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How can we cultivate a love of books from an early age ? The example set by nurseries, with reading at the heart of our educational programme :
From the very first word, from the very first glance at a page, a whole world unfolds. At KidsCare, we have made reading a key part of our educational programme. Because reading is much more than just looking : it is listening, understanding, imagining and sharing. And from nursery age onwards, familiarisation with books helps to develop language skills, curiosity and a love of learning.
Why reading ?
Research in education and neuroscience is clear : early exposure to books promotes language development – it enriches vocabulary, stimulates comprehension and prepares children for academic success.
Furthermore, as we state in our educational approach: "The practices of our daycares... encourage the acquisition of language and all forms of intelligence."
By being certified Né pour lire, we are renewing our commitment : "moments spent with books promote language development, imagination and sharing."
Concrete initiatives : books as a common thread
To bring this ambition to life, we have implemented several concrete measures:
• Travelling books : suitcases full of books that circulate from nursery to nursery. This rotation allows us to regularly renew the stories offered to children, while strengthening the dynamic of sharing between our facilities.
• Book boxes : installed in certain nurseries, these offer families a space for exchange: drop off a book, borrow a title, in any language. A great way to encourage linguistic and cultural diversity at home.
• Ritualised reading times : every day, in French and English, reading times are part of the daily routine: a calm, soothing moment, often accompanied by gestures, rhymes or signs — encouraging active listening and expression.
• Books adapted and available for all ages : from toddlers in the nursery to preschoolers, each space is enriched with books adapted to the stages of development. In this way, books become a familiar companion in children's daily lives.
• A reading committee in certain daycares : to bring this educational project to life, a group of employees from different teams meets regularly to coordinate activities around books, such as choosing titles and organising family workshops. This governance promotes collective buy-in and high quality.
How does all this fit into our educational approach ?
In our unique educational approach, we affirm : "Language learning is at the heart of our teaching" and that "the pre-school period... is conducive to language learning due to the adaptability of the child's brain."
Reading takes on its full meaning here : it contributes to linguistic and cultural awareness, it is part of the bilingual (French/ English) framework we offer, and it is based on several teaching methods (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Pikler) that value the child as an active participant in their own development.
The book then becomes a tool, a medium that contributes to :
• the child's independence (choosing a book, handling it)
• expression – verbal, gestural, imaginative
• a positive relationship with oneself, others and the world
Benefits for the child and family
This approach benefits not only the child but also their entire environment :
• Children gain vocabulary, listening skills and the pleasure of immersing themselves in a story.
• Families are encouraged to continue this habit at home: thanks to book boxes and exchanges, they become active participants in their child's literary life.
• Educational teams strengthen their role as cultural transmitters, mediators and reading companions.
• The "Né pour lire" label provides external recognition and motivates our teams to continue innovating.
Practical advice for families
To extend this culture of reading at home, here are a few simple tips :
• Establish a daily reading time : before nap time, at the end of the day... a calm, regular ritual.
• Encourage linguistic diversity : one book in English, another in French, or even in a language spoken at home.
• Encourage your child to choose their own book : even at a very young age, this autonomy promotes interest.
• Create an accessible "book corner" : within reach, in a quiet place, with a small selection that can be renewed.
• Use book boxes or shared family libraries : exchange and discover together.
At KidsCare, reading is not an accessory, but a central theme of our educational programme. Thanks to travelling books, book boxes, ritualised reading times, and a dedicated committee in some nurseries, we offer children a rich, stimulating and caring environment. Because every story read is a door to the world — and one more word in a child's vocabulary.