Which sounds better, “Time to learn, kids,” or “Let’s read a story!” Your children can learn so much just from sharing a book with you, whether you are reading it to them or vice versa.
Reading for some kids is so easy, while others take longer to learn. I taught my daughter to read when she was not quite five with one of the ‘Little Critter’ books by Mercer Mayer, called ‘Just Go To Bed!’.
We read over and over about how the ‘Little Critter’ (who looks quite suspiciously like a bunny) is trying to get ready for bed. Every step of the process is hindered by his imagination, which turns him into a variety of things including an astronaut, a cowboy and a race car driver.
After a few weeks she had pretty much memorized it, and would watch as I traced enough, she could read them even without the pictures, and out of order! I used some of the same words to make new sentences, and she could read those too! Daddy was pretty surprised when he got home and she climbed up on under the words as we went along. I would fall silent every now and then and let her fill in a word. Then I had a bright idea. She was reading words, even with the prompts from the pictures - could she do it without the pictures? I wrote the sentences out in plain strips of poster board, and mixed them up.
Sure enough, she could read them even without the pictures, and out of order! I used some of the same words to make new sentences, and she could read those too! Daddy was pretty surprised when he got home and she climbed up on his knee and really read him the book!
Read to your kids, please, do! They can learn to read so much earlier then you think!
Sarah P.
I have three children.First two started to read like your daughter when they were 5 years old. The youngest had problems. He didn’t read fluently till he was seven years old. I was REALLY worried about it. However, in the third grade his was reading fine and had no problem with math or writing. He was very good student and get in to Columbia University. I think it is very helpful to read to your children but not to try to push them to hard. If they are reading when they are 5 years old it is great. It they are not. DO not worry they will catch up! BE PATIENT.
Christin a cannot agree with you more! My daughter in private school (1st grade) . She is reading on 1 st grade level, but some kids are really advanced. i ma wondering why to push so hard?
It all depends on the kid! I learned to read when I was three - almost all by myself. My daughter learned when she was four, and my son when he was 6.
Every child is differerent. You can tell when they are ready - it isn’t a matter of pushing or not - just opening the door for them to walk through!