5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Literacy
5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Literacy—No Flashcards Required!
By Ms. Cassie | Early Literacy Advocate | “Make Reading More Musical”
As a longtime youth librarian and children’s author, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful everyday moments can be for building early literacy. You don’t need a degree in education or a Pinterest-perfect playroom—just a little intention and a lot of love.
Here are five simple ways to engage with your toddler using the five early literacy practices: Reading, Writing, Playing, Talking, and Singing. These tips are designed to fit into real life—spilled juice, mismatched socks, and all.
1. Read Together—Every Which Way
Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting quietly with a hardcover book. Toddlers wiggle, giggle, and interrupt—and that’s okay!
Let them choose the book, even if it’s the same one for the 47th time.
Point to pictures, ask silly questions, and make sound effects.
Keep books in every room—yes, even the bathroom!
Cassie Tip: Try singing the book instead of reading it. Many of my titles are written to familiar tunes, so you can turn storytime into a sing-along!
2. Write—Even If It’s Scribbles
Writing starts long before letters. Every crayon squiggle, finger-paint swirl, or sidewalk chalk doodle builds fine motor skills and confidence.
Offer a variety of writing tools: markers, paintbrushes, even sticks in sand.
Let your child “sign” their artwork or “write” a grocery list with you.
Celebrate their creations—hang them up like masterpieces!
Cassie Tip: Create a song about their drawing. “This is my rainbow, red and blue…” 🎨
3. Play—Because Learning Loves Laughter
Play is how toddlers explore the world. It’s also how they learn language, problem-solving, and storytelling.
Turn bath time into a pirate adventure or snack time into a counting game.
Use puppets, stuffed animals, or kitchen utensils to act out stories.
Let your child lead the play—you’ll be amazed where they take you.
Cassie Tip: Use my books as springboards for pretend play. If you read Captain Seadog Had a Ship, grab a laundry basket and set sail!
4. Talk—Even When They Can’t Talk Back
Narrating your day builds vocabulary and connection. Toddlers soak up language like sponges, even before they speak.
Describe what you’re doing: “I’m chopping carrots for dinner.”
Ask questions, even if they don’t answer: “Should we wear the red socks or the blue ones?”
Repeat and expand on their sounds or words: “You said ‘ba’—do you see the ball?”
Cassie Tip: Use rhyming books to spark conversation. “What else rhymes with ‘cat’? Hat, bat, splat!”
5. Sing—Because Music Is Magic
Singing helps toddlers hear the sounds within words, which is key for reading later on. And guess what? You don’t need a Grammy to sing with your child.
Sing during routines: diaper changes, brushing teeth, getting dressed.
Make up songs using 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
You don’t need perfection—you need presence. Every time you read, write, play, talk, or sing with your toddler, you’re building their brain, their confidence, and your bond.
So grab a tambourine, a book, or just your voice. Let’s make reading more musical—and more magical—for every child.
