Most four year old children are just beginning to understand the concept that letters make words, and words tell a story. Some preschoolers however, are quick to grasp the concept and have begun to read independently. This is certainly the exception. The majority of four year olds cannot yet focus long enough to tackle this skill. They may know certain letters and can pick them out, or have related letters to pictures and know that the ‘S’ word on the page is for the snake in the picture of their storybook.
If your child happens to be the exception and has started reading at four, great! Encourage her to keep reading and provide lots of opportunities for her to read. Chances are, she will never have a problem when it comes to reading.
If your child is more the norm, you should encourage the skills that will eventually enable her to read. Get her excited about books and storytelling. Practice writing the ABC’s and make sure that she understands how important reading is.
Reading cannot be forced and in fact, is warned against. A child who is forced to do something will usually rebel. When your child is ready to read, she will, and for most children, that happens around the age of five or six.
If your child happens to be the exception and has started reading at four, great! Encourage her to keep reading and provide lots of opportunities for her to read. Chances are, she will never have a problem when it comes to reading.
If your child is more the norm, you should encourage the skills that will eventually enable her to read. Get her excited about books and storytelling. Practice writing the ABC’s and make sure that she understands how important reading is.
Reading cannot be forced and in fact, is warned against. A child who is forced to do something will usually rebel. When your child is ready to read, she will, and for most children, that happens around the age of five or six.
