Literacy is the foundation for success in every subject, shaping how children think, communicate and understand the world around them. Helping your child improve their literacy doesn’t require a teaching degree – just consistency, creativity and a little intention! 

Small, everyday habits can make a powerful difference. From playing rhyming games to building a reading routine, these nine practical tips will help you nurture your child’s literacy skills in ways that feel natural, engaging and fun.

1. Play With Rhymes to Build Strong Reading Foundations

Before children ever read a book on their own, they learn to recognize sounds through songs, rhymes, clapping syllables and playful language. This skill, called phonological awareness, is one of the most important building blocks of reading.

When kids can hear and manipulate sounds in words, they’re better prepared to connect those sounds to letters later on.

Try this at home:

• Ask, “What rhymes with cat?” and take turns making silly rhymes
• Clap out syllables in family members’ names
• Sing nursery rhymes and emphasize repeating sounds
• Play “I Spy” with beginning sounds: “I spy something that starts with /b/”

Keep it light and fun – laughter helps learning stick!

2. Strengthen Phonics and Word Recognition

As children grow, they move from recognizing letters and sounds to instantly identifying familiar words. This process, sometimes called orthographic mapping, helps readers recognize words automatically – which builds speed and confidence.

Try this at home:

• Play word ladder games (change one letter at a time: cat → hat → hot → hop)
• Read simple books that repeat sight words
• Label everyday objects around the house (door, sink, bed)
• Use educational reading apps in moderation for extra practice

The more children see and use words, the more easily they remember them.

3. Encourage Talking and Conversation (Oracy Matters!)

Strong readers are strong communicators. When children speak, tell stories and share ideas, they build vocabulary and strengthen their understanding of language patterns.

Try this at home:

• Ask open-ended questions: “Why do you think that happened?”
• Encourage your child to retell a story in their own words
• Let them “teach” you something they learned
• Have family discussion nights where everyone shares opinions

The goal isn’t perfect grammar – it’s confidence and expression.

4. Read Aloud Together to Build Fluency

Reading aloud helps children develop pacing, expression and accuracy. It also builds confidence.

Even after your child can read independently, don’t stop reading together. Shared reading improves fluency and strengthens your bond.

Try this at home:

• Take turns reading paragraphs
• Try “choral reading,” where you read the same passage together
• Reread favorite books to build smoothness and expression.
• Model expressive reading – use voices and emotion!

Reading should feel joyful, not pressured.

5. Grow Vocabulary in Everyday Moments

A rich vocabulary supports comprehension, writing and critical thinking. And the best part? Vocabulary can grow naturally through conversation.

Try this at home:

• Introduce one new “word of the day”
• Act out word meanings and have your child guess
• Encourage creative writing or drawing to explain new words
• Use descriptive language in everyday situations (“That’s a gigantic sandwich!”)

The more children hear and use interesting words, the more confident they become.

6. Build Reading Comprehension Skills

Understanding what we read – not just decoding words – is the ultimate goal. Children need help learning how to think about stories, ask questions and notice when something doesn’t make sense.

Try this at home:

• Pause and ask, “What do you think will happen next?”
• After reading, ask: “What was the main idea?”
• Encourage your child to connect stories to their own life.
• Model thinking aloud: “Hmm, I’m not sure why the character did that.”

These small conversations build big thinking skills.

7. Encourage Creative Writing

Writing reinforces reading skills and gives children a powerful outlet for self-expression. Whether it’s a short story, a journal entry or a grocery list, writing helps children organize their thoughts and strengthen language skills.

Try this at home:

• Keep a family journal
• Write letters or cards to relatives
• Create a comic book together
• Let your child help write emails or party invitations.

When writing feels meaningful, kids are more motivated to do it.

8. Create a Reading Routine

Consistency makes a big difference. Even 15–20 minutes of reading each day can dramatically improve literacy skills.

Try this at home:

• Set a cozy, device-free reading time each evening
• Visit the library regularly and let your child choose books
• Keep books in different areas of your home
• Model reading! Let your child see you enjoy books too.
  

Children who see reading valued at home are more likely to value it themselves.

9. Balance Screen Time With Purposeful Reading

Technology can support literacy when used intentionally, but it shouldn’t replace books or conversation. Choose high-quality reading apps and interactive story platforms, and balance them with traditional books and real-world discussion.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Every child develops literacy skills at their own pace. Celebrate small wins –  sounding out a tricky word, finishing a first chapter book or writing a heartfelt note.

Your encouragement, curiosity and consistency matter more than any worksheet. By making literacy playful, interactive and part of everyday life, you’re not just teaching your child to read – you’re helping them build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.