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Six A Day: Simple Actions That Build Strong Readers

Six A Day is a literacy initiative encouraging families and caregivers to engage in six simple activities with young children every day. These small moments of learning help develop language, curiosity, and confidence that support lifelong learning.

1. Encourage Every Day

Children thrive when they feel supported and valued. Encouragement helps build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. Small moments of praise and positive reinforcement remind children that they matter and that their efforts are important.

Try this today:

  • Celebrate effort, not just results.
  • Tell your child what you love about their work.
  • Encourage them when they try something new.
  • Remind them they are capable and important.

2. Hug for Security and Comfort

Physical affection helps children feel safe and connected. A simple hug can calm emotions, strengthen relationships, and help children feel secure as they explore the world around them.

Try this today:

  • Start and end the day with a hug.
  • Offer comfort during difficult moments.
  • Celebrate accomplishments with a high-five or embrace.
  • Show affection often.

3. Talk and Listen

Every conversation builds your child’s language and emotional development. Talking with children helps them understand the world, express themselves, and feel heard.

Try this today:

  • Ask questions about what they are playing with.
  • Eat together and talk during mealtime.
  • Repeat and respond to what they say.
  • Talk to your baby—even before they are born.

4. Sing Together

Music brings joy while helping children develop listening skills, memory, and language. Singing with your child strengthens bonds and turns everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. 

Try this today:

  • Sing your child’s favorite song together.
  • Make up silly songs while doing chores
  • Add hand motions or dancing.
  • Use music during routines like bedtime or cleanup.

5. Play and Explore

Play is how children learn about the world. Through play, children develop social skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and physical coordination

Try this today:

  • Build with blocks or puzzles.
  • Play pretend together.
  • Spend time outdoors exploring.
  • Follow your child’s imagination.

6. Read Everyday

Reading together builds language, imagination, and early literacy skills. Even a few minutes of reading each day strengthens the bond between caregiver and child and helps prepare children for school and lifelong learning. 

Try this today:

  • Read a book together before bed.
  • Let your child turn the pages.
  • Ask questions about the pictures.
  • Visit the library together.