Building a foundation for lifelong learning starts with fostering a genuine love of reading from the earliest years

There’s something magical about watching a child’s face light up during story time, their eyes wide with wonder as they follow along with every word and picture. As parents, we all dream of raising kids who see books as treasures rather than chores, who reach for stories the way they might reach for their favourite toy.

The truth is, developing a love of reading isn’t something that happens overnight—or something that can be forced. It’s a gradual process that begins long before your child can even hold a book properly, let alone decode the letters on its pages. The earlier we can help children understand that books hold incredible worlds of meaning, adventure, and discovery, the more likely they are to embrace reading as both a joy and a lifelong skill.

As an educator who has spent years working with struggling readers, I’ve learned that the most successful interventions often come too late. The children who thrive are typically those whose love affair with books began in infancy, nurtured by parents who understood that every shared story, every pointed-to picture, and every silly voice during reading time was building something profound.

The goal isn’t to create tiny scholars or push academic achievement before it’s developmentally appropriate. Instead, we want to help our children develop a positive, joyful relationship with books and learning that will serve them throughout their educational journey and beyond. Here are five research-backed strategies to help you cultivate that love of reading in your home.

1. Surround Your Child With Books (And Make Them Irresistible)

The Power of a Print-Rich Environment

Creating a book-rich environment goes far beyond having a few picture books on a shelf. When children are surrounded by books from their earliest days, they begin to understand that reading is a normal, valuable part of daily life. Research consistently shows that children who grow up in homes with diverse, accessible book collections develop stronger literacy skills and maintain higher levels of reading engagement throughout their lives.

Choosing the Right Books for Every Stage

For babies and early toddlers (6 months to 18 months), board books with simple, high-contrast images work best. Look for books with:

• Thick, sturdy pages that can withstand enthusiastic handling
• Bright, bold colours that capture developing vision
• Simple, repetitive text with strong rhythm and rhyme
• Textural elements like fuzzy patches or crinkly sections
• Interactive features such as lift-the-flap elements or mirrors

As children grow into active toddlers (18 months to 3 years), they can handle more complex stories and enjoy:

• Familiar themes about daily routines, animals, or family life
• Predictable storylines that they can anticipate and “help” tell
• Books with photographs of real objects alongside illustrated stories
• Slightly longer narratives that can hold attention for 5-10 minutes
• Series books featuring beloved characters they can recognize

Strategic Book Placement Throughout Your Home

Don’t limit books to bedrooms or a formal reading area. Consider placing small collections of books in:

• The living room in a basket near the couch for spontaneous reading
• The kitchen for books about food, cooking, or mealtime stories
• Your child’s play area where they can incorporate books into imaginative play
• The bathroom for entertaining books during potty training
• Your diaper bag or car for reading opportunities during errands or waiting

Jon Rogers, a father from Kelowna, B.C., discovered this strategy’s power firsthand. “We started placing board books around the house when our oldest, Linden, was about eight months old,” he explains. “Now, our 23-month-old, Asher, brings books to us throughout the day. It’s become as natural as asking for a snack or wanting to play outside.”

Building Your Home Library on Any Budget

Creating a book-rich environment doesn’t require a huge investment. Consider these budget-friendly approaches:

• Library sales and book swaps often offer quality children’s books for under a dollar
• Second-hand stores frequently have excellent selections of gently used books
• Book subscription services can provide age-appropriate selections delivered monthly
• Digital libraries through your local library system offer free access to thousands of titles
• Community book exchanges let you trade books your children have outgrown

Remember to rotate books periodically. Storing some books away and reintroducing them after a few weeks can make old favourites feel new and exciting again.

2. Establish Consistent Reading Routines (But Stay Flexible)

The Science Behind Reading Routines

Consistent reading routines do more than just expose children to books—they create positive associations between reading and comfort, security, and special time with loved ones. When reading becomes part of your family’s daily rhythm, children begin to anticipate and crave these moments, setting the stage for independent reading later on.

Beyond Bedtime: Finding Your Family’s Perfect Reading Times

While bedtime stories are wonderful, don’t limit reading to evening routines. Different children are alert and receptive at different times of day. Pay attention to when your child seems most engaged and try to incorporate reading into these natural windows:

Morning Reading Sessions can help ease into the day, especially for children who wake up slowly. Keep a few calm, gentle books near your bed for early morning snuggles and stories.

Pre-Nap Reading helps transition active toddlers into quiet time. The rhythm and repetition of familiar stories can be naturally calming and signal that it’s time to rest.

Afternoon Story Breaks work well during that challenging late-afternoon period when children (and parents) need a reset. A 10-minute reading session can provide the connection and calm everyone needs.

Meal Preparation Reading might involve your child looking at books nearby while you cook, creating positive associations between books and family time.

Making Reading Interactive and Engaging

Effective shared reading goes far beyond simply reading words aloud. Research shows that the most beneficial reading experiences involve rich interaction between adult and child:

Use Varied Voices and Expression: Don’t be shy about adopting different voices for characters, adjusting your volume for dramatic effect, or using exaggerated expressions. Children are drawn to animated reading, and it helps them understand that stories are meant to be engaging and fun.

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of just reading through to the end, pause to ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think the bunny feels?” This helps develop critical thinking and comprehension skills.

Make Personal Connections: Help your child relate stories to their own experiences: “Look, the little girl in this book has a dog just like Grandma’s!” or “Remember when we went to the park yesterday? This looks like the same kind of playground.”

Point and Label: Especially with younger children, point to objects, animals, and characters as you name them. This helps children understand that printed words correspond to spoken language and real-world objects.

Follow Your Child’s Lead

Julie Parnell, a Halifax-based mother, learned this lesson with her 21-month-old daughter, Katelyn. “I used to worry when we’d only get through two or three pages of a book before she’d say ‘All done,’” Parnell admits. “Now I realize that following her lead—even if it means switching books or stopping mid-story—keeps the experience positive. We might look at six different books for just a few minutes each, and that’s perfectly fine.”

This approach prevents reading from becoming a battle of wills and ensures that your child maintains positive associations with books and story time.

3. Create Irresistible Reading Spaces Throughout Your Home

The Psychology of Reading Environments

The environment where reading takes place significantly impacts how children feel about the experience. Comfortable, inviting spaces signal that reading is special and enjoyable, while awkward or uncomfortable arrangements can create negative associations that persist over time.

As an educator, I’ve observed that students often seek out unconventional reading spots—under desks, in doorways, or curled up against bookshelves. This behaviour tells us that children instinctively understand the importance of finding a space that feels right for them.

Designing the Perfect Reading Nook

You don’t need a large space or expensive furniture to create an appealing reading area. The key elements are comfort, good lighting, and easy access to books:

Essential Elements for Any Reading Space:

• Soft seating: This could be floor cushions, a small bean bag chair, or even just a pile of pillows
• Good lighting: Natural light is ideal, but a soft lamp works well for evening reading
• Book storage: Low shelves, baskets, or bins that children can reach independently
• Cozy touches: A special blanket, stuffed animal, or small rug can make the space feel special
• Minimal distractions: Keep toys, screens, and other activities separate from reading areas

Multiple Reading Spaces for Different Needs

Consider creating several small reading areas rather than one elaborate setup:

The Family Reading Chair: A comfortable adult chair where parent and child can snuggle together for shared reading. This space emphasizes reading as a bonding activity and provides the security of close physical contact.

The Independent Reading Corner: A child-sized space where your little one can look at books alone, fostering independence and personal choice. Even toddlers who can’t read yet benefit from having quiet time with books on their own.

The Outdoor Reading Spot: Weather permitting, outdoor reading can add an element of adventure. A blanket under a tree, porch steps, or even a picnic table can become special reading locations.

The Travel Reading Kit: A small bag with a few books and a small pillow or stuffed animal can create a reading space anywhere—in the car, at appointments, or while visiting friends and family.

Involving Children in Space Creation

When age-appropriate, involve your child in setting up their reading spaces. Let them choose which stuffed animal belongs in their reading corner, or allow them to help arrange books in their basket. This ownership increases their investment in using the space.

4. Choose Literacy-Rich Toys That Make Learning Feel Like Play

The Power of Playful Learning

The most effective early literacy instruction often doesn’t look like traditional teaching at all. When children engage with letters, words, and language concepts through play, they’re building crucial foundations without the pressure or stress that can sometimes accompany formal education.

Research in early childhood development consistently shows that children learn best through multi-sensory experiences that engage their whole bodies, not just their minds. Literacy toys provide opportunities to touch, manipulate, build, and move while exploring language concepts.

Alphabet and Letter Recognition Toys

Traditional Wooden Blocks These timeless toys offer countless opportunities for letter recognition and early word building. Look for sets that include:

• Upper and lowercase letters on different sides
• Numbers and simple pictures alongside letters
• Consistent, clear fonts that match what children will see in books
• Smooth edges and non-toxic finishes for safety

Making Block Play Educational: As you build with your child, naturally incorporate letter identification: “Let’s find the first letter of your name to put on top of our tower,” or “I see a B block—that’s the same letter that starts ‘ball’ and ‘book.’” The key is keeping the learning incidental and fun rather than turning it into a formal lesson.

Alphabet Beanbags These soft, manageable toys are perfect for active toddlers who learn better when they can move their bodies. Quality alphabet beanbags should be:

• Large enough to prevent choking hazards
• Securely sewn to withstand enthusiastic handling
• Made with washable materials
• Clearly marked with both uppercase and lowercase letters

Active Learning Ideas: Try simple games like having your child jump over beanbags arranged on the floor while you call out the letters, or work together to spell simple words like their name or “MOM” and “DAD.” These activities build letter recognition while burning energy.

Magnetic Letters and Surfaces Refrigerator magnets might seem simple, but they offer powerful learning opportunities:

• Start with just a few letters rather than overwhelming your child with the entire alphabet
• Focus on meaningful letters like those in your child’s name or family members’ names
• Use both uppercase and lowercase sets as your child develops
• Create simple words together, emphasizing the sounds each letter makes

Puzzles That Build Pre-Reading Skills

Letter and Number Puzzles Choose large-piece puzzles appropriate for your child’s fine motor development. The best literacy-focused puzzles feature:

• Clear, simple fonts similar to those used in early reading materials
• Pictures that correspond to letter sounds (A with an apple, B with a ball)
• Sturdy pieces that fit together easily without frustration
• Self-correcting designs where pieces only fit in the correct spots

Character-Based Puzzles Puzzles featuring beloved book characters like Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar or Dr. Seuss characters help reinforce the connection between toys and books. When your child completes a puzzle featuring a favorite character, it’s natural to say, “Should we read the book about the caterpillar now?”

Shape and Pattern Puzzles While not explicitly literacy-focused, these puzzles build visual discrimination skills that are crucial for reading. Learning to notice differences in shapes, sizes, and patterns directly translates to the ability to distinguish between similar letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’ or ‘p’ and ‘q.’

Interactive Books and Electronic Learning Toys

Sound Books Books with buttons that play sounds, music, or spoken words can be engaging, but choose carefully:

• Look for books where the audio enhances rather than replaces the reading experience
• Ensure that sounds are clear and correspond logically to the story or pictures
• Choose books that still work well even when the sound features aren’t used
• Avoid toys with overly loud or startling sounds that might create negative associations

Electronic Learning Systems While high-tech isn’t necessary for early literacy development, some electronic toys can be valuable supplements:

• Choose systems that emphasize phonics and letter sounds rather than just letter names
• Look for toys that encourage interaction rather than passive consumption
• Ensure that electronic toys complement rather than replace book reading and human interaction
• Set time limits to prevent over-reliance on electronic entertainment

5. Model Reading as a Joyful, Essential Part of Daily Life

Children Learn What They Live

Perhaps the most powerful influence on your child’s relationship with reading is watching how you interact with books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. Children are natural mimics, and they absorb lessons about what’s important and valuable by observing their parents’ daily choices and behaviors.

When children see adults reading for pleasure, information, and problem-solving, they understand that literacy isn’t just something required for school—it’s a tool that enriches life in countless ways.

Visible Reading Throughout Your Day

Make your own reading more obvious and discussible:

Morning Reading Rituals: Whether it’s checking the news, reading emails, or glancing at a magazine over coffee, narrate what you’re doing: “I’m reading the weather report to see if we need jackets today,” or “This article is about a new park that’s opening nearby—maybe we should visit!”

Practical Reading: Include your child when you’re reading for everyday tasks. “Let me read this recipe to see what ingredients we need,” or “The instructions say we should water these plants every three days.” This demonstrates that reading is useful and necessary for accomplishing goals.

Pleasure Reading: Let your children see you reading for enjoyment. Whether it’s a novel, magazine, or online article, mention what you’re reading: “This book is so exciting—I can’t wait to see what happens next!” or “I’m reading about a family that went camping, and it reminds me of our trip last summer.”

Family Reading Time

Establish periods when everyone in the family reads together, each with their own material:

Silent Reading Sessions: Even if your toddler can’t read yet, they can look at picture books while older family members read their own materials. This creates a peaceful, focused atmosphere that emphasizes reading as a valued family activity.

Reading Aloud to Multiple Children: If you have children of different ages, choose books that work for various levels. Longer picture books, early chapter books, or even short stories can engage a range of ages simultaneously.

Sharing What You Read: Make reading a topic of family conversation. Ask older children about their books, share interesting facts you’ve learned from your reading, and encourage everyone to recommend books to each other.

Individual Attention in Multi-Child Families

Lyndsey Peacocke, a kindergarten teacher in Edmonton, emphasizes the importance of individual reading time: “When you have multiple children, it’s crucial to carve out one-on-one reading time with each child. They need to feel like they’re the center of your attention, and they need books that match their individual interests and developmental level.”

This doesn’t need to be lengthy—even ten minutes of focused, individual reading time can be more valuable than thirty minutes of distracted group time.

Extending Literacy Into Daily Life

Environmental Print Exploration: Help your child notice and discuss the print that surrounds them every day:

• Point out street signs, store names, and traffic signals during errands
• Read food packages, labels, and menus together
• Notice letters and numbers on clothing, toys, and household items
• Discuss the purposes of different types of print: “This sign tells us where to park,” or “This label shows us what’s inside the box.”

Library Adventures: Regular library visits reinforce that books and reading are important enough to have special places dedicated to them. Many libraries offer toddler story times, early literacy programs, and special events that can supplement your home reading efforts.

Community Connections: Look for reading-related activities in your community—bookstore story times, literacy festivals, or author visits. These experiences help children see that reading is valued by the broader community, not just their family.

Creating Lifelong Readers: The Long View

Patience With the Process

Remember that developing a love of reading is a marathon, not a sprint. Some children will show intense interest in books from very early ages, while others may need more time and exposure before their love of reading fully blossoms. Resist the temptation to compare your child’s progress to siblings, friends, or developmental charts.

Signs Your Efforts Are Working

Look for these positive indicators that your child is developing healthy relationships with books and reading:

• They seek out books independently, even if they can’t read yet
• They have favorite books they want to hear repeatedly
• They engage with stories by pointing, asking questions, or making comments
• They incorporate book themes or characters into their play
• They show interest in letters, words, or writing materials
• They remain calm and focused during reading time
• They bring books to you or other family members

When to Seek Additional Support

While most children develop reading skills naturally given sufficient exposure and support, some may need additional help. Consider consulting with your pediatrician or a literacy specialist if your child:

• Shows no interest in books by age 2-3 despite consistent exposure
• Cannot focus on books for even very brief periods
• Becomes distressed or resistant during reading time
• Shows no recognition of familiar books or characters by age 3
• Has difficulty with language development in general

The Gift That Keeps Giving

By implementing these strategies consistently and patiently, you’re giving your child something far more valuable than academic achievement—you’re providing them with a source of lifelong joy, learning, and personal growth. The child who learns to love books will always have a way to explore new worlds, solve problems, find comfort during difficult times, and continue learning throughout their life.

The investment you make in reading time today—the stories shared, the cozy moments, the patient answering of endless questions—creates ripples that will extend far into your child’s future. You’re not just teaching them to read; you’re showing them that they are valued, that learning is exciting, and that books hold keys to infinite possibilities.

Skip the pressure, embrace the joy, and trust that your consistent, loving efforts are building something beautiful that will last a lifetime.