What Is Literacy Really?

and how do we create it in our kids.

The Hidden Layer Parents Aren’t Being Taught — and Why It Matters More Than Ever**

When I was completing my master’s in Reading Education, one of the very first assignments was to define “literacy.” That question seems simple, but the more I studied, the more obvious it became that literacy is complex, layered, and so much deeper than reading words on a page.

Most parents are never taught this — not because they don’t care, but because schools do not explain what actually builds strong readers.

Literacy Isn’t Just Reading.

It’s Vocabulary, Background Knowledge, Oral Language, Curiosity, and World Awareness.

Most parents understand literacy as the ability to “read” or “read well,” but educators know literacy is an ecosystem of interconnected skills. Children need strong vocabulary to understand what words mean, background knowledge to connect text to real-world ideas, and oral language skills to express their thinking. They also need world awareness so they can make sense of what they encounter in books. When a child is missing any of these layers, they may decode every word correctly yet still walk away confused. This is why so many children seem to read fluently

but struggle with comprehension.

Literacy includes:

• vocabulary exposure

• background knowledge

• oral language skills

• decoding and fluency

• world awareness

• curiosity and questioning

• listening comprehension

Understanding literacy as a system helps parents recognize why reading can feel hard even when the child “sounds out” words correctly.

Precise Language Builds Literacy (Even in 30-Second Moments)

Many parents don’t realize that one of the strongest predictors of reading comprehension is vocabulary exposure — and vocabulary grows most naturally through everyday conversation. When you name things accurately (“overpass,” “erosion,” “cocoon,” “antenna,” “crane”), you’re giving your child the language frameworks that books will later rely on.

These moments are short, natural, and powerful. Even a 20–30 second explanation builds schema — a mental file folder your child will later draw from while reading. This type of precise language families can easily incorporate it without extra work.

Examples of literacy-rich language choices:

• Instead of “that thing,” use the real noun (“That’s the excavator bucket lifting debris.”)

• Instead of “a bug,” specify (“That’s a praying mantis — look how its arms bend.”)

• Instead of “a road,” explain (“This is an overpass; one road goes over another to keep traffic flowing.”)

These tiny exposures accumulate into tens of thousands of vocabulary connections by middle school.

Background Knowledge: The Most Powerful, Least Understood Literacy Tool

Background knowledge is the single greatest predictor of reading comprehension after third grade — even more than decoding ability.

When a child has prior knowledge about a topic, they process reading faster, with better accuracy and more enjoyment. Conversely, when a child has zero background knowledge, reading becomes mentally taxing because they must decode and learn concepts and form connections simultaneously.

This is why content exposure — science, history, stories, podcasts — matters so much at home. The goal isn’t to “teach” subjects, but to create familiarity so texts feel accessible instead of overwhelming.

Ways families can build background knowledge:

• Yoto cards, audio stories, kids’ podcasts

• Honest History or similar magazines

• Library trips with nonfiction books

• Age-appropriate documentaries

• Conversations about real-world topics

• Reading aloud chapter books with rich settings

There are countless ways to build background knowledge. In my family, we:

• Have a subscription to Honest History Magazine

• Listen to Yoto cards daily

• Listen to stories on the Supergreat Kids' Stories Podcast

• Family Read Aloud - Picture Books and Chapter Books

• Library Trips

I have considered Oyla science magazine, but haven't pulled the trigger.

It is important to note that I am not 'having class' in the afternoons with my kids. I am ensuring that the material that supports the background knowledge they need is in our home. I am not forcing it upon them.

Keys to making this work -

1. I get excited about reading and learning together. I don't treat it like a chore or another box we need to check off.

2. I facilitate environments that make it more likely they will choose one of the above activities. Occasionally we have...

   - no screen car rides, "grab a book or a yoto, you can't bring your iPad."

   - slow mornings, I read aloud, while I drink my coffee.

   - stop reading on a cliffhanger, so when you suggest reading the following day, it is met with an enthusiastic 'YES.'

I am not forcing learning to happen, but I am ensuring there is space in our day for them to explore topics they are interested in.

Oral Language and Family Conversation: The Foundation No One Talks About

Oral language — speaking, listening, questioning — is the earliest and strongest predictor of later reading success. Family conversation builds vocabulary, sentence structure, narrative skills, and confidence. Even short periods of intentional talk, like during dinner or car rides, help children internalize language patterns they will later use in writing and reading.

It doesn’t have to be formal or fancy; natural conversation is enough. Research shows that students who regularly engage in meaningful talk at home outperform peers in reading comprehension, even when they read the same amount.

Conversation-based literacy strategies:

• Ask open-ended questions at dinner

• Share highs/lows of the day

• Tell stories from your childhood

• Let your child teach you something

• Talk through “how” and “why” questions

Children cannot comprehend text structures they have never heard in spoken form. Conversation is literacy.

Reading Aloud Is Not Optional — It’s Essential

Reading aloud is one of the most powerful literacy practices for children of all ages — even middle schoolers.

It exposes them to vocabulary, syntax, and content far above their independent reading level. It models fluency and expression, and it makes reading a shared pleasure instead of an isolated task.

Family routine of reading chapter books together is exactly the kind of practice that builds lifelong readers because it connects emotion, curiosity, and imagination to the reading experience. When parents demonstrate excitement about stories, children internalize reading as something joyful and meaningful.

Benefits of reading aloud:

• Builds listening comprehension

• Expands vocabulary

• Improves attention and stamina

• Strengthens emotional connection

• Introduces complex ideas gently

• Models fluent expressive reading

Shared reading time creates a literacy culture at home.

It’s About Knowledge

Free or low-cost literacy builders:

• Library books (fiction + nonfiction)

• Free podcasts like “Super Great Kids’ Stories.”

• YouTube documentaries for kids

• Walks outside with intentional naming

• Family dinner conversation

• Car ride “wondering” questions (“Why do you think…?”)

Simple ways to begin:

• Read aloud most nights, even 10 minutes

• Name new things using precise vocabulary

• Ask curious questions during errands

• Keep nonfiction in your book rotation

• Listen to a story podcast in the car

• Use the library as your literacy hub

• Enjoy learning with your child

With consistency, these small choices lead to enormous growth — academically, emotionally, and cognitively.

If you want to discuss your child's literacy, contact us today and set up a free call.

Set up a free call here.