When it comes to supporting your child’s early literacy development, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out the best way to help them thrive. The good news is, you don’t need to carve out extra hours in your day to make a big impact.
Here are five simple, easy-to-implement tips that you can incorporate into your everyday routine to support your child’s literacy journey as they start Kindergarten:
1. Read to Your Child Every Day
Reading to young children is an important way to help them build early literacy skills. Try making reading everyday part of your routine. If bedtime at your house gets a little hectic, consider if there another time in your day to get cosy with a book. Bedtime stories are great, but a book with breakfast or even during bath time works too!
2. Let Your Child Choose Their Own Books
Supporting your child to pick out their own books fosters independence and helps them develop an intrinsic love of reading. Did you know children can even get their very own library card? When a child has their own library card, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility. They’re empowered to make choices, and it helps them feel more involved in the process of their own learning and discovery. Having fun isn’t hard, when you’re got a library card!
3. Read It Again, and Again, and Again
As an adult, we know how frustrating it can be to hear the same story over and over again. But repetition is one of the best ways to support early literacy! Re-reading familiar books helps your child recognize words, build memory, and grow more confident in their reading skills. It’s also comforting for them and reinforces their love of stories. Take finding new books off the to-do list, and enjoy an old favourite together.
4. Explore Different Genres
You don’t have to stick to just picture books. Mix things up by exploring different types of reading materials—non-fiction, magazines, comics, menus, or even brochures—these all count! You can even incorporate them into your child’s playtime. Whether it’s a grocery flyer or a takeout menu, using these in pretend play helps your child become familiar with different kinds of texts in a fun, everyday way.
5. Play with Rhyming Words
Rhyming is a fun way to help children hear and understand the sounds in words, which is a key skill for reading. When reading rhyming books, try pausing and letting your child guess the next word. It’s a quick and enjoyable way to take reading together and turn it into a fun game.
Bonus Tip: Attend Story Time at Brimbank Libraries: Story Time at the library is a great way to engage your Kindergarten age child in shared reading. Storytime isn’t just about books—it’s full of songs, games, and hands-on activities that bring stories to life.
To check out upcoming storytime events at your local Brimbank library branch, visit our Storytimes page
At Brimbank Libraries, we understand how important it is to make early literacy part of your daily life. That’s why we offer a variety of programs and activities that make reading and learning enjoyable for your child. From story time sessions to interactive programs and events, they are all designed to help your child develop the skills they need before starting school.
Visit your local branch, check out Starting Your Reading Journey or explore our website to find out more ways we can support your child’s early literacy journey.
Kinder Readiness Month
Will your child be 3 or 4 years old next year? Give them a great start with two years of kindergarten before they begin school!
In March, families are invited to attend an info session or Kindergarten Open Day to explore their local kindergarten, meet the teachers, and learn how to register for funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten in Brimbank.
