storytime? Here are some effective strategies to consider. 

As the sun sets and the day winds down, there is no better time to embark on a journey into the world of books. Make reading a part of your daily routine, carving out precious moments to snuggle up with your little one and explore the wonders of storytelling together. This is the perfect opportunity to strengthen the parent-child bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is also the ideal time to teach your child the joys of reading by modelling the experience firsthand². 

In many preschools in Singapore, like My First Skool (MFS) and Little Skool-House (LSH), storytelling is an indispensable part of daily school activities. At My First Skool, for instance, reading is integrated into the curriculum, with storytelling sessions brought to life through innovative means like shadow puppets, props, and role-playing. These creative approaches leave children spellbound and fully engaged. Similarly, at Little Skool-House, little ones eagerly participate in interactive storytelling sessions before nap time, providing a calming end to their active morning.

With a world of stories at your fingertips, how do you choose the perfect ones for your child? A rule of thumb is to look for age-appropriate and engaging storybooks that captivate their imagination and speak to their interests. You can also let your child pick out their own books to encourage a genuine enthusiasm for reading. When children have a say in their reading choices, they are more likely to be invested in the material and eager to dive into the pages.

Storytime is not just about reading words on a page — it is about bringing stories to life in vibrant, engaging ways. Use different voices, gestures, and expressions to animate characters and evoke emotions, transforming a simple story into an unforgettable experience. Encourage your child to join in the fun, asking questions, making predictions, and imagining what happens next. 

This approach is also embraced at LSH, where the creative writing programme motivates children to not only express their imaginations through words but also instils the confidence to share their stories with classmates. Through this initiative at the preschools, fantasies in stories are transformed into vibrant realities, inspiring creativity and language development in young minds. 

Transform your home into a haven of reading with soft blankets and shelves filled with books waiting to be explored. Create a cosy reading environment where you and your child can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and dive into the world of imagination together. 

Venture beyond the confines of home and explore the treasures waiting to be discovered in libraries and bookstores. Start by taking regular trips to your local library, where your child can browse shelves overflowing with stories waiting to be told. Unlike some countries where public libraries are experiencing declining visits, those in Singapore are witnessing a rise in visitors³. This surge translates to a wealth of activities and fresh offerings that promise to enrich your child’s love for reading.

The magic of storytime is a gift that we can give our children, shaping their minds, hearts, and souls in ways that extend far beyond the pages of a book. 

That is why at NTUC First Campus’s preschools like My First Skool and Little Skool-House, our educators place emphasis on storybook-driven learning within the curricula. We believe that storytelling serves as a channel for conveying complex ideas in a captivating manner, enveloping children in the boundless wonder of endless possibilities. 

Find out more about how we empower young learners here.

1. Singaporeans spend more time on property searches than reading bedtime stories to their children: Poll. The Straits Times. 02 May 2019 ↩︎
2. Why bedtime stories are so important to helping our children have a headstart in life. The Pride. 04 Jan 2021 ↩︎
3. The Big Read: Are public libraries dying? Not in Singapore – far from it. CNA. 27 Nov 2023 ↩︎