3 Fun Ways to Teach Your Toddler How to Read

​When your little one is a toddler, that’s when they’re really soaking up everything. They have a better understanding of words than they did as an infant. Plus, during this time, it's crucial that they get a firm understanding of letters and numbers; sure, you can have them watch children's shows like Sesame Street or even buy an alphabet plush for them.

These can really help out, but generally speaking, they usually need to know how to write their name by the time they’re four, as this is the typical age that kids go to school. So, with that said, since those toddler years fly by pretty quickly, here are some fun ways to teach your toddler how to read!

Try Reading Together

​As a parent, you already have more than enough on your plate, such as having to ensure your toddler eats nutritious meals, but as you know, the job of a parent is never finished. It’s basically just starting when they’re a toddler. Reading together with your toddler teaches a variety of valuable skills, from building their vocabulary to helping them understand story structure. It also fosters a love of books and encourages them to seek out their own reading material. 

Reading with your child should be fun, lighthearted, and not feel like a chore. If you find that your child is unable to focus during reading time, try to vary the material and times of day that you read together. Generally speaking, when it comes to bedtime or even play time, just make a specific period where you’re reading to them, and help them get familiar with the words.

Consider Making a Little Book with Them

​Now, you don’t have to go the publishing route or even the self-publishing route; it’s more about having fun with them. At this age, kids mainly focus on pictures and the text that goes with them. However, if they can trace words with their fingers while you read to them, they will start connecting how letters look with what they sound like. Toddlers love to turn paper pages, and if you use thicker card stock, it will be easier for them to manage. Just get them to come up with a story; you write the words and let them draw each page. That way, they’ll become very interested in it.

Reading a Kid-friendly Reading Nook

Maybe just a fun reading spot altogether would be perfect too. Nurturing a love of reading from an early age is one of the best gifts you can give your kids. It boosts their imagination, helps them develop a rich vocabulary, and prepares them for their educational journey. Setting up a cozy reading nook in your home can make the whole experience more exciting for them and encourage them to read more often. The ideal spot is quiet and somewhat secluded from the rest of the household activities, such as their bedroom or playroom. This can be the best space for you and them to go read, they’ll eventually recognize it as a relaxing area, and they’ll pick up that reading is meant to be relaxing. 


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