The Importance of Bedtime Stories: 5 Major Benefits

The Magic of Reading: Why It Matters at DMW and at Home

At Discover My World, reading isn’t just part of the day — it’s woven into the fabric of everything we do. From story time under the trees to quiet corners with picture books, fostering a love for language and literature is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer our children.

We know the early years matter. That’s why reading is more than just a daily ritual at DMW — it’s a priority. We encourage our families to read with their children every evening. Not only does it build literacy, but it strengthens your bond, sets up positive bedtime routines, and helps shape curious, confident little learners.

Tip: Set the Scene for Storytime Before diving into a bedtime book, take a moment to set a calm and cosy atmosphere. Switch off the TV, dim the lights, put your phone on silent — and just be with your child. Let them see that this time is just for them. Make silly voices, act out the story, and watch the magic unfold.

Here are 5 wonderful reasons why reading should be part of your everyday rhythm:

1. Reading builds the foundation for success Reading with your child isn’t just sweet — it’s strategic. Every story builds vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills that support lifelong learning. Children who are regularly read to have a head start when it comes to school and literacy readiness.

Read more about the research here

2. It supercharges language and vocabulary Every book introduces new words, new ideas, and new ways of thinking. While our daily conversations can be repetitive, books offer richness and variety in language. At DMW, we fill our spaces with meaningful words, visual cues, and books that explore everything from friendship and feelings to dinosaurs and deep sea adventures.

3. It boosts focus and attention spans We get it — toddlers can be wiggly bookworms! But over time, the simple routine of reading each day helps children build focus and learn how to sit still and listen. Our educators role-model how to handle books gently and respectfully, and it’s beautiful to see children begin to mimic that care and attentiveness.

4. Books open the door to the world Whether it's exploring different cultures, celebrating diversity, learning a second language, or discovering what astronauts do in space — books are a gateway to knowledge. At DMW, we carefully curate our book collections to reflect the children's interests, expand their thinking and spark meaningful conversations.

5. Stories spark imagination and wonder The power of imagination lives in every page! Whether children are predicting what’s next or acting out scenes from a favourite book, reading fuels creativity like nothing else. Seeing a child’s eyes light up when the story “clicks” is one of the best parts of what we do.

Learn more about the importance of reading

So tonight, choose a book, snuggle up, and step into a story together. Your child won’t just hear the words — they’ll feel your love in every page turned.