By Dennis Richmond, Jr.
In today’s world, reading and writing are not just school subjects—they are life skills that determine how far a child can go in school and work. The National Center on Improving Literacy notes that children who grow up in literacy-rich environments demonstrate stronger language development, better school readiness, and greater long-term confidence. The payoff lasts into adulthood. A 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that adults who read more than three and a half hours per week were 20 percent less likely to die during a 12-year period, underscoring just how valuable literacy is for lifelong well-being.
Yet the gaps are clear. According to Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s largest literacy nonprofit, nearly 25 million children in the United States cannot read proficiently, and national testing shows eighth graders are performing nearly a year behind where they should be. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent children at risk of falling behind permanently if adults do not intervene.
Caregivers often want to help but may not have the strategies. Fortunately, research-based techniques can be used at home, on weekends, and even while traveling on buses, trains, or in cars.
At Home: Building Weekend Habits
One of the most effective practices is shared reading. The National Early Literacy Panel stresses that reading aloud while asking questions—“What do you think happens next?”—improves comprehension and vocabulary. Labeling objects around the house (“door,” “table,” “cup”) builds print awareness, a step the National Center on Improving Literacy highlights as critical for emergent readers. Caregivers can also write with children, whether it’s helping make a shopping list or leaving notes for family members. The National Association for the Education of Young Children points out that even scribbles are meaningful practice because children begin to understand that marks on paper carry messages. Adding rhymes and songs makes learning fun and, according to Vail Public Library’s literacy resources, strengthens phonological awareness.
On the Go: Turning Travel Into Learning
Travel time can be literacy time. The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology reports that audiobooks and read-aloud apps expose children to complex language and support vocabulary growth, even if the child is not yet reading independently. Caregivers can also turn commutes into games: playing “I-Spy” with letters or words on street signs (“S is for Stop”) strengthens print recognition. Another activity is storytelling—taking turns to build a story sentence by sentence. According to the National Center on Improving Literacy, these narrative practices boost imagination and help children organize ideas.
Everyday Moments Matter
The truth is simple: caregivers don’t need expensive materials to make a difference. Talking, reading, labeling, and playing with language turn everyday routines into literacy lessons. As Reading Is Fundamental emphasizes, small daily actions compound into big academic outcomes.
Reading and writing are not only important—they are invaluable. With consistent caregiver support, every child can be on the path to literacy, opportunity, and success.
Dennis Richmond, Jr. (@NewYorkStakz) is a journalist, historian, and educator from Yonkers, NY. He writes to uplift unheard voices, honor history, and inspire change.
