My Child Can’t Read Yet, Is That Normal
Infomercials claim that your baby can start reading before they can even walk has led many preschool programs and parents to feel children are behind if they aren’t entering kindergarten reading novels. This type of pressure is not good for young children.
Your baby can’t read. Attempting to teach children to read before they are developmentally ready sets them up for failure down the road. It is possible for a child to memorize words on flash cards, signs, labels, etc. That does not mean they can read.
Children are born learning. Early literacy skills build the foundation for success at language, reading and writing later on. Children develop early literacy skills through an exposure to conversations, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), books, stories, song and print.
Allow children to hold, play with and turn the pages of books and magazines. Read to them frequently and encourage them to pretend to read to you. Talk about the pictures in books and ask questions as you read. Sing nursery rhymes and do finger plays. Point out words on signs and food labels. Exposing a child to literacy will give them the tools needed to be a solid reader when they are ready.