“Again, again!” – why repeating stories is great for your baby

Do you have a shelf or basket of beautiful books at home, only for your toddler to keep picking out the same one over and over? You might feel like you should hide it for a while, but going back to a favourite read is actually a good thing. 

Repetition can be comforting 

Repetition helps your toddler become more familiar and confident with the story. This will also feel comforting for them – like the book equivalent of a warm hug or a favourite blanket!  

Supporting awareness of pattern and rhythm 

The more the same patterns and rhythms are repeated for children, the more familiar they will be with them.  

You may notice your toddler repeating these refrains along with you as you read to them. A growing awareness of this also supports them with reading later in life.  

Developing vocabulary 

Reading stories and becoming more familiar with certain ones will support your toddler in developing their vocabulary – even if they are in the early stages of talking.  

Understanding stories 

The more familiar your toddler is with a story, the more they will understand the contents. As they grow older, you may notice that they anticipate certain parts of stories, and later try and predict what comes next. You might also see them acting out favourite aspects of stories in role play.