JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Literacy begins at birth, and military families have a unique opportunity to support their children’s development from the very beginning. Through early interaction and daily routines, parents play a critical role in helping young children build a strong foundation for reading, writing and communication.
From Cradle to Classroom: Building Literacy from the Start
In a child’s first year, simple actions like singing lullabies and talking throughout the day begin to shape language comprehension. When babies are old enough to sit up, parents are encouraged to hold them in their laps and point to pictures in board books. This builds not only vocabulary, but also a positive emotional association with books and reading.
As children grow into the 12- to 18-month range, their curiosity becomes more apparent. During this time, labeling objects, describing colors or shapes, and allowing children to physically engage with books can be instrumental in building early vocabulary and comprehension. Even if toddlers walk away or grab the book, they are still learning by interacting.
From 18 to 36 months, attention spans gradually increase. Children begin to respond more to stories, and the value of repetition becomes especially important. Hearing the same story over and over helps children recognize patterns, anticipate what comes next and build memory skills. Pretend reading and early scribbling are signs of healthy literacy development.
At 3 years old and beyond, children are ready to engage more deeply. Parents can ask questions about what they see in a book and allow children time to answer. Children might begin telling their own versions of stories, retelling favorites, or pointing out letters in their names. These small moments help develop narrative skills and letter recognition.
Access to books remains essential. Visiting the library and letting children choose books based on their interests can turn reading into a family tradition. Encouraging daily reading—at bedtime, during playtime or throughout the day—builds stronger language skills and family bonds.
According to early childhood educators, integrating books into everyday life supports cognitive development and emotional security. Children learn best when they feel safe and connected, and story time creates an ideal space for that connection.
Whether reading favorite stories, singing their favorite songs, or talking about your day, parents are key to unlocking a lifelong love of reading. A consistent and nurturing literacy routine can support children well into their school years and beyond.
By making reading part of the family rhythm, parents can give their children a powerful head start—one story at a time.