Raising Little Readers: How Books Build Brains (and Where to Find Them for Free in Tulsa, OK!)
As an early intervention speech-language pathologist and owner of Monarch Speech and Language Institute, one of the best parts of my job is watching little ones light up during story time. Whether we’re pointing to animals, lifting flaps, or making silly voices together, it’s so much more than just reading a book. It’s connection, language growth, and learning through play.
Why Reading Early and Often Matters
Reading to your child from birth is one of the most powerful ways to support their speech, language, and cognitive development. Even 5–10 minutes a day can help:
Grow vocabulary
Build longer attention spans
Strengthen memory and listening skills
Boost imagination and early problem-solving
Support emotional bonding and secure attachment
The earlier you start, the more your child benefits, especially in those critical first five years when their brain is developing at lightning speed. And guess what? You don’t have to be a professional reader or speech therapist to make storytime powerful!
Tips for Making the Most of Storytime
Here are some easy strategies I use every day during sessions (and that you can try at home!):
Let them turn the pages – Even if they skip around, it’s part of learning how books work.
Point to and name pictures – This builds vocabulary and comprehension.
Use expressive voices and sounds – The sillier, the better! It keeps your child engaged.
Encourage sensory exploration – Books with flaps, textures, or mirrors are perfect for this.
Follow their lead – If your child wants to read the same book again and again, that’s okay! Repetition builds learning.
Keep books within reach – Make sure books are accessible in your child’s environment so they can explore them anytime.
Let your child help pick out books – Giving them a choice at the library (or even at home) builds excitement and ownership over reading.
For Bilingual Homes, include books in both English and Spanish – If your family is bilingual or you're raising a bilingual child, offer books in both languages. This supports vocabulary development and cultural connection in both languages.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Here’s something I remind all of my families: your reading and language-building moments don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t need to finish the entire book. You don’t need to stick to a script. And you certainly don’t need to get it right every time.
What matters most is consistency, making reading and communication a regular part of your day. When you set aside small pockets of time to connect with your child, even though short or messy reading sessions, you’re not just supporting their language—you’re creating cozy, meaningful memories they’ll carry with them for life.
Language grows best in relationships, not in perfection. So snuggle up, follow your child’s curiosity, and trust that your presence is the most powerful tool of all.
Tulsa's Best, But Most UNDERRATED Local Resource: The Public Library
If you're looking for FREE and easy ways to fill your home with age-appropriate books, look no further than the Tulsa City-County Library system. Here's why we love it:
Free library cards for all Tulsa County residents
Expert librarians to help you select books based on your child’s age or interests
Weekly storytimes and literacy events for all ages
Early literacy kits and themed book bundles
Bilingual books and resources available in Spanish and other languages
Libraries are such an underrated resource for families, and they're completely FREE.
Bonus: Get Free Books Delivered to Your Door
Tulsa is also part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—a wonderful program that mails a brand-new, high-quality book to your child every month from birth to age 5. There’s no cost to you, and many titles are available in bilingual (English/Spanish) editions!
Sign up here: https://imaginationlibrary.com
Whether you’re reading a bedtime story, visiting the library, or letting your child explore a board book with sticky fingers—you’re doing important work. You’re helping your child learn, grow, and connect.
At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, we believe in the power of everyday moments—like reading and playing—as the foundation for communication and lifelong learning.
So grab a book, snuggle close, and remember: You are your child’s first and most important teacher.
With care,
Eliana Provenzano-Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Owner of Monarch Speech and Language Institute, Tulsa, OK
