How talking together at the dinner table builds literacy and confidence

When many people think of literacy, they picture reading and writing. But literacy also includes the ability to speak, listen and understand — skills that are shaped every day through conversation.

That’s the focus of this year’s Family Literacy Day theme: Make mealtime family learning time. Advocates say family meals can be more than a chance to eat together — they can provide a regular opportunity for children to build communication skills, confidence and connection.

Research has linked regular family meals with stronger academic outcomes and improved social development in children. Experts suggest one reason is that the dinner table offers a low-pressure setting where kids can practice expressing themselves, listening to others and learning new words.

A simple question like “What was the best part of your day?” can help a child develop important literacy skills, including sequencing, descriptive language and empathy. Over time, those small moments can translate into greater confidence speaking in the classroom, participating in group discussions and sharing ideas with teachers and peers.

Oral literacy — the ability to communicate through speaking and listening — is a key part of language development. While reading stories and learning to spell remain essential, conversation plays a major role in expanding vocabulary and teaching children how to organize their thoughts, explain opinions and respond to questions.

Family mealtimes can also provide a safe environment to try out language without fear of getting the “wrong” answer. Adults, meanwhile, model good communication by asking questions, sharing stories and showing curiosity about what others have to say.

The benefits aren’t only academic. Family conversations can strengthen relationships and help children feel heard and supported. In a world where many households juggle busy schedules — and screens often compete for attention — setting aside time for face-to-face conversation can be a simple way to reconnect.

Families looking to make the most of mealtime conversation can try asking open-ended questions, taking turns telling stories, letting children lead the discussion or sharing something they’re grateful for.

Family Literacy Day is held each year on Jan. 27. This year’s theme is Make mealtime family learning time, highlighting the ways families can learn together through everyday routines — whether that’s following a recipe, writing a grocery list or talking about their day around the table.

Free family learning activities and information about local events are available at FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.