Reading provides a broader worldview but additional benefits, like overall cognitive development, enhanced language skills and academic success, correlate with early literacy. In fact, researchers reported children who read for pleasure performed better across all academic subjects, including STEM courses, according to a 2016 study published by Sam Houston State University's Journal of Graduate Research.

Here are five ways to help a love of literacy flourish in early childhood:

Visit your local library: Check out books without charge at any age. Make it a fun outing to find subjects of interest to your child.

Don’t make it a chore: Reading should not be a task to get through. Take a break if needed. Allow for wiggling, singing and more. Point out rhyming words and have fun. Try a themed activity and snack to go along with the title of your child’s choosing.

Enjoy stories together: “There is no app to replace your lap:” ReadAloud.org reminds caregivers of the importance of reading from infancy as a bonding experience. However, it’s never too late to start. If your child wasn’t read to in early childhood, don’t worry. From chapter books to non-fiction, enjoy your time reading together.

Make literacy part of your home’s culture: Let your children see you reading for pleasure. Have books within easy reach and allow children too young to read the opportunity to picture-walk through illustrations.

Create a routine with reading: Add books into your life as a family on a consistent basis, like reading together before school or at bedtime.