when do kids start reading? - Parenting Issues Message Board

yellow rose · 09-29-2003, 03:01 AM

I was just wondering when a child should start reading on his own? I have a boy who has just turned 5, and will be starting school next year. His preschool teacher told me that he should be able to read before he goes to school. Is this right?
He is a bright, happy boy, who knows his alphabet, is good with counting, and loves learning new things. I just want to know, should I just let him be a child for now, and worry about learning to read when he starts at school, or should i be teaching him now? Any suggestions? I believe he will be at school for long enough, so he should just enjoy himself at the moment. What do other people think?

sawbuck44 · 09-29-2003, 12:17 PM

Very independent development. I know that I was amazed when a kindergartener read at an open house. I did hooked on phonics with my 4 year old and continued right up through 5. He was not reading at the beginning of kindergarten like his classmate though.

coppertop · 09-29-2003, 01:40 PM

geez, once upon a time kids used to learn to read AT school! I think we are putting way to much pressure on kids at way to young an age. Kindergarten used to be where you sent your kids to "prepare" for school, now they want your kids in preschool when they are 3 or 4!!

One lady who taught first grade for many years told my mother that children have a natural learning curve that kicks in at 6 or 7. She said that it doesnt' matter how young your child can read or write, because once they hit 6 or 7 years old the other kids will catch right up and you would never know which kids could read early or not.

Anyway, I think its important for kids to just be kids for a while, they learn alot just by exploring and asking questions.

nvu_nvr · 09-29-2003, 02:25 PM

I think the starting age for a child to read varies. My 7 year old just started reading last year but my 4 year old can already read everything her sister can and more. My 2 year old can't yet read complete sentences but he can read some words, mostly states. We have a globe with all the countries that we keep out for the kids and the placemats at the table that name the states. It's amazing what kids can do at such an early age.

I would have to say that in this day and age, kids need to know as much as they can before they start school. I remember when I was in 2nd grade, we did kid stuff. Now, my daughter is in 2nd grade and you would not believe what they do and the amount of homework they have. She is literally being given work at a 4th and 5th grade level.

coppertop · 09-29-2003, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nvu_nvr:

I would have to say that in this day and age, kids need to know as much as they can before they start school.

Kids need to be kids no matter what day and age we live in. Maybe so many little boys wouldn't be diagnosed as ADHD if we didn't expect three and four year olds to sit in preschool and learn to read and just let them run and play and be kids for a couple years. I don't see any reason why children need structured education before six years of age (first grade).

[This message has been edited by coppertop (edited 09-29-2003).]