At Fundamentals Early Learning Centre, one of the most common questions families ask is:
“What age can I start reading to my child?”
Our answer? The moment they are born.
Yes – even newborns benefit from hearing the rhythm, tone, and melody of your voice as you read aloud. The earlier you start, the greater the impact.

️ Mem Fox’s 10 Reading Commandments

Australian literacy advocate and beloved author Mem Fox once said,
“When I say to a parent, ‘Read to a child,’ I don’t want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate.”

Mem Fox’s 10 Reading Commandments serve as a guide for raising strong readers. A few favourites include:

• Spend at least ten minutes a day reading aloud – from birth!
• Read with happiness and joy.
• Let children hear lots of language – spoken and read.
• Repeat favourite stories over and over.

These simple commandments remind us that reading should be a joy, not a chore.

 Why It Matters: Early Literacy = Future Success

Research tells us that strong early literacy and communication skills are directly linked to future academic success.
Children who are regularly read to in the early years are more likely to:

• Enter school with a strong vocabulary
• Develop listening and comprehension skills
• Build confidence in speaking and expression
• Achieve higher reading and writing grades throughout primary school and beyond

According to ACECQA, by age 3–5 years, children are expected to:

• Use longer sentences of 5+ words
• Understand stories and ask questions
• Recognise rhythm and repetition in books
• Know how books work (turning pages, left to right)

These developmental milestones are supported best through daily reading routines at home and in early learning settings like ours.

 Making Books a Daily Habit: Tips & Tricks

We encourage families to build reading into everyday life. Try these simple strategies:

• Make a cozy reading nook – a blanket, a soft toy, and a basket of books is all you need.
• Follow their interests – trucks, animals, rainbows, bugs? There’s a book for everything!
• Turn off distractions – even five focused minutes of storytime matters.
• Use expression and voices – this keeps your little one engaged and builds listening skills.
• Re-read favourites – repetition helps children predict, comprehend, and feel confident.

 Choosing Age-Appropriate Books

Not sure what books are best for your child’s age and stage?
That’s where we can help!

Here are a few favourites from one of our educators, loved by toddlers and preschoolers alike:

1. Mem Fox – Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
2. Eric Carle – The Very Hungry Caterpillar
3. Pamela Allen – Who Sank the Boat?
4. Michael Rosen – We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
5. Marcus Pfister – The Rainbow Fish

These books are not just beautifully written and illustrated – they support key literacy and communication milestones by encouraging language, rhythm, interaction, and emotion.

 Ask Us for Book Recommendations!

If you’re unsure where to start, come chat with our team at drop-off or pick-up.
We’re always happy to suggest titles and even share what we’re reading in classrooms each week.
Whether it’s a board book for your baby or a story to spark imagination in your preschooler – we’ll help you find the perfect match.

At Fundamentals Early Learning Centre, we believe a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.
It all starts with one book, one voice, and one special moment – repeated every day.

 Ready to build your child’s love of literacy? Ask us today for a book list tailored to your little one.