Reading and writing can be harder for children who learn to talk later than other children their age. Supporting your child’s literacy early on can help.
You can help your child connect words to print as soon as they’re old enough to watch you. You can help them understand how and why we write down our ideas and get them interested in literacy.
Notice print every day
Printed words are everywhere. Help your child notice the words and letters all around them every day:
- Point out letters and words around your home, such as in favourite books and on cereal boxes.
- Show your child signs and labels in your community, like at the grocery store or a restaurant.
- Point out letters you see that are in your child’s name.
- Talk about the letter name and the sound it makes (for example, the letter “m” says “mmm”).
Talk about writing
Explain what you're writing and why. Help your child see how written words are useful. For example, "I'm making a grocery list to remember to buy cereal," or "I'm writing a birthday card for Grandma to tell her we love her.”
Notice your child’s interests
Your child will be more likely to learn when they are interested:
- Talk about print and what words say when you know your child is paying attention.
- Watch for signs your child is interested, like when they’re looking at labels or playing with books.
Explore writing
Use fun writing tools to engage your child:
- Have fun with pencils, crayons, markers, or paints at home.
- Outside, use chalk to scribble on a sidewalk or a stick to draw in the dirt. Paint with water. Use your finger to draw in sand or snow.
Involve your child
Have your child join you in writing activities:
- Help your child copy or trace simple shapes.
- Let your child pretend to write lists, letters, and stories using scribbles or pictures.
- Encourage your child to tell you about what they draw. Then write the words on the drawing for your child to see.
- Write recipes with simple steps. Slowly sound out each word as you print the letters. Run your finger along the words as you say them, so your child can connect spoken words to printed words. Then read the words as you cook together.
For more ideas
For more ideas and resources to support children’s communication and literacy, visit:
Where to get help
To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or visit
Pediatric Rehabilitation.
