In a world filled with screens and digital stimulation, the simple act of reading a story aloud to a child remains one of the most powerful tools for nurturing development, creating connection, and building lifelong skills. For nannies, storytime represents far more than just a way to fill the afternoon—it’s an opportunity to profoundly impact a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth, says Charlotte, our most experienced nanny.
The Remarkable Benefits of Regular Reading
The research on early reading is unequivocal: children who are read to regularly enjoy significant advantages. Regular storytime:
- Builds language skills: Children exposed to regular reading develop larger vocabularies and stronger language comprehension. They encounter words in books that rarely appear in everyday conversation, enriching their linguistic foundation.
- Strengthens the brain: MRI studies show that being read to activates the areas of a child’s brain involved in narrative comprehension and visual imagery. These neural pathways form the basis for later reading success.
- Develops attention span: In an age of quick digital dopamine hits, the ability to sit and focus on a single narrative is becoming increasingly rare—and increasingly valuable. Regular storytime helps children practice sustained attention.
- Creates emotional intelligence: Stories help children understand and process complex emotions in a safe context. When characters experience jealousy, fear, excitement, or disappointment, children learn to recognize and name these feelings.
- Fosters imagination: Unlike visual media that provides all the imagery, books invite children to create mental pictures, developing the creative thinking skills that will serve them throughout life.
The Nanny’s Unique Role in Storytime
While parents certainly read to their children, nannies often have different opportunities and advantages when it comes to storytime:
Consistent Daily Opportunities
Nannies typically spend significant daytime hours with children, allowing them to incorporate reading during optimal alertness periods. From short picture books during snack time to chapter books during afternoon quiet time, nannies can weave multiple reading moments throughout the day.
Fresh Perspective and Delivery
Children benefit from hearing different reading styles and voices. A nanny brings their own energy, cadence, and expression to stories, potentially engaging children who might be less responsive to their parents’ familiar reading style.
Professional Intentionality
As childcare professionals, nannies can approach storytime with developmental goals in mind, selecting books that address specific skills or concepts while still keeping the experience joyful rather than instructional.
Creating Magical Storytime Moments
For nannies looking to elevate their storytime approach, consider these strategies:
Create a Dedicated Reading Environment
Designate a special reading spot with comfortable cushions, good lighting, and minimal distractions. This physical space signals to children that something special is about to happen and helps them transition into a receptive mindset.
Use Your Voice as an Instrument
The way you read matters tremendously. Experiment with:
- Different voices for characters
- Varied pacing for tension and excitement
- Volume changes to build anticipation
- Dramatic pauses before page turns
Remember that you don’t need theatrical training to be an effective storyteller—authentic enthusiasm communicates more than perfect performance.
Make Books Interactive
Transform passive listening into active engagement:
- Ask open-ended questions about what might happen next
- Invite children to make sound effects at appropriate moments
- For familiar stories, pause and let children fill in remembered phrases
- Connect story elements to the child’s own experiences
Follow the Child’s Lead
While having a reading plan is valuable, remaining flexible to follow a child’s interests creates the most meaningful experiences. If a picture prompts questions that lead away from the storyline, embrace that curiosity. The goal isn’t completing books but nurturing engagement with reading.
Extend Stories Beyond the Page
Help stories come alive beyond reading sessions:
- Act out favorite scenes together
- Create simple crafts inspired by the book
- Cook foods mentioned in the story
- Look for real-world examples of concepts from the book during outings
These extensions reinforce that books connect to real life, not just isolated entertainment.
Communicating Reading Progress with Parents
One of the most valuable services nannies can provide is keeping parents informed about their child’s reading journey:
- Share breakthrough moments when a child connects with a previously challenging book
- Note new vocabulary words the child has incorporated from stories
- Recommend titles that have particularly resonated
- Document favorite characters or themes emerging in the child’s preferences
This information helps parents continue the reading relationship during their time with the child.
The Lasting Impact of a Reading-Rich Childhood
When nannies prioritize regular, engaged storytime, they’re not just entertaining children—they’re laying foundations for lifelong success. Studies consistently show that early reading experiences correlate with:
- Academic achievement across all subjects
- Stronger critical thinking skills
- Greater empathy and social understanding
- Higher likelihood of reading for pleasure as adults
Each story shared represents an investment in the child’s future while creating joyful present moments of connection.
At The Governess & Co, we value nannies who understand the profound impact of seemingly simple activities like reading aloud. Our professional nannies are trained to incorporate developmentally appropriate literacy experiences that nurture each child’s unique potential. To learn more about how our nannies can enrich your child’s early learning experiences, contact us today.