Unlocking the Magic of Reading Aloud: A Guide for Families in Zurich

Mags from Academicus
Aug 17
3 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

Did you know that doing just one simple thing every day could give your child a head start in language, learning, and leadership? Yet, shockingly, fewer and fewer parents are actually doing it.

A big survey by HarperCollins in the UK recently revealed something alarming: parents—especially Gen Z parents—are reading aloud to their kids less than ever before. Only 41% of children aged 0–4 are regularly read to, compared to 64% back in 2012. The gap is even more striking for boys: fewer than 30% of 0–2-year-old boys are read to daily.

Why Is Reading Aloud Important?

Why is this happening?

For many parents, reading aloud doesn’t feel like joy. It feels like homework—like something you should do, rather than something you want to do.

But reading aloud to your child really does matter. It is not just about getting through The Very Hungry Caterpillar one more time. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent:

It builds language: vocabulary, grammar, and attention span.
It sparks curiosity and imagination.
It helps children develop executive function—the very skills that allow them to focus, self-regulate, and problem-solve.
And perhaps most importantly: it creates moments of closeness, laughter, and connection between you and your child.

When parents stop reading aloud, children miss out on all of this. Research shows they can experience a literal “million-word gap” by the time they turn 5. Children who aren’t read to regularly hear up to a million fewer words by age 5 compared to their peers. That gap affects everything: confidence, comprehension, and long-term academic success.

How to Start Reading Aloud

But there is hope! It doesn’t take hours of structured “lessons” to turn this around. Just a few minutes a day of story-sharing, cuddling with a book, and letting your child’s imagination run wild can change the trajectory of their learning journey.

Ok, so you don’t have the habit of reading with your child daily yet. No problem. It is never too late to start (just start!). If reading feels like a drag and something you often forget to do, try weaving it into your child’s bedtime routine:

Set the stage – Keep a small basket of books by your child’s bed so it’s always within reach.
Make it predictable – Start with just one short book each night, right after brushing teeth.
Add connection – Let your child choose the story, snuggle in close, and make it your special time together.

In our family, we’ve made it simple: two books before bed every night (one book per child). It’s become as natural as brushing teeth—and it’s one of the parts of the day we all look forward to most.

Storytelling for Kids in Zurich

At Academicus, we believe stories should never feel like homework—they should feel like magic. That’s why we run exciting storytelling workshops for kids in Zurich, designed to bring books to life in a way that captivates young hearts and minds.

Our sessions are more than just storytime. They’re a chance for children to step into the world of books—laughing, moving, singing, and imagining as stories unfold before them. Parents often tell us that these workshops spark a renewed love of reading at home, transforming bedtime stories from a “chore” into a ritual everyone looks forward to.

The Benefits of Storytelling Workshops

So if you’re looking for meaningful activities for kids in Zurich, our storytelling workshops are the perfect way to nurture your child’s love of language and literacy while creating lasting family memories.

These workshops offer:

Interactive Storytelling: Children engage with stories through movement and music, making the experience lively and memorable.
Creative Expression: Kids can express themselves through art and performance, enhancing their understanding of narratives.
Social Interaction: Your child will meet other kids, fostering friendships and social skills.

A Final Thought for Parents

One day, your child won’t remember every toy you bought them. But they will remember the times you curled up together with a book, the sound of your voice bringing characters to life, and the warmth of those small everyday rituals.

And we are here to support you in your quest to teach your child the beauty of language, literacy, and lifelong learning. Because when children fall in love with stories, they’re not just gaining knowledge—they’re stepping into leadership.

And after all, readers are leaders.

Discover the next fantastic storytelling activity for kids and families in Zurich HERE! Ballet Storytime, Creative Storytime, Musical Storytime - so many storytimes to choose from!