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Inspiring Bedtime Story

By Ms Victoria Overton

As a child, I loved bedtime Was it because I was tired? No, it was because I knew that my favourite moment of the day had arrived, my bedtime story. My dad always invested so much time, imagination, and love into the stories that he told me that they have become core memories for me and are certainly the reason why I love to read as much as I do as an adult

Creating a bedtime reading routine provides a child with so many tools, not just academically but also emotionally That special bonding moment can create conversations, promote a safe place to help channel emotions, and can also help improve their mental wellbeing The characters in the stories that we read (or invent) can provide models to help them understand big emotions and who they are, as well as help them understand complex situations in a child friendly way By recognising similar situations, feelings, and emotions in the stories that we tell, we are not only giving children the vocabulary that they need to express themselves but also the idea that they are not alone and that we understand their feelings

Are bedtime stories only for small children? Of course not This routine adapts to the child’s needs as they get older and build up more confidence in their own independent reading capabilities For example, with small children, we tend to read stories to them, invent stories with them, and try to ensure that they understand and relate to what they are being read However, once a child is starting on their own reading journey, we get them to read to us, we encourage them, congratulate them, and support their learning This not only builds up their reading confidence, but also their self-esteem and belief in themselves. Let's not forget that it’s not just about reading books, it's about stimulating the imagination and letting the creativity flow, so making up stories together can also provide powerful tools for them

What happens if we miss a day or can’t always stick to a strict schedule? Absolutely nothing This is a process that needs to be enjoyed from both sides, and sometimes life gets in the way All we can do is enjoy the moment, enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the special moments with your child and watch them blossom

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