The 3 Ps – Cultivating a Lifelong Love of Reading

By Darpana Choudhary, FIS Librarian

"Children are made readers on the lap of their parents," says Emilie Buchwald. This quote highlights the crucial role of reading in a child's life, and as adults, we bear a social responsibility to nurture a love for reading in the children around us as early as possible.

During a child’s formative years, the home serves as the first and most important place for learning and growth. A home filled with age-appropriate and engaging books can unlock a world of knowledge in a safe and comfortable environment. But what does it mean to make reading accessible at home? Let’s explore this through the 3 Ps: People, Place, and Purpose.

People

Early literacy is built on connections. Children learn to read through shared experiences with the adults in their lives. Parents, caregivers, and teachers all play a vital role in developing a child's early reading skills. As the first teachers, parents set the foundation for their children's literacy. Reading aloud from infancy through early childhood can create a lifelong bond between adult and child. Children who are read to from a young age develop empathy and enhanced listening skills. Parents can further support this journey by providing books that match their child’s developmental stages and by celebrating reading milestones. Being present in a child’s reading journey is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.

Place

A child’s home offers a sense of belonging and can become their very first library. Access to books at home is essential for learning. A childhood rich in reading experiences fosters not only academic achievement but also a lifelong love of learning. Studies show that children who are regular readers tend to perform better in school. When schools and homes work together to foster reading habits, children thrive.

Purpose

Exposure to language through books not only enhances a child’s vocabulary but also has a lasting impact on their ability to use language effectively. Children who read, or are read to, excel in making connections—whether text-to-text, text-to-self, or text-to-world. They become stronger critical thinkers and develop an improved ability to process information. Just 15 minutes of daily reading can lead to a richer vocabulary and better writing skills. Reading also contributes to a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. As Kate DiCamillo wisely said, "Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered as a precious gift."

As parents, caregivers, and teachers, we have a shared responsibility to guide children on their reading journey by being the right people, in the right place, with a shared purpose.