Literacy as a Family: Practical Tips for Bringing Reading and Writing into Daily Life

Contact: Kelly Craine, 254-297-9065
Follow us: @BaylorUMedia on X and LinkedIn

November is Family Literacy Month, which shines a spotlight on the essential role of family engagement in fostering a love for reading and learning. This month-long observance encourages families to explore books together, share stories and support each other’s literacy growth in creative and enjoyable ways. Family Literacy Month also raises awareness of the importance of literacy in shaping educational success and social well-being, making it a meaningful celebration for communities across the nation.

An expert on reimagining schooled literacy practices, Kelly C. Johnston, Ed.D., associate professor in Baylor University’s School of Education 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."

To inspire families, Johnston share eight simple ways to integrate literacy into daily life:

• Read aloud and discuss: Reading aloud doesn’t have to mean only books – it could be magazine articles, menus or subtitles on a favorite show. Encourage your child to follow along with the printed words while reading aloud. While reading, ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think that character did that?” These questions help 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, helps kids learn planning and prioritization and offers opportunities to practice spelling and vocabulary in context.
• Visit the library together: A library trip can be an adventure. 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, so take advantage of these opportunities to meet others who enjoy reading.
• Leverage learning apps: There are many literacy-focused apps that make learning engaging and interactive. Apps like Khan Academy Kids and Starfall help readers practice early reading skills in a game-like setting. Apps that support comprehension and vocabulary, like Epic! or Newsela, can also be beneficial. 
• Draw and label together: When working on art projects, like drawing a map or sketching a favorite animal, 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 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. People don't always realize that non-natural additives in foods can affect children's everyday thinking and learning. 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.

Resources for Families 

• Reading Rockets: A comprehensive resource with tips for supporting readers at all levels, from early literacy to advanced comprehension. 
• PBS Parents Reading Tips: Offers articles and practical ideas for integrating reading and literacy activities into family life.
• Unite for Literacy: Offers a free digital library with books in English and Spanish (and other languages) that promote a love of reading at home. 
• Storyline Online: A free resource featuring actors reading children’s books aloud, which can be great for family story time.
• Colorín Colorado: A bilingual resource specifically for English language learners and their families, with reading tips, book recommendations and activities in both English and Spanish. 

Johnston invites others to see reading and writing as opportunities for growth, connection and fun.

“By blending literacy into the rhythms of everyday life, families can foster an environment where children not only build essential skills but also develop a lifelong love of learning,” she said. “There are many resources readily available and a variety of creative ideas, so every family can find unique ways to make literacy a meaningful part of their journey together.”

ABOUT KELLY C. JOHNSTON, Ed.D.

Kelly C. Johnston, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of literacy in the Baylor University School of Education. Her program of research examines how children and youth engage with literacy across contexts and the implications for literacy development and well-being in underserved communities. 

Her research seeks to produce more equitable and just opportunities for children and youth whose cultural, linguistic, racial-ethnic and neurodiverse identities and practices have been marginalized through formal education. To learn more about Dr. Johnston’s scholarship and leadership in literacy education, visit www.kellycjohnston.com.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

For more than 100 years, the School of Education has advanced Baylor’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership, and human development. With more than 60 full-time faculty members, the school’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit the School of Education website to learn more.