Why Reading Together Matters: Building Language, Connection, and Early Literacy

A few years ago, it was common to see children carrying a favourite book wherever they went. Today, many families have access to smartphones, tablets, televisions, and countless digital learning tools. Technology can certainly offer entertainment and educational opportunities, but it has also changed the way children spend their time.

As an early childhood educator working in a family drop-in program, I sometimes hear parents wonder whether books are becoming old-fashioned. Some ask how they can encourage reading when colourful screens seem so much more exciting. Others wonder whether reading really matters when educational videos and apps are available everywhere.

Yet despite all the changes in technology, books continue to offer something unique that screens cannot fully replace: shared attention, face-to-face interaction, rich conversations, and opportunities for meaningful connection. Research suggests that reading together can support language development, early literacy skills, social-emotional learning, and parent-child relationships.

I am reminded of this almost every day in our centre.

"Look, a doggy!" two-year-old Liam exclaims, his tiny finger pressing firmly onto the fuzzy, textured patch of a well-worn board book.

Moments earlier, he had been zooming across the room, but the familiar story suddenly captured his attention. Watching a young child engage with a book is more than a heartwarming moment—it is an important developmental experience. Parents often ask how early they should begin reading with a baby who seems more interested in chewing the pages than listening to the story.

The good news is that early literacy is not about teaching children to read words at a very young age. Instead, it is about helping children build positive experiences with language, communication, stories, and human connection.

Sensory Book Play: Cultivating Early Literacy Beyond the Words

When we introduce books to infants and toddlers, it is important to remember that young children explore the world through all of their senses. In our infant and toddler program spaces, books are not displayed out of reach on high shelves. Instead, they are placed in low, accessible baskets or on floor-level shelves with play mats where children can safely touch, carry, open, close, mouth, and investigate them.

This hands-on exploration is one important part of early literacy development. When an infant mouths a cloth book, they are using oral exploration—a natural way for babies to learn about their world. Through repeated experiences, books gradually become familiar and enjoyable objects to explore.

As toddlers grow, they begin noticing that books contain pictures, symbols, and printed words that carry meaning. These early experiences help lay the foundation for print awareness.

To support this stage, consider offering touch-and-feel books, high-contrast books, cloth books, and lift-the-flap stories. These types of books encourage active participation rather than passive listening. While reading together, follow your child's interests rather than focusing solely on the printed words. Talk about textures, label pictures, imitate animal sounds, and encourage children to turn pages independently.

By combining language with sensory exploration, children build meaningful connections that support early learning and language development.

When books are presented as enjoyable, accessible objects rather than fragile items that must be protected, children often develop greater confidence and curiosity around reading experiences.

Interactive Reading Techniques: Turning Stories into Conversations

As children grow, their relationship with books begins to change. What starts as sensory exploration gradually develops into curiosity about characters, events, and ideas.

Many adults feel pressure to read every word exactly as written, but some of the most valuable learning happens when children interrupt the story. They may point to a small detail in the picture, ask questions, or create their own ideas about what is happening. These moments are opportunities for conversation.

A widely supported strategy called dialogic reading encourages adults to read with children rather than simply reading to them. As language skills become more developed during the later toddler and preschool years, adults can actively invite children to participate in the storytelling process.

You might ask:

• "What do you think will happen next?"
• "Why do you think the bear looks sad?"
• "Have you ever felt that way?"
• "What do you notice in this picture?"

These simple conversations can help expand vocabulary, strengthen communication skills, encourage critical thinking, and support emotional understanding.

When children actively participate in storytime, they begin connecting the ideas in books with their own experiences and understanding of the world.

Creating a Print-Rich Home Environment: Nurturing a Love of Reading

At our drop-in centre, books are not limited to a single library corner. We place books throughout the environment so children can discover them naturally during play.

You might find construction books near the block area, animal books near sensory activities, or cooking stories in dramatic play spaces. Children are more likely to engage with books when they are easily accessible and connected to their interests.

Families can create similar opportunities at home without spending a great deal of money. A small basket of books beside a couch, a cozy reading corner in a bedroom, or a few books stored near favourite toys can make books part of everyday life.

Establishing a predictable bedtime reading routine can also help children feel secure while creating positive associations with books and storytelling.

Equally important is the example adults provide. Children pay close attention to what the important people in their lives do. When they regularly see parents, caregivers, and family members reading books, magazines, recipes, or newspapers, they learn that reading has value in everyday life.

Surrounding children with accessible books and modelling positive reading habits is one of the most effective ways to encourage a lifelong interest in reading.

Wrapping Up Today's Wonder

Books are much more than tools for learning letters and words. They create opportunities for conversation, imagination, curiosity, and connection.

Whether your baby is exploring a crinkly cloth book, your toddler is searching for hidden pictures, or your preschooler is inventing a new ending to a favourite story, every shared reading experience contributes to their development.

In a world filled with screens, notifications, and digital distractions, books continue to offer something remarkably simple and powerful: a chance for two people to slow down, share attention, and enjoy a story together.

The next time you open a book with your child, remember that reading together is not about perfection.

It is about connection, conversation, and creating positive experiences that can support learning for years to come.

Information Table: Early Literacy & Book Sharing Summary

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Recommended Age
Birth – 6 Years (Infant, Toddler, and Preschool)

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Safety Tips
Recommended Materials: Non-toxic cloth books, durable board books, and age-appropriate reading materials
Safety Reminder: Regularly inspect books for loose parts, torn pages, or damage that could create safety concerns for young children.

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Developmental Key Points
Skills Supported: Receptive and expressive language development, fine motor skills, early literacy, emotional understanding, and caregiver-child connection
Expert ECE Advice: Shared book experiences support much more than reading skills. Talking about pictures, asking questions, and following a child's interests during reading can strengthen communication, engagement, and learning.

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Fine Motor Development
Recommended Activities: Turning pages, lifting flaps, pointing to pictures, exploring book textures
Developmental Key Point: Book handling helps strengthen hand-eye coordination, finger control, and early independent book-use skills.

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Family Connection
Recommended Activities: Reading together, storytelling, discussing pictures, and revisiting favourite books
Expert ECE Advice: Re-reading familiar books supports language learning, predictability, and emotional connection while helping children build confidence and participation.