5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Literacy

I’ve been a youth librarian for decades, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: toddlers learn best when learning feels like play. You don’t need expensive flashcards, a Pinterest-perfect craft closet, or hours of free time (ha!). What you do need is connection, curiosity, and a little willingness to be silly.

Here are five everyday ways to nurture your toddler’s literacy skills using the five early literacy practices: Read, Write, Play, Talk, and Sing. These are easy, doable, and best of all—they fit right into real family life (mismatched socks and spilled juice included).

1. Read Together—Every Which Way

Reading with toddlers rarely looks like a cozy picture-perfect scene. They squirm, they interrupt, they pick the same book again (and again). That’s part of the magic!

• Let them choose the book—even if you’ve read it 47 times this week.

• Make silly sound effects, point to pictures, and ask goofy questions.

• Keep books in every room (yes, even the bathroom).

💡 Cassie Tip: Try singing a book instead of reading it. Many of my stories are written to tunes you already know, so storytime easily becomes a sing-along.

2. Write—Even If It’s Scribbles

Before children can write words, they need to experiment with marks, lines, and squiggles. Those early “scribbles” are a big deal!

• Hand them markers, crayons, paintbrushes—or let them draw in sand with a stick.

• Invite them to “write” the grocery list with you or “sign” their artwork.

• Display their creations proudly, gallery-style, on the fridge or wall.

💡 Cassie Tip: Turn their artwork into a song: “This is my rainbow, red and blue…” 🎨

3. Play—Because Learning Loves Laughter

Play is a toddler’s job. It builds language, social skills, and problem-solving. And best of all, it’s fun.

• Pretend the bathtub is a pirate ship or turn snack time into a counting game.

• Use puppets, stuffed animals, or even kitchen spoons to tell a story.

• Let your child lead—you’ll be amazed where their imagination goes.

💡 Cassie Tip: Use my books as launchpads for pretend play. After reading Captain Seadog Had a Ship, grab a laundry basket and set sail!

4. Talk—Even When They Can’t Talk Back

Language grows when kids hear words all around them, long before they can reply. Narrate your day—it’s like giving your child a running dictionary.

• Say what you’re doing: “I’m chopping carrots for dinner.”

• Ask simple questions: “Should we wear the red socks or the blue ones?”

• Repeat and expand: “You said ‘ba’—yes, ball!”

💡 Cassie Tip: Use rhyming books to spark conversations. “Cat, hat, bat—what else rhymes with cat?”

5. Sing—Because Music Is Magic

Singing breaks words into sounds, which helps kids when they’re ready to read. And here’s the best part: you don’t need a great voice—your child already loves it.

• Sing during everyday routines: diaper changes, brushing teeth, getting dressed.

• Make up songs with your child’s name or favorite toy.

• Use books written to familiar tunes (like mine!) to make reading more musical.

💡 Cassie Tip: Try Five Brown Bears or If You’re a Pirate and You Know It for instant giggles and literacy gold.

💖 Final Note: You’re Already Enough

The best literacy tool your child has is you. Every time you read, write, play, talk, or sing with your toddler, you’re not just teaching—you’re building memories, confidence, and joy.

So grab a tambourine, a book, or just your voice. Let’s make reading more musical—and more magical—together.