How to build literacy

18 Sep 2025

Small, everyday moments like reading before bed or making a shopping list help build strong literacy skills.

Growing little readers: Easy ways to build literacy at home

At Stanmore Public School we love seeing children fall in love with words, stories and new ideas. Learning to read, write, talk and listen doesn’t only happen in the classroom. It also happens at home, in fun, simple moments every day.

A great guide from Raising Children Network shows how talking, singing, reading and playing with your child helps them build strong literacy skills.

Here are some ideas to enjoy:

• Chat and sing together – Use rhymes, songs or make up silly sounds. Even ordinary moments like mealtime or walking home are chances to talk about what you see.
• Read stories and share books – Let your child turn pages. Ask what they think might happen next. Pick touch-and-feel books, rhyming books, or ones with lift-flaps.
• Draw, write, scribble – Give them pencils, magnetic letters, or playdough. Encourage them to write names, make cards, or match pictures to words.

It’s never too early to start. Even babies enjoy listening and being part of conversations. These small, joyful moments build confidence.

Discover more

For more inspiration and advice on building literacy skills in your children check out the  Literacy activities for children (Suitable for 0-8 years)  article on the raisingchildren.net.au website.

Spending time trying out a few of these ideas could make a big difference.

If you want resources or reading lists, speak to our librarian Ms Jan Metzner (Tue-Fri). We’re here to help your child flourish in literacy, every step of the way.