One of the most frequently asked questions by parents and caretakers everywhere is when will my child learn to read? Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this as it can vary greatly depending on your individual child and the pace at which they learn. Some children seem to learn this skill overnight, while others may go at a much slower pace that could take several months to a year.
The most important thing is to balance any concern with natural development. Early on, parents and teachers should always work together if there are perceived problems and can develop a mutual plan to provide assistance and any needed early intervention.
Two and Under
Children about to enter the toddler stage are naturally curious. Even though they can’t read yet, provide as much exposure as possible to books. At this age they enjoy being read to since it represents quality time with a parent or caregiver and children enjoy hearing the words and looking at the pictures.
- Small board books work best as young children are not yet very coordinated, but can turn the pages.
- Keep a few sturdy books in the crib or toddler bed. This encourages children to start exploring books on their own and can even give you a few more minutes of sleep!
- Store books in the car, in your diaper bag and have some with you wherever you go. You never know when you will need a few moments of distraction! Rotating the selection of books on a regular basis can further stimulate your child’s brain.
- Make a commitment to read a story to your child every single night before bedtime. This will teach them that reading is something that should be incorporated into their every day routine. Encourage them to point to images on the page or even mimic your voice (especially when making the sound of animals!)
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A popular children’s author is Sandra Boyton. Her chunky and cheerful hard covered books are so fun that they are often passed down to other generations of readers. The illustrations are very much a part of the experience! To learn more about the many books that are available, visit her website.
Three to Six Years Old
The first step for young readers is to begin to recognize letters in the alphabet. Some children enjoy learning by flashcards first so that each letter can be seen individually. Next is to read short stories that use words which can be sounded out in simple sentences. As the child’s confidence grows, they are then ready for more advanced books. These are often called “early readers” in book stores and can be found in the section devoted to children.
- Provide access to books at all times whether it be in your home, in the car or wherever your child may have a few moments to read. A favorite activity for many young readers is visiting a local bookstore and being surrounded by so many choices!
- At this age it’s also time to start taking regular trips to your local library. Many offer reading circles or book time for children to attend with their parents or caregiver. Some libraries even offer dedicated children’s activities each month. As your child gets older, they experience such delight when they realize that they can start to pick out their own selections to borrow.
- Your elementary school may provide annual book fairs. This is an exciting time for children when they can choose a few books to purchase. Turn this into a teachable moment as well and buy some books that can be donated to the school.
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Bob’s Books offers reading kits to assist an early reader at various phases which include Pre-Reading Skills/Reading Readiness, Stage 1/Starting to Read, Stage 2/Emerging Reader and Stage 3/Developing Reader. To learn more, click here.
We value the importance of reading and learning development which is why we utilized the Creative Curriculum Program across our centers, which is regarded as a leading early childhood educational approach and aligns with New York Common Core standards. Need help with some book suggestions? Our dedicated staff are always ready with age appropriate recommendations!
