Original article written by Michaela Rae for Waterford.org
Everyone knows that children learn at their own pace. But, how young is too young to teach your child how to read? The answer isn’t as simple as you may think. In fact, while most children begin reading in kindergarten or first grade, there are many pre-reading skills that you can teach your child starting from birth. The more you familiarize your child with books and language, the more prepared they will be as they begin learning to read.
Language has a huge impact on reading. This is because your child’s brain develops more quickly during the first five years than at any other time. For this reason, the more parents engage with their children and encourage them to read from a young age, the better their reading skills will become. By establishing healthy routines such as reading a book before bed every night, you are helping your child grow a love of learning from the start.
Some great ways to help your child pick up pre-reading skills are:
- Visit the library frequently with your child to find books that spark their interests
- Teach your child the alphabet and letter names
- Ask your child what sounds each letter makes
- Read one book together before bedtime each night
- Read picture books with your child and point at the words as you read aloud
The benefits of nurturing reading from the start last a lifetime. Children who learn pre-reading skills well before kindergarten have a stronger sense of curiosity and better listening skills later in life. By spending at least 15 minutes a day focusing on reading, you are helping your child become a lifelong learner.
What book will you read with your child tonight?
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
V. Studio 