Blog Posts

Engaging Early Learners in Joyful Literacy Activities

In this guest post, Dr. Gina Pepin, award-winning reading specialist, educator, and longtime literacy advocate explores how joyful, engaging literacy experiences can shape a child’s lifelong relationship with reading. Drawing on decades of classroom experience, Dr. Pepin shares practical, research-informed strategies that help early learners see reading as playful, meaningful, and empowering. Her work closely aligns with Reading Is Fundamental’s mission to create joyful reading experiences and ensure every child has the opportunity to develop a love of reading. 

Across classrooms, libraries, and homes, there is a simple truth: when reading is joyful, children want to read. Over my decades as an educator and literacy advocate, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact that joyful reading experiences can have, as young children discover books as gateways to curiosity, imagination, meaningful connections, and a lifelong love of learning.

It’s not just about teaching letters and sounds, it’s about creating a culture of joyful reading that welcomes every child, family, and educator. The moments when a child sings along to a story, giggles at a silly rhyme, or hugs a favorite book close are the moments that set the foundation for lifelong learning.

Why Early Engagement in Literacy Matters

When early learners experience reading as play and possibility, they develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. Research and experience both show: children who associate positive feelings with books read more, comprehend more deeply, and are more likely to become lifelong readers.

The impact goes beyond academics. Reading together encourages conversations, strengthens family bonds, and helps children see themselves and their families reflected in stories.

Practical Ways to Make Reading Joyful for All

The beauty of joyful reading is that everyone can help make it happen, including teachers, administrators, educators, and families. Here are some simple strategies to bring joyful literacy to life:

  • Read Aloud with Expression: Use voices, gestures, and even props to bring characters to life. Children love to interact with stories! Try acting out scenes or asking children to join in with repeated phrases.
     
  • Incorporate Music and Movement: Sing stories, add simple instruments, or dance to the rhythm of a poem. Moving to stories deepens engagement and makes reading memorable.
     
  • Build Diverse Book Collections: Offer books that show a wide range of cultures, languages, family structures, and experiences. When children see themselves and new worlds in stories, their excitement grows.
     
  • Create Reading Rituals: Teachers and families can set aside special times each day for reading together. This can include before school, at bedtime, or even during mealtimes. Consistent routines anchor reading as a joyful part of everyday life.
     
  • Invite Student Choice: Let children pick their own books from the library or reading corner. Choice builds ownership and motivation.
     
  • Connect Books to Real Life: After reading together, draw pictures, write letters to a character, or cook a recipe from the story. Linking reading to real-life activities helps children see reading as both meaningful and fun.

A Community Effort

Administrators can support joyful reading by fostering welcoming spaces, providing ongoing professional development, and making time for shared literacy celebrations. Teachers spark curiosity through interactive lessons and by modeling their own love for books. Families nurture joyful literacy at home by reading together, telling family stories, and cherishing every milestone. Volunteers in schools, libraries, or community programs can bring extra energy and make reading events special for children.

When all of us work together, we create an environment where reading is not a chore, but a highlight of each day. That’s how we plant seeds of lifelong learning.

Moments to Remember

One of my favorite moments happened when a first grader exclaimed, “Reading makes my heart feel happy!” Another parent told me, “Our family started reading stories together after dinner, and even my older kids join in with the little ones now.”

These joyful sparks don’t just change attitudes toward books in the moment, they ripple out in ways that shape a child’s path for years to come.

Moving Forward, Together

Let’s continue to partner in putting joyful reading at the forefront of our classrooms. Share stories, exchange ideas, and celebrate every reading milestone with your students, colleagues, and families. Each time we make reading a joyful experience, we are investing in brighter futures, stronger communities, and nurturing a generation that truly loves to learn.

 

Dr. Gina Pepin is an award-winning reading specialist, university instructor, and current commissioner for the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). She serves as a reading intervention teacher in a rural Michigan elementary school and is passionate about fostering joyful learning for both teachers and students. Dr. Pepin is the co-author of The Power of Joyful Reading (Scholastic, 2020), a two-time Michigan Region 1 Teacher of the Year, and an active member of professional organizations supporting literacy nationwide.

Podcast: Let’s Talk, Teacher to Teacher with Dr. Gina Pepin; https://letstalkteachertoteacherwithdrginapepin.buzzsprout.com/

Website: www.ginapepin.com - check out all of the FREE resources to make reading engaging and joyful!