Start a Story, Start a Habit: Nurturing Early Readers with Board Books

It all begins with a story. A colourful cover, a few playful words, and a little one curled up close, wide-eyed with curiosity. Board books may be small, but they open big doors to language, imagination and lifelong reading habits.

At Contigo Idiomas, we’ve carefully curated a selection of board books that do more than just entertain. These are books that invite interaction, spark joy and become part of a child’s daily rhythm, whether in the classroom or at home.

In schools, board books offer a warm, accessible entry point into the world of stories. They allow even the youngest learners to explore books independently, building confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging in the reading corner. A child who can reach for a book on their own begins to see reading as something that belongs to them, not something they have to wait for.

At home, these books become woven into everyday routines — a quick story before breakfast, a moment of calm before nap time, or the beloved bedtime book that gets chosen night after night. It’s through these simple, repeated moments that children begin to associate books with warmth, comfort and connection. And that’s where the magic begins.

Over time, these small rituals turn into powerful habits. Reading becomes part of the rhythm of the day, and books become familiar companions, something children return to again and again. That sense of security, familiarity and joy lays the foundation for a lasting relationship with reading.

Board books often mark a child’s very first experience of storytelling. The impressions they leave, the sounds, the colours, the shared laughter stay with them far beyond the toddler years. The stories may be short, but their impact is deep.

For parents, board books offer a way to build story time into everyday life. For teachers, they help establish a culture of reading from the very beginning. And when families and educators work together to make books feel like home, shared, safe and consistent, the benefits reach far beyond early literacy. They nurture attention, imagination and emotional connection.

These aren’t just books — they’re invitations. To pause, to connect, to start something meaningful.

Explore our handpicked board book collection and bring the habit of reading into your classroom, your home… and their hearts.