When Do Kids Learn to Read?

Reading with your child can spark their imagination, boost curiosity, and help develop essential life skills. But when do kids typically start reading? Experts provide the answers to questions about early literacy, and share practical tips, tricks and resources.

What age do kids learn to read?

According to Theresa Bertuzzi, co-owner and founder of Tiny Hoppers, a Canadian-based early childhood education and daycare franchise, many young children (or toddlers) act like they're reading before they actually can.

"Kids at this age often remember words from books they've heard many times and say them out loud while looking at the pages," she explains. "This is called 'pre-reading,' and it's when kids pretend to read or start learning their ABCs."

Bertuzzi further elaborates, "During this phase, children start to grasp that printed words carry meaning. They may show an eagerness to learn to write their own names or to familiarize themselves with the alphabet.

Once a child reaches ages five to seven, Bertuzzi says they begin to read on their own. However, Bertuzzi notes that while this is the normal age range for reading development, it's important to remember that every child progresses at their own pace.

By the time children reach the age of 10 to 12, most kids develop into intermediate readers, able to understand and comprehend new ideas, syntax and concepts such as metaphors or analogies in text. Bertuzzi suggests that once they reach high school, they become expert readers.

When should parents teach kids to read?

Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., a scientist-educator and founder of Fit Learning, emphasizes the importance of early reading instruction and foundational skills practice for young learners.

She challenges the common belief that children should wait until they are "ready" to learn to read, asserting that reading proficiency is not age-dependent. Instead, Berens argues that children learn to read effectively when they receive proper instruction.

"Unfortunately, many myths and faulty beliefs dominate the training of teachers and the design of schools," Berens states. "People often wrongly say that kids have trouble reading because they are not mature enough."

While Berens advocates for early reading instruction, other experts present a slightly different perspective. Kathryn Starke, a National Literacy Consultant and CEO of Creative Minds Publications, acknowledges the developmental nature of reading. She suggests that readiness varies among children, with some prepared to learn before kindergarten and others not until kindergarten or first grade.

Starke adds, "While there's no such thing as exposing your children to literacy too early, children are not really ready to read before four years old."

How should parents teach kids to read?

Make reading routine: 

"Expose your children to lots of books," suggests Dr. Julia Williams, Clinical Associate Professor, Duquesne University School of Education.

"Provide enriching experiences like neighbourhood walks and discussing them. Use old magazines to create stories with your child. Ensure an environment where they can talk, look at pictures and hear stories. You can also re-read stories and ask questions about the plot, characters and events to deepen their understanding."

Short engaging lessons: 

According to Melissa McCall, a preschool literacy teacher and founder of Moving Little Minds LLC, when parents want to teach reading to their little ones, the best approach involves quick, fun sessions that align with reading science principles.

"Research proves that children need both phonemic awareness skills, as well as phonics skills to create strong readers," she explains. "Parents that are looking to teach their children to read should follow this science, just as teachers should do."

McCall also suggests making reading lessons fun and interactive by trying activities that involve touch, sight and movement — think drawing letters in sand trays or bouncing balls for syllables.

Follow your child's interests: 

McCall recommends following your child's interests to enhance their reading skills.

"For instance, if your child loves trains, you can tape letters on the train cars and connect them to form words," she recommends. "If your child is more active, consider organizing a scavenger hunt around the house. Or if they prefer a structured environment, working at the table might be best. The key is to follow your child's lead and rely on scientific insights for success."

When should parents worry if their child doesn't read fluently?

By the age of eight, children should be reading comfortably and improving their skills, according to Bertuzzi.

However, if your child seems frustrated, is disinterested in reading or has trouble recognizing letters and sounding out words, she advises consulting their teacher or educator. "Early intervention is crucial for addressing reading difficulties," she emphasizes.

Dr. Gigi Chawla, the medical director of Reach Out and Read Minnesota and VP Chief of General Pediatrics at Children's Minnesota, also recommends talking to teachers and doctors, especially if there's a family history of learning issues or if your child frequently skips or misses words while reading.

What's the best way for parents to work with their child's teacher?

If you're worried your child's reading abilities aren't up to par, McCall suggests working closely with their teacher to extend the classroom learning at home.

She says, "When a child is learning a phonics pattern like the 'magic e,' parents can easily support this by using games, decodable books and apps that focus on this skill."

McCall also highlights the importance of staying in touch with the teacher about your child's reading progress. She advises, "If you know which phonics patterns your child has mastered, share this with the teacher. This helps them better support and build on these skills."

Additional reading resources

Books: 

To enhance your child's reading skills, education expert McCall recommends several books for parents. One standout option is the widely acclaimed How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

"This book adheres to research-backed principles from the science of reading, employing a systematic and explicit approach that emphasizes sound-related awareness and phonics," she says. "I also recommend Recipe for Reading, which follows the Orton-Gillingham methodology, and the time-tested Hooked on Phonics program as other valuable choices for parents."

Apps and games: 

Beyond books, McCall highlights apps and games as a way to boost your children's reading abilities.

"These tools include free apps like the Khan Academy Kids App, PBS Kids App, Starfall App and the ABC Spelling App," she explains. "You can also  explore resources from the Institute for Multi-Sensory Learning, which provides many free materials and printable games."

FAQ:

1. What strategies do educators use to help children decode unfamiliar words when learning to read?

Starke highlights the significance of teaching students to break down and analyze unfamiliar words by using familiar parts.

"When students identify phonics patterns and sounds like 'un,' 'ate,' and 'eep,' they can use this understanding to decode and read longer words more easily," she explains.

2. How do children learn to identify and distinguish individual sounds in spoken words as they begin to read?  

According to Starke, teaching phonemic awareness and phonics is crucial, especially for young learners in PreK to 2nd grade.

"These basic skills are key to helping children understand how individual phonemes relate to letters," she notes.

To make the learning process easier, Starke recommends including games, visual aids, letter-sound cards, word-sorting exercises and decodable books.

3. How can parents use their child's favorite book to encourage early reading skills?

Starke explains that reading aloud to kids is a fantastic way for parents to help develop their early reading skills.

"Children love listening to their favorite books and stories and get very excited and interested. By reading aloud, parents can demonstrate phonics patterns, oral language abilities and fluency. They can also enhance vocabulary and comprehension through strategic questioning and prompts."

4. Does starting to read earlier give my child an advantage in school?

Getting a head start on reading instruction can be beneficial to children in the classroom.

According to Starke, "One thing that gives children an advantage in school when it comes to reading is to make sure they can identify every letter name and letter sound, write their first and last name, writing words with help of spelling and being able to answer questions of stories read aloud to them."

Experts:

• Melissa McCall, a preschool literacy teacher and founder of Moving Little Minds LLC
• Dr. Gigi Chawla, Medical Director of Reach Out and Read Minnesota and VP, Chief of General Pediatrics at Children's Minnesota
• Kathryn Starke, a National Literacy Consultant, and CEO of Creative Minds Publications
• Theresa Bertuzzi, Co-Owner and Founder of Tiny Hoppers, a Canadian-Based Early Childhood Education and Daycare Franchise
• Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., Scientist-Educator and Founder of Fit Learning
• Dr. Julia Williams, Clinical Associate Professor, Duquesne University School of Education