When you think back to your childhood, what’s one skill you’re grateful to have picked up early? For many of us, it’s reading. Not just recognizing letters or sounding out words—but truly understanding, imagining, and connecting with stories. That’s the power of early literacy, and it goes way beyond the ABCs.

Over the years, researchers and educators alike have emphasized how foundational early literacy skills are in shaping a child's educational journey. From building vocabulary to developing critical thinking, these skills don’t just open the door to reading books—they open the door to understanding the world.

One fascinating breakdown of early literacy components I came across recently was shared in a thoughtful post on the IU Early Literacy blog. It introduces the "High Five" framework: five key areas every child needs to thrive in reading and language. These include vocabulary, print motivation, print awareness, narrative skills, and letter knowledge. What’s great about this framework is how simple yet powerful it is—offering a roadmap any adult can follow to support a child’s development.

Early Reading is About More Than Books

When we talk about "literacy," people tend to think of textbooks or storybooks. But the truth is, early literacy shows up in day-to-day conversations, in songs, in pointing at road signs, even in how we explain the world around us. That’s why the IU blog's approach resonated so strongly—it promotes early literacy as something woven into the fabric of daily life, not just confined to reading time.

One of the resources highlighted in the blog's comment section dives deeper into the health and developmental benefits of early reading environments. Without naming names, it touches on how literacy and language development intersect with broader wellness topics, like cognitive growth and even emotional regulation in children. That level of insight adds a valuable layer to the conversation, especially for anyone curious about the long-term impact of literacy beyond the classroom.

Real Talk: What Can Adults Do?

You don’t need to be a teacher or child development expert to support early literacy. Some of the most impactful strategies are the simplest ones:

• Read aloud daily. Even if it’s just 10 minutes before bed, consistency matters.

• Talk, talk, talk. Narrate what you're doing, ask open-ended questions, and encourage kids to respond.

• Use songs and rhymes. Rhythm and repetition help build memory and language connections.

• Let them lead. When a child picks a book—even if it’s the same one for the 30th time—run with it. Enthusiasm goes a long way.

When caregivers take these small steps regularly, they create a literacy-rich environment that builds confidence, curiosity, and communication.

Building a Community of Support

What’s really encouraging is the growing network of online resources supporting early literacy, including educational blogs, parent forums, and health-focused platforms that explore how literacy connects to brain development and early intervention. These second-hand resources—while not always directly affiliated with schools—are proving to be powerful allies for caregivers.

The IU Early Literacy blog and its recommended resources are perfect examples of how educational and health-based communities are coming together to raise awareness. The ripple effect is real: when one site supports another, it helps share quality content with a wider audience, ultimately benefiting the families and educators who need it most.

Final Thoughts

Early literacy isn’t a race to get kids reading first—it’s about helping them fall in love with language, stories, and expressing themselves. And when we tap into the collective wisdom being shared by educators, parents, and experts online, we’re reminded that supporting literacy is a community effort.

If you haven’t explored it yet, that IU blog post on early literacy is a great place to start. Whether you're a parent looking for tips, an educator wanting fresh ideas, or just someone passionate about learning, it’s worth the read.

Let’s keep passing along the tools and inspiration to help the next generation thrive—one word, one story, and one conversation at a time.