The Link Between Early Conversations & Stronger Literacy Skills
Long before children learn to read or write, they are already absorbing language in a powerful way. Every giggle-filled chat, every bedtime story, every curious question - they all lay the foundation for stronger literacy skills and a lifelong love of learning.
But literacy is more than just reading books. It begins with conversations - the simple, everyday exchanges between a child and the people around them. Talking to children, asking them questions, and encouraging them to express themselves builds the language skills they need to become confident readers and communicators.
Let’s explore why early conversations matter and how they shape a child’s ability to read, write, and engage with the world.
🌱 Language First, Literacy Follows
Long before children recognise letters on a page, they are learning the rhythm, structure, and meaning of language through listening and speaking. Conversations introduce them to:
- New words – The more words a child hears, the larger their vocabulary becomes.
- Sentence structure – Speaking in full sentences helps kids naturally understand how words fit together.
- Tone and expression – Conversations teach children how meaning changes based on tone, pauses, and emphasis.
A child who grows up hearing and using rich language will find it easier to recognize words in print when they begin reading.
🗣 Conversations Strengthen Brain Development
Studies show that children who engage in frequent conversations from an early age develop stronger cognitive and language-processing skills. Every back-and-forth exchange strengthens neural connections in the brain, making it easier for children to:
✔ Identify and understand words
✔ Follow the flow of a story
✔ Make connections between spoken and written language
Research even suggests that children who have more verbal interactions at home tend to have higher reading comprehension skills later in school.
📖 The Connection Between Talking and Reading
When a child is read to, they hear new words, develop listening skills, and learn how stories unfold. But reading is not just about looking at words on a page - it is an interactive process that requires understanding and engagement.
A child who is used to having conversations will:
- Predict what might happen next in a story
- Ask questions about what they do not understand
- Recognise words and sentence patterns more easily
This is why books should not be one-sided experiences - talk about them! Pause and ask: “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character is feeling that way?” Encouraging discussion helps children become active participants in language and literacy.