Bedtime stories are often thought of as a way to relax children before sleep, but they can also be powerful tools for learning. Reading together at night is not only a comforting routine, it is an opportunity to strengthen vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.

When parents read aloud, children hear how words are pronounced and learn the rhythm of language. This exposure builds phonemic awareness, which is the foundation of strong reading skills. For younger children, simply hearing new words in context expands their vocabulary and helps them connect spoken language to meaning. For older children, listening to more complex stories introduces them to sentence structures and ideas they may not encounter in their own reading.

Bedtime stories also improve comprehension. Asking simple questions during or after the story encourages children to think actively about what they have read. Questions like “Why do you think the character made that choice?” or “What do you think will happen next?” prompt prediction, inference and reasoning skills. These are the same skills tested in school reading tasks and NAPLAN.

Another benefit is that stories provide a safe space to discuss values, emotions and problem-solving. Children can explore big ideas through characters and scenarios, building empathy and perspective in the process. A story about courage or friendship may lead to conversations that help them navigate their own experiences at school and with peers.

Most importantly, bedtime reading creates positive associations with books. When children see reading as enjoyable rather than a chore, they are more likely to pick up books independently and develop lifelong literacy habits. By making storytime a consistent part of the evening routine, parents can give their children the gift of learning in a calm and nurturing way.

Freddie Le Vay