Little Reading Nest

Nursery rhymes are more than just sweet little songs we pass down—they are one of the earliest and most powerful ways children learn language.

Through repetition, rhythm, and rhyme, children naturally begin to hear the patterns in words. They build phonological awareness, grow their vocabulary, and strengthen the skills they’ll later use for reading and writing.

These moments don’t have to be formal or structured. A rhyme shared during bedtime, in the car, or while waiting in line can become a tiny literacy lesson wrapped in connection.

Try pausing before the rhyming word and inviting your child to say it with you. Those small invitations build confidence and joy around language.

If you’re looking for a fun way to build phonological awareness, strengthen early literacy skills, and support kindergarten readiness, this book is a great choice.

The hilarious illustrations bring everyday compound words to life in unexpected ways, keeping children engaged and laughing from beginning to end. While they’re enjoying the humor, they’re also learning an important reading skill—recognizing that larger words can be broken into two smaller words.

I especially love that the two words within each compound word are printed in different colors, helping children visually see how words are formed. This simple feature supports word awareness, vocabulary development, and future decoding skills.

Books like this show that learning to read doesn’t have to feel like work. Through playful read-alouds and meaningful conversations, children build the strong literacy foundation they need to become confident readers.

What’s your favorite book for teaching compound words?

If you’re looking for children’s books that support early literacy skills, The Art of Words is one of my favorites.

This beautifully illustrated book encourages children to explore language in a playful and meaningful way. Through creative typography and engaging visuals, children see words stretched, enlarged, transformed, and brought to life. It helps them understand that words are something to notice, discuss, and enjoy.

As a literacy specialist, I love how this book supports:
✨ Word awareness
✨ Vocabulary development
✨ Oral language skills
✨ Reading readiness
✨ Preschool literacy development

While reading, try asking:
💭 What do you notice about this word?
💭 How does this word make you feel?
💭 Can you think of another word with a similar meaning?
💭 Why do you think the illustrator made it look this way?

These simple conversations help children build a deeper understanding of language while fostering a love of words.

Before children learn to read independently, they need opportunities to hear, explore, and play with language. Books like The Art of Words help lay that foundation while making learning fun.

📌Save this book recommendation for your next library visit and follow along for more early literacy tips to help grow strong readers at home!

Literacy doesn’t begin when children start reading books—it begins in the everyday conversations, stories, and language experiences at home. When parents talk, play, and interact with intention, children are building the foundation for future reading success.

Simple moments like describing what you’re doing, asking open-ended questions, singing songs, and retelling events all strengthen early literacy skills such as vocabulary development, oral language, and phonological awareness.

You are your child’s first and most important teacher—and literacy starts with you.

EXCITING NEWS!! ⭐️The Ollie Keepsake Play Kit is now available!

Bring Ollie: A Little Owl’s First Flight to life with a hands-on sensory story experience designed to spark imagination, encourage creative play, and build early literacy skills through meaningful, story-based learning.
Each kit includes:
⭐ Signed copy of Ollie: A Little Owl’s First Flight
⭐ Homemade Play-Doh in Night Sky Blue + Woodland Brown
⭐ Ollie keepsake box, imprint tools, and numbered star counters (1–5) designed and made by 
⭐ Activity card, mini coloring page, custom sticker sheet, and My Wishing Star reflection card

Perfect for preschoolers, storytime, sensory play, imaginative play, and early learning activities that help children build confidence, creativity, and vocabulary.

✨ Now available in my Etsy shop! Local pick up available in Charlotte.

💛 Comment “PLAY” and I’ll send the link, or tap the link in my bio to grab yours.