The idea of reading to a child is often romanticized as a magical experience, typically taking place in a cozy bedroom at bedtime. However, this common narrative overlooks the importance of everyday literacy opportunities. Raising a reader is not limited to bedtime, and parents can make a significant impact on their child’s reading skills by seizing these moments throughout their daily lives. Research has shown that strong reading skills in elementary school are a powerful predictor of long-term success. Children who read well early are more likely to stay in school longer, secure better jobs, and earn more money. So, what sets parents of successful readers apart from others? Here are five key strategies:

1. Engaging in serve and return conversations

Before their babies can talk, these parents engage in conversations that build the foundation for language development and healthy brain architecture. They respond to their child’s sounds and gaze with real words, encouragement, and pauses, fostering a dynamic and responsive relationship.

• A study by Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child found that serve and return interactions in a child’s first two years set the stage for preschool literacy skills like expressive vocabulary and letter-name and -sound knowledge.
• These early interactions not only boost learning but also connection, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading.

2. Asking lots of questions and waiting for answers

Parents who ask their babies questions at home, in the car, and while running errands lay the foundation for stronger vocabularies and deeper knowledge. As children grow, the questions can become more complex, but the principle remains the same: to encourage thinking and learning.

1. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that children whose parents ask more questions build stronger vocabularies and deeper knowledge by toddlerhood.
2. Parents who give their children space to answer not only teach them to think but also model the behavior of a curious and inquiring mind.

3. Discussing letter sounds

While many parents focus on teaching their children the names and shapes of letters, the most effective approach involves discussing the sounds they make. This helps children develop phonological awareness, a crucial skill for reading.

“The power isn’t just in asking; it’s in giving kids a chance to answer. That’s what gets them thinking and when learning happens.” – Author Maya Payne Smart

By talking about letter sounds, parents create a link between the spoken word and the written page. This connection is essential for teaching children to sound out words and develop reading skills.

4. Playing with words

Rhymes, songs, tongue twisters, and word play are not just enjoyable activities; they help children develop phonological awareness and learn to manipulate sounds within words. This is a critical skill for reading and is often developed through playful interactions.

1. Children who engage in word play are more likely to develop phonological awareness and learn to read more effectively.
2. Parents can incorporate word play into their daily routines, such as singing songs with their children or using rhyming games during playtime.

5. Seizing readable moments throughout the day

While research suggests that frequent reading with children is essential for developing reading skills, many parents reserve reading for bedtime. However, the most successful readers engage in reading at various times throughout the day, including mealtimes, bath times, and wait times.

By incorporating reading into their daily routines, parents can help their children develop a love of reading and lay the foundation for future academic success. As Maya Payne Smart, an early literacy advocate and author, notes, “The more often kids hear, see, and talk about words, the more ready they’ll be to read them.” By seizing these everyday literacy opportunities, parents can set their children on the path to becoming successful readers. Maya Payne Smart is an early literacy advocate, parent educator, and author of “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.” She serves as affiliated faculty at Marquette University and holds degrees from Harvard and Northwestern. Find her at MayaSmart.com and follow her on Instagram.