Why it matters
- Early understanding of books and print helps children learn to read more easily
- Simple daily interactions with books build lifelong literacy skills
- Caregivers play a powerful role in early reading development
What the evidence shows
- Children make strong gains when adults actively teach and talk about print
- Shared reading at home improves print awareness
- Short, consistent reading routines are effective
- Play and everyday activities can reinforce learning
What you can do at home
- Read with your child daily and talk about the book
- Show where to start reading
- Point to words as you read
- Ask questions:
- “Where is the title?”
- “Can you find a letter you know?”
- Practice letter sounds using everyday items (e.g., “b is for ball”)
- Use games:
- Letter matching
- Writing letters in sand or shaving cream
What to watch for
- Your child avoids books or loses interest quickly
- Difficulty recognizing letters or understanding how books work
- Not connecting letters with sounds
Tips for different learners
- Multilingual Learners
- Read in your home language—it still builds literacy skills
- Talk about letters and sounds in both languages
- Children with Additional Needs
- Use repetition and hands-on activities
- Keep learning short and engaging
- Children at risk for reading difficulties
- Increase reading time and practice
- Focus on letter names and sounds regularly
Key takeaway
You don’t need special materials–talking, reading, and playing with print every day builds the skills your child needs to become a reader.
The information provided in this summary is based on findings from Evidence-Based Instructional Practices to Support the Development of Print Awareness and Concepts of Print in Preschool-Aged Children: A Systematic Review.
