Early literacy at home: reading tips for busy parents - post

What is “ #early-literacy,” and what does it look like at #home?

Early literacy is the set of skills children use before they become readers. It includes:

• Enjoying #books and stories
• Knowing that print (words) has meaning
• Learning new words (vocabulary)
• Hearing sounds in words (like rhyming) 
• Telling stories and talking about ideas

These skills grow best when children feel #safe, loved, and listened to. 

How much reading time does my child really need each day?

Even 5–10 minutes of shared reading can help. If your day is packed, aim for a “tiny routine” you can actually keep.

Try one of these simple goals:

• One short book a day
• Two pages before bed
• Five minutes after dinner
• A story during breakfast (paper book or audiobook)

Consistency #matters more than perfection.  

What are easy reading routines for busy #parents?

You can build literacy during everyday life. Here are “no-extra-time” ideas:

• In the car or on the bus: tell a story about your day, or listen to an audiobook
• At meals: talk about colors, shapes, and tastes (“This apple is crunchy!”)
• During bath time: sing songs and say #rhymes (“Row, Row, Row Your Boat”)
• While shopping: read signs, labels, and lists out loud
• Before #sleep: keep one small book near the bed and read a few pages

Tip: Put books where you already are—by the couch, the bed, and the kitchen table.

How do I read aloud so it helps my child #learn more?

Reading aloud is not just saying the words. The best reading is interactive—you and your child talk about the story.

Try these easy “talking prompts” while you read:

• “What do you see on this page?”
• “How do you think the character feels?”
• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “Can you find something red?”
• “Can you point to the dog?”

You can also:

• Point to the words sometimes (showing that print goes left to right)
• Use fun voices (it keeps attention!)
• Let your child turn pages
• Re-read favorite books (repeating helps learning)

ChildCareEd offers a helpful training on this topic: Reading Aloud and Storytelling

What if my child will not sit still for a book?

That is normal—especially for #toddlers and #preschoolers. You can still build early literacy!

Try “movement-friendly” reading:

• Let your child hold a toy while you read
• Read while your child colors or builds blocks
• Choose short books with pictures
• Read the same page again later (you do not have to finish the book)
• Act out the story (jump like a frog, stomp like a dinosaur)

Remember: Listening counts, even if your child wiggles.

How can I build literacy without buying lots of books?

You do not need a big home library. Use what you can access for #free or low #cost.

Good options include:

• Local libraries (many have story time and free children’s books to borrow)
• Book swaps with friends or your child care program
• Little Free Libraries in the neighborhood
• Printable book lists to help you choose great titles

Here is a free ChildCareEd resource you can use right away: Classroom Book List: Preschool

What are quick games that build early reading skills?

These “mini-games” take 1–5 minutes and work anywhere:

• Rhyme time: “What rhymes with cat?” (hat, bat, mat)
• Sound hunt: “Can you find something that starts with /b/?”
• Syllable claps: clap the beats in names (Da-vid = 2 claps)
• Story retell: “Tell me what happened first, next, last.”
• Word of the day: pick one new word and use it often (gigantic, tiny, slippery) 

These activities support the early #language and literacy foundations children need. 

If you want more strategies for supporting language #growth, ChildCareEd has a related course here: Language Development in Early Childhood

What if we speak more than one language at home?

That is a strength! Children can learn literacy skills in more than one language.

Helpful tips for bilingual families:

• Talk and read in the language you are most comfortable using
• Tell stories from your #culture (family stories matter!)
• Use picture books and talk about the images
• Repeat new words often
• Sing songs and say rhymes in any language

The most important part is warm, back-and-forth conversation with your child.

How can I tell if my child is building early literacy skills?

Every child #develops at their own pace, but here are positive signs:

• Enjoys looking at books (even briefly)
• Pretends to “read” from pictures
• Asks questions or points to pictures
• Notices letters or signs (“That’s my name!”)
• Tries to retell a story in their own words

If you are curious about literacy #development tools and activities, this ChildCareEd course may help: Classroom Tools for Emergent Literacy

Where can I get more reading ideas and encouragement?

If you want more simple reading routines and fun ways to build a love of books, check out this related ChildCareEd article: Celebrate the Joy of Reading on National Book Lovers Day

And for quick tips, reminders, and child-friendly learning ideas, follow ChildCareEd on social media (pick your favorite platform and tap “Follow”):
https://linktr.ee/childcareed

What is the one best tip to remember on busy days?

On the busiest days, keep it simple:

• Talk with your child
• Read a little (even a few pages)
• Make it #cozy and positive

A few minutes of connection each day helps children link books with comfort, fun, and learning.