Literacy changes everything, right from the very start
A child’s early grasp on language and first steps to build communication skills will set them up for life.
As a parent with a baby or toddler, there are simple, everyday things you can do to help nurture your child's earliest steps to speaking, writing, listening and reading.
The little things can make a big difference.
Your child’s story starts with you.
Reading together
Reading picture books together helps your little one learn new words and grow their communication skills for life. Looking at the pictures together and talking about what you think might be happening, picking out features and colours or asking simple questions about what your child might see in the illustrations will help your child become interested in reading and develop vital communication skills.
Tips to help you and your child share a story together
Here are some simple, everyday activities you can try at home to help you read with your child as well as useful tips on how to share a book together...
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You don’t always need to read the words in books. Looking at and talking about picture books is a great way to encourage your child to enjoy stories.Find out more
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Discover tips on how to make a cosy reading experience at home and why this can be helpful for you and your little one.Learn more
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Children can enjoy books at any age. Find out how experimenting with sounds can add an extra layer to your story time experience together.Have a go
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If we have language skills, we are better equipped to express our emotions and let people know how we're feeling. Discover how books can help children on this journey.Learn more
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To help create a love for books, you could try to build story time into your little one’s routine. Books can be useful just before bedtime.Read on
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Does your child have a favourite book? Find out why it isn't such a bad thing to read the same book time and again!Find out more
Every story starts somewhere. #EarlyWordsMatter
Part of Early Words Matter led by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with WHSmiths.