Simple Strategies for Creating Strong Readers

Without a doubt, reading toddlers books spells success for early literacy, whether you read funny bedtime stories or classic children's books. Putting a few simple strategies into action will make a significant difference in helping children develop into good readers and writers.

By reading popular children's books aloud, providing print materials, and promoting positive attitudes about reading and writing, you can have a powerful impact on children’s literacy and learning.

Tips for Success

    • Invite a child to read with you every day. When reading a book where the print is large, point word by word as you read. This will help the child learn that reading goes from left to right and understand that the word he or she says is the word he or she sees.

    •  Read a child’s favorite book over and over again. Discuss new words. For example, “This big house is called a palace. Who do you think lives in a palace?” 

    •  Read many stories with rhyming words and lines that repeat. Invite the child to join in on these parts. Point, word by word, as he or she reads along with you.

    • Stop and ask about the pictures and about what is happening in the story.
    • Read from a variety of children’s books, including fairy tales, song books, poems, and information books.

Reading well is at the heart of all learning. Children who can’t read well, can’t learn. Help make a difference for a child.


Reprinted with the permision of Partnership for Family Involvement in Education.