The University of Cyprus launches early-reading programme for children from birth to three years old

The University of Cyprus has announced the launch of an innovative early-literacy programme for children from birth to three years old. The initiative Readers from the Cradle aims to introduce infants to books, language and stories literally from the first months of life, drawing on modern findings in neurolinguistics and cognitive psychology.

The programme was developed by the Early Childhood Department of the university library. The sessions follow an interactive approach: theatrical reading, games with sounds, pictures and simple storylines help infants perceive language through movement, sound and visual images. Research shows that such early immersion strengthens the development of speech, memory, attention and the child’s emotional sphere.

A special emphasis is placed on shared reading: parents do not simply attend but become active participants in the process. During the meetings they are shown how to read aloud, repeat the same stories, comment on pictures so they can continue these “little reading rituals” at home. At the first session on 29 November, parents also received printed materials with practical tips on how to build reading habits and support language development in the family.

The organisers stress that the aim of the programme is not to “teach babies to read”, but to establish a warm connection with books from the earliest age, strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child and lay the groundwork for future successful learning.