Why reading aloud matters as a daily ritual: What research tells us

Few moments in the day feel lovelier: the lights are dimmed, your child is snuggled up, and together you step into a distant world. What feels like simple comfort can also be a valuable part of your child's development.

Research repeatedly suggests that regular reading aloud is more than a way to pass the time. It supports foundations for learning at school, emotional understanding and the brain's processing of stories.

At the same time, Stiftung Lesen's Reading Monitor 2024 describes a concerning picture: 32.3% of children aged one to eight are rarely or never read to; the report gives a figure of 18% for never. Children aged five to seven, around the start of school, are particularly affected. There is encouraging news too: in 2024, the proportion of parents reading aloud returned to a level similar to before the pandemic, with a reported increase of 4.3% compared with 2023.

1. Supporting language development

The most obvious benefit is language. Children who are read to regularly tend to have a larger vocabulary. According to the Reading Monitor 2024, schoolchildren whose parents read to them more often report that learning to read was easy, and they are more likely to pick up a book themselves.

Reading habits vary considerably with age. While 90% of parents regularly read to three-year-olds, the figure for one-year-olds is 59%. Even very young children can benefit from early shared reading.

Books introduce words and sentence structures that rarely appear in everyday conversation. This store of language helps children understand more complex ideas and express themselves more precisely later on.

2. Mental pictures and the brain

A study published in Pediatrics in 2015 by Hutton and colleagues examined brain activity in preschool children listening to stories.

Story listening engages regions in the left parietal-temporal-occipital area associated with mental imagery and word meaning. As children listen, they build their own pictures in their minds. Visualisation is an important foundation for later reading comprehension and creative thinking.

3. Emotional connection and easing stress

Reading aloud is time for connection. A parent's undivided attention tells a child: You matter, and I am here for you. That sense of security can help the moment feel calmer.

Stories also offer opportunities to explore empathy. Seeing characters overcome fears or resolve disagreements helps children make sense of feelings, both their own and other people's. It supports emotional understanding and thinking about social situations in real life.

One notable Reading Monitor finding: 74% of parents who were read to as children read to their own children several times a week, regardless of education level. Reading aloud is a gift that can be passed between generations.

4. Bedtime routines and sleep

An evening routine can be an anchor for children. Reading aloud signals: The day is ending; now it is time to settle. A familiar reading ritual helps bridge the busy day and a quieter evening.

Studies suggest an association between regular bedtime routines that include reading and falling asleep more easily or sleeping better. This should not be understood as a guarantee for an individual child.

5. Tips for your reading ritual

Not everyone has the energy for a long reading session every evening. That is fine. Consistency matters:

• Even 15 minutes a day can make shared reading part of everyday life.
• Make it interactive: Ask questions such as “What do you think happens next?” to encourage your child to think along.
• Make books accessible: 29% of families have fewer than ten children's books. A small physical or digital library makes it easier to get started.
• Use modern helpers: According to the Reading Monitor, 43% of parents use apps for their children, with 26% using them specifically for reading aloud. Digital options can complement traditional reading.

At SchlummerMärchen, we help you make these moments more personal. Our AI-supported stories put your child at the centre, giving them a personal connection to the tale and another reason to engage with it.

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Sources and further reading

• Stiftung Lesen: Reading Monitor 2024 — key findings (German)
• Stiftung Lesen: Reading Monitor 2024 — press release (German)
• Stiftung Lesen: Reading Monitor 2024 — PDF (German)
• Hutton, J. S., et al. (2015): Home Reading Environment and Brain Activation in Preschool Children Listening to Stories. Pediatrics, 136(3), 466–478.