Why Children Want to Read The Same Book 100X

If it feels like the hundredth time this week that you've:

• read the same book
• listened to the same song
• played the same game
• role played the same scenario

...congratulations! You have young children.

Repetition is a normal and very important aspect of learning.

So I'm not here to teach you how to 'manage' or minimize the repetition.

This post is about supporting it - as boring or frustrating as it can be at times.

The Science Behind Repetition

Repetition helps to build and strengthen connections in the brain, especially in the early years when the brain is developing rapidly. 

Repeated experiences help move information from short-term to long-term memory, making it easier for children to remember and use what they’ve learned in the future (from The Scientist in the Crib: Minds, Brains, and How Children Learn by Alison Gopnik, Andrew N Meltzoff, Patricia K Kuhl).

From a Montessori perspective, repetition is considered to be a natural drive in early childhood.

Children often repeat activities not out of boredom, but because they are refining a skill or building mastery.

Dr. Montessori observed that repetition supports concentration, independence and deep learning.

“Then leave the child to repeat the exercise twenty or thirty times. I have heard that, in some cases, children may even repeat it two hundred times.” - Dr. Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures

Reframing it - To Give You More Patience!

Repetition can appear boring to an adult. We think "how can it be fun to do the same activity on a loop?" 

A helpful tip when observing your child is to try and observe them through their eyes. Remember that children are discovering the world for the first time, discovering themselves, and their capabilities.  

Here are some ways to reframe your child’s repetition, considering their perspective:

• When your child asks to read the same book over and over, they’re learning new words, building memory and gaining confidence as they begin to predict what comes next. I completely understand that reading the same book can be boring and tiring, so just do your best and it’s okay if you request a book change after your 10th reread.    
  
  
• When your child does the same puzzle again and again, they’re developing problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, focus and a sense of mastery or accomplishment.
  
  
• When your child repeats everyday tasks like pouring water or buttoning a shirt, they’re strengthening fine motor skills and building independence. The only way they’re going to learn these skills is through practice. There’s no magical age where children suddenly know how to do these tasks; they learn through opportunities to practice (and make mistakes!).  
  
  
• When your child sings the same song repeatedly or asks to listen to the same song on repeat, they’re developing language skills, memory and the repetition can provide a sense of predictability and security. I think most people can relate to having a favourite song they listen to on repeat and you eventually grow tired of it, so be patient and they will eventually request a different song.  
  
  
• When your child plays the same pretend game for days, they’re exploring emotions, practicing real-life situations and developing their imagination.

The thing to remember is that repetition is important and this kind of deep interest in an activity is normal. 

When you observe your child repeating something, they’re working hard to figure something out or master a new skill. And once they’ve got it, they’ll usually move on to the next thing all on their own.

Giving them the time and space to repeat helps support their natural development and learning process. 

If your child is still showing an interest in a toy or activity in their playroom, keep it accessible until you observe they’ve lost interest.

If they’re using it, they’re learning something and they haven’t gotten everything they need from it yet.