If you ask any child development expert, parent, or teacher what the single best thing you can do with a child is, the answer is almost always the same: read to them. Reading builds vocabulary, emotional intelligence, and early literacy skills. But there’s a difference between going through the motions and making storytime a genuine experience children look forward to. These storytime tips for nannies will help you make the most of every page turn.

1) Be Consistent

One of the most important storytime tips for nannies is also the simplest: make it a routine. Reading at the same time in the same place every day signals to children that this is a valued part of their day. Start as early as possible. Reading to babies from the first weeks of life builds familiarity with language rhythms long before they understand the words. By several months old, infants begin recognizing books they’ve heard repeatedly. That recognition is the earliest form of reading comprehension.

2) Personalize the Experience for Each Child 

Not every child engages with books the same way. Tailoring your approach is what takes a good reader to a truly engaging one.

• For newborns, simple board books with bold colors and single words work best. Repeat the same books often. By around seven months, many infants begin responding to familiar stories in visible ways.
• For toddlers, add props. Stuffed animals, puppets, and felt storyboards transform a flat book into a three-dimensional experience.
• For preschoolers, ask questions as you go. What do you think will happen next? These conversations build comprehension while keeping the experience interactive.
• For school-age children, let them lead. Let them choose the book, read aloud to you, or take turns. The goal shifts to building genuine literacy skills and a love of reading.

If you care for children of multiple ages, plan separate storytimes when possible, or try incorporating the above techniques to match the age ranges. Meeting each child at their level is one of the most effective storytime tips for nannies who work with mixed-age groups.

3) Bring Energy to Every Reading

Children don’t just hear a story. They experience it through you. Your tone, your facial expressions, your body language, and your willingness to be a little silly make the difference between a child who tolerates storytime and one who asks for it.

Use different voices for different characters. Slow down for suspenseful moments and speed up for exciting ones. Point to illustrations and give children time to look. Children pick up on your engagement immediately and mirror it right back.

4) Meet Reluctant Readers Where They Are

Not every child comes to storytime with enthusiasm, and that’s okay. Forcing it rarely works. Instead, meet them where they are.

Find out what the child loves. Dinosaurs, trucks, a specific cartoon character. Then find books that connect to those interests. A child who’s never cared about books will often sit quietly for a story about something they already love. Start small. Five minutes is enough. Gradually extend the time as interest builds. Reading outside or under a blanket fort can make storytime feel like an adventure. Patience is one of the most valuable storytime tips for nannies working with reluctant readers. 

5) Take Advantage of Your Local Library

The library is one of the most underused resources a nanny has access to, and it’s free. Regular visits give children a constantly rotating selection of books, a change of environment, and structured storytimes led by trained librarians.

In the Los Angeles area, there are several great options. 

• The West Hollywood Library offers baby and toddler storytimes as well as baby sign and sing classes. 
• The Beverly Hills Public Library has a strong children’s section with regular events. 
• The Los Angeles Central Library offers toddler storytimes, craft days, and coding classes for older kids. 
• The Silver Lake Branch lets children create their own books complete with a real barcode from the librarians. 

6) Frequently Asked Questions

a) What are the best storytime tips for nannies working with babies?

For infants, the most effective storytime tips for nannies include choosing simple board books with bold colors and single words, repeating the same books consistently, and reading in a calm, expressive voice. Babies benefit from hearing language rhythms even before they understand words and will begin recognizing familiar books by around seven months.

b) How often should a nanny read to children?

Daily reading is ideal. A consistent storytime routine at the same time and in the same place each day builds reading as a natural habit. Even ten to fifteen minutes makes a meaningful difference.

c) How do you make storytime engaging for a child who doesn’t like books?

Start with books connected to things the child already loves. Use props, voices, and expressive body language. Keep sessions short at first and gradually extend them as interest grows.

d) What’s the best way to read to children of different ages?

Where possible, plan separate storytimes for children at different developmental stages. If a shared storytime is necessary, choose books with strong visuals and engage each child in age-appropriate ways.

e) Are library visits worth including in a nanny’s routine?

Absolutely. Regular library visits give children access to a wide range of books, a stimulating environment, and often structured storytimes. Many libraries in the Los Angeles area offer free programs for babies, toddlers, and school-age children.

Found this helpful? Check out our other articles:

• The Power of Learning Through Play: Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Opportunities
• Building Trust with Nanny Kids: The Foundation of a Strong, Lasting Bond
• Four Rs for Teaching Responsibility: Practical Strategies to Instill Accountability in Your Nanny Kids