Start Strong: Tools to Inspire Young Readers

Promoting Early Literacy: Tools to Spark a Love of Reading from the Start

Children are born learning—and one of the most powerful ways to support their development is through early literacy. From reading aloud to playing with sounds and exploring storytelling, literacy lays the foundation for lifelong learning. That’s why the Literacy section of Show Me Child Care Resources is full of practical tools to help child care providers nurture reading and writing skills from the very beginning.

Why Early Literacy Matters

Long before children step into a classroom, they are soaking up words, sounds, and stories. Early literacy isn’t just about teaching kids to read, it’s about creating rich, engaging experiences that build vocabulary, comprehension, imagination, and a love for books.

What You’ll Find in the Literacy Section

The Literacy section is designed to support educators at every level with ready-to-use resources that bring literacy into daily practice. Key tools include: 

Book Lists

• Curated selections of age-appropriate titles to help build a classroom library that inspires curiosity and imagination.

First Book

• Access affordable, high-quality books through First Book, a nonprofit that helps educators stock their shelves in any budget.

Interactive Reading

• Learn techniques to make story time engaging and participatory, strengthening comprehension and connection. 

Literacy Activities

• Hands-on, play-based activities that build phonological awareness, vocabulary development, and early writing skills.

Sound It Out

• Sound-focused resources that help children recognize, play with, and build the foundation for reading readiness. 

Teacher Tools

• Planning guides, templates, and progress trackers to create literacy-rich environments and monitor growth. 

Practical Support for Every Stage

Whether children are just beginning to explore books or are ready to start sounding out words, the Literacy section provides step-by-step guides and flexible tools that help you: 

• Implement interactive reading practices
• Support phonological and phonemic awareness
• Create literacy-rich environments
• Track and celebrate children’s progress

Ready to Get Started?

Visit the Literacy section of Show Me Child Care Resources today to discover everything you need to foster early literacy in your program. With the right tools and a little creativity, you can help every child build a strong foundation for reading—and a lifelong love of learning.

Let’s inspire a love of literacy…one story at a time.

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