8 Ways to Support Literacy Growth
An expert on reimagining school literacy practices, Kelly C. Johnston, B.S.Ed. ’04, Ed.D., associate professor of curriculum and instruction, researches how children and youth engage with literacy across diverse contexts and the implications for literacy development and well-being. Families, she said, can strengthen bonds, build vital skills and cultivate lifelong learners with literacy activities.
“Literacy isn’t just about learning to read or write,” Johnston said. “It’s how we communicate, learn and make sense of the world together. Each family is unique, and literacy practices can be, too. What’s important is finding activities that feel natural to your family, creating moments to learn and connect.”
Johnston shared eight simple ways to integrate literacy into daily life:
Read aloud and discuss: It can be books, Baylor Magazine, menus or subtitles on a favorite show. Encourage your child to follow along with the printed words and, while reading, ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think that character did that?” to build comprehension and make reading interactive.
Create family lists: Involve children in creating lists for family activities — whether it’s packing for a trip, creating a weekly grocery list or organizing a weekend project. Writing lists reinforces the purpose and value of writing and offers opportunities to practice spelling and vocabulary in context.
Visit the library together: Encourage each family member to find a book that sparks their curiosity and ask them to share what drew them to their choice. Many libraries also have literacy programs or family events to engage readers of every age.
Leverage learning apps: Many literacy-
focused apps make learning engaging and interactive. Apps like Khan Academy Kids and Starfall help readers practice early reading skills in a game-like setting, and others, like Epic! or Newsela, support comprehension and vocabulary.
Draw and label together: When working on art projects, add labels to parts of the drawing. This supports vocabulary development and helps children associate visual symbols with words. You could even create a “family dictionary” of favorite words and their meanings, which can grow over time.
Tell a family story: Start a story where each person contributes a sentence, creating a unique and unpredictable tale. This can be done during car rides, at the dinner table or before bedtime. Storytelling builds listening skills and lets each person exercise their creativity and vocabulary.
Explore outdoor literacy: Take literacy outdoors by exploring local parks, nature centers or even your backyard. Try activities like identifying trees and plants, reading trail signs or writing in a nature journal. Nature-based activities encourage children to make observations, ask questions and expand their vocabulary.
Support healthy routines: Daily habits like staying physically active and eating whole, unprocessed foods can have a positive impact on children’s learning and literacy development. Physical activity improves focus and energy, while nutritious foods support brain development and concentration. Recognizing the connection between physical well-being and learning helps children see how their bodies and minds work together to help them grow and succeed.