Why Talking to Your Child Builds a Strong Reader

We all know that reading to children is important—but did you know that talking with them is just as powerful?

Talking is one of the five early literacy practices (Read, Write, Sing, Talk, Play) that help young children develop the skills they need to become successful readers. And the good news? You’re probably doing it already—all day long!

But it’s how we talk that makes all the difference.

Talking Builds a Child’s Brain

When you talk to your child, you’re doing much more than filling the silence. You’re helping them:

• Learn new vocabulary
• Understand how language works
• Develop memory and listening skills
• Connect spoken language to the written word

Even before they can respond in words, children are soaking it all in. The number of words a child hears every day is directly connected to their later success in school. And it's not just any words—it’s meaningful, back-and-forth conversation that matters most.

Talk About What You’re Doing—Even If It’s Not "Kid Stuff"

Ever try putting together an IKEA bookshelf with a toddler in the room? It might feel chaotic—but it’s also an amazing learning opportunity!

Talk through it:

“Hmm, let’s look at these directions. It says I need piece A and piece B. This drawing shows where the screw goes—right here! I’m going to turn the screwdriver to the right. One, two, three turns!”

It might sound silly at first, but this kind of narrated thinking helps your child make vital connections:

• That spoken words represent real things and actions
• That pictures and words together give us information
• That adults use language to solve problems

You’re not “dumbing it down”—you’re inviting your child to see how language works in the real world.

Don’t Worry About Using Fancy Words

Big words don’t make you sound smarter to a toddler—they just make things harder to understand. Use real, everyday vocabulary, and explain things naturally.

Instead of:

“We need to proceed with the next phase of assembly.”
Try:
“Next, I’ll put this shelf in and screw it tight!”

When your child asks questions, answer them simply—even if they ask the same thing 15 times. That repetition? It’s learning in action.

Build Conversation into Everyday Moments

Here are a few simple ways to add meaningful talk to your day:

• Narrate your routine: “I’m putting on my shoes. First one foot, then the other.”
• Ask open-ended questions: “Why do you think the dog is barking?”
• Describe what you see: “Look at those clouds! That one looks like a bunny.”
• Name feelings: “You’re frowning. Are you feeling frustrated?”
• Talk through problem-solving: “This piece doesn’t fit here. Let’s try another one.”

None of this requires prep, printables, or Pinterest-worthy moments. Just your voice and a little intention.

The Big Takeaway

Talking with your child—whether during play, chores, or assembling flat-pack furniture—isn’t just chit-chat. It’s literacy. It’s bonding. It’s brain-building.

So go ahead and narrate your IKEA project. Talk about your breakfast. Make up a silly story while driving to daycare. Every word counts.

And every conversation helps build a future reader.

Want More Easy Literacy Tips?

Check out my printable packs and storytime resources on Teachers Pay Teachers!
Many are built to support the five early literacy practices—including TALK!
➡️ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/make-reading-musical