Many people think reading begins when a child learns the alphabet or starts sounding out words. In reality, literacy development begins much earlier.
Children build the skills they need for reading through everyday experiences—conversations, stories, songs, play, and meaningful interactions with the world around them.
That's why Readers Are Built focuses on five pillars that support early literacy development:
These pillars work together to help children develop the language, knowledge, and communication skills that support reading success.
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Five Simple Ways Readers Are Built
Talk
Conversation builds vocabulary, listening skills, confidence, and communication. Asking questions and truly listening helps children connect words to the world around them.
Read
Reading together helps children understand that words carry meaning and stories matter. From books to menus to street signs, every shared reading experience builds literacy skills.
Play
Pretend play, storytelling, building, and imaginative games strengthen communication, creativity, and early reading foundations.
Sing
Songs, rhymes, and music help children recognize sounds, patterns, rhythm, and syllables. Singing together makes language memorable and joyful.
Screen Time
When used intentionally, educational apps and learning games can become interactive literacy experiences that support reading development alongside caregiver involvement.