At Star Learners, our literature-based curriculum has shown us the transformative power of books in children’s lives. From expanding horizons to sharpening language skills, books serve as portals to new realms of knowledge and experience.
Research supports the significance of early reading in children’s development, with studies highlighting its positive impact on vocabulary growth and phonological learning, and even improving mathematical understanding through picture books.
Eager to harness these benefits for your kindergartener? We’re here to guide you. Below, you’ll discover essential tips for selecting the perfect books for children aged 5 to 6, along with our handpicked list of recommended titles to kickstart your little one’s reading journey.
How to choose books for 5 to 6-year-olds
At the ages of 5 and 6, children begin to harness foundational language skills, enabling them to express their thoughts in simple sentences, engage in basic conversations and even read short sentences on their own.
Quality books then play a pivotal role in honing these language abilities while expanding their understanding of the world. Serving as catalysts for developing literacy and self-expression, the right books can empower children to navigate their surroundings with confidence and curiosity.
To cater to their evolving interests and abilities, our educators adopt the following strategies when selecting books for our kindergarteners:
1. Choose books on topics that interest them
Children at this age likely have very specific interests gleaned from things like their favourite television shows, hobbies or even daily conversations! Align book choices with these interests to capture their attention.
If they love animals, for instance, look for books that feature animal characters or explain animals’ lives. Also, choose books that mirror real-life experiences, such as friendship encounters. Such stories can develop their social-emotional skills, deepen their connection to the real world and enhance their understanding of human relationships.
1. Choose books on topics that interest them
Children at this age likely have very specific interests gleaned from things like their favourite television shows, hobbies or even daily conversations! Align book choices with these interests to capture their attention.
If they love animals, for instance, look for books that feature animal characters or explain animals’ lives. Also, choose books that mirror real-life experiences, such as friendship encounters. Such stories can develop their social-emotional skills, deepen their connection to the real world and enhance their understanding of human relationships.
2. Look for strong storylines and characters
Aside from topics and themes that intrigue your child, prioritise books with compelling storylines and memorable characters. Well-crafted narratives and engaging characters can hold your child’s attention, encouraging them to complete the book and even revisit it.
Quality literature goes beyond mere entertainment; it also imparts valuable ethical lessons, introduces diverse perspectives and presents role models for children to emulate. Whether encountering literary heroes, comic characters or dastardly villains, children gain insights into human traits and behaviours, enriching their understanding as they navigate their own journey of self-discovery.
3. Seek out attractive picture books
Visual stimulation is key for young readers, which is why our collection at Star Learners boasts a plethora of picture books! The vibrant illustrations serve as windows to imagination, sparking creativity in children’s minds.
When selecting picture books, look for those with high-quality illustrations. You can even consider exploring comic-book-style formats, where text is presented in speech bubbles to enhance engagement and interaction with the story.
3. Seek out attractive picture books
Visual stimulation is key for young readers, which is why our collection at Star Learners boasts a plethora of picture books! The vibrant illustrations serve as windows to imagination, sparking creativity in children’s minds.
When selecting picture books, look for those with high-quality illustrations. You can even consider exploring comic-book-style formats, where text is presented in speech bubbles to enhance engagement and interaction with the story.
4. Consider introducing non-fiction options
Non-fiction books can also be good choices for children’s reading. In fact, some of the most popular books at our centres are non-fiction ones!
The trick is to find books on topics that resonate with your child – be it vehicles for young car enthusiasts or scenic photos of different countries for budding explorers, tailoring reading materials to their interests cultivates curiosity and fosters a deep-seated love for learning.
5. Find books that encourage engagement and discussion
Actively involving children in the reading process enhances their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Choose books with embedded questions or simple mysteries in their plots to encourage active participation.
You can also try doing what our educators do, which includes using expressive voices during read-aloud sessions, stimulating discussions by reacting to key scenes, and encouraging reflection on the story’s themes.
These interactive elements enrich the reading experience and deepen children’s understanding of the narrative, broadening their understanding and horizons.
5. Find books that encourage engagement and discussion
Actively involving children in the reading process enhances their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Choose books with embedded questions or simple mysteries in their plots to encourage active participation.
You can also try doing what our educators do, which includes using expressive voices during read-aloud sessions, stimulating discussions by reacting to key scenes, and encouraging reflection on the story’s themes.
These interactive elements enrich the reading experience and deepen children’s understanding of the narrative, broadening their understanding and horizons.
Our recommended reads for kindergarteners (5-6 years old)
1
Beautiful Oops,
by Barney Saltzberg
Through interactive elements like pop-ups and lift-the-flaps, children are invited to explore the transformative power of embracing imperfection.
2
Found,
by Je Newman
This wordless picture book explores the themes of empathy and friendship, making it ideal for fostering social-emotional learning.
3
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!,
by Jon Scieszka
With its humourous retelling of a classic tale from the antagonist’s perspective, this book encourages critical thinking and perspective-taking, while sparking engagement and laughter.
4
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids,
by Carol McCloud
This book introduces the concept of an invisible bucket to teach children the importance of kindness, fostering positive behaviour, emotional well-being and empathy.
5
Red: A Crayon’s Story,
by Michael Hall
Through the journey of Red, a crayon struggling with identity, children learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance, diversity and embracing individual differences, promoting empathy and understanding of others.
Discover more award-winning titles at Star Learners
The recommendations provided above are just the beginning of your kindergartener’s journey into the world of reading. If you want them to discover even more through books as well as lay a strong foundation in early literacy, consider immersing them in our acclaimed literature-based approach as part of their preschool education!
At Star Learners, our centres are equipped with an array of award-winning books integral to our kindergarten programme. Age-appropriate, engaging and enriching, these books help us further children’s development and expose them to new things like different cultures and ideas.
We even offer storytelling sessions in both English and Chinese to build children’s multilingual foundations and transform reading into interactive experiences through role-playing stories and classic nursery rhymes!
If you’re curious about our unique approach and wish to learn more, register your interest for a virtual tour at any of our 43 centres island-wide. Discover how Star Learners can shape your child’s educational journey through the power of literature and storytelling!
