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Learning to Read - An Age-by-Age Guide
A child as early as 6 months of age can begin to enjoy books. The following age-by-age activities can help your young child learn language and begin to make the connection between words and meaning: Birth to 1 Year
- Give your baby board books or soft books to look at, chew on or bang on the table.
- Look at picture books with your child and name the objects that he sees. Say things like "See the baby!" or "Look at the puppy!"
- Snuggle with your baby on your lap and read aloud to him. He may not understand the story, but he will love to hear the sound of your voice and the rhythm of the language.
1 to 3 Years of Age
- Read to your child every day. Allow your child to pick which books he wants, even if he picks the same one time and time again!
- Let your child "read" to you by naming objects in the book or making up a story.
- Make regular trips to the library with your child. Most children find it very exciting to get a library card. Make this moment something to celebrate.
3 to 5 Years of Age
- By 3 to 5 years of age, most children are just beginning to learn the alphabet - singing their ABCs, knowing the letters of their names. Read alphabet books with your child and point out letters as you read.
- Help your child recognize whole words as well as letters. Learning and remembering what words look like are the first steps to learning to read. Point out common, everyday things like the letters on a stop sign or the logo on a favorite restaurant.
- As you read together, ask your child to make up his own story about what is happening in the book. Keep reading a part of your child's bedtime routine.
- Some educational television shows, videos and computer programs can help your child learn to read. They also can make learning fun. But you need to be involved, too. If your child is watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood or Sesame Street, for example, sit and talk about what the program is trying to teach.
- If possible, give your child a subscription to a children's magazine. Children love getting mail, and it's something they can read as well!
No matter what your child's age, there are some important things you can do as your child learns to "read":
- Set aside time every day to read together. Many children like to have stories read to them at bedtime. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day and get ready for sleep.
- Leave books in your child's room for her to enjoy on her own. Make sure her room is reading-friendly with a comfortable bed or chair, bookshelf and reading lamp.
- Read books that your child enjoys. After a while, your child may learn the words to her favorite book. When this happens, let your child complete the sentences or take turns reciting the words.
- Do not drill your child on letters, numbers, colors, shapes or words. Instead, make a game out of it and find ways to encourage your child's curiosity and interests.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and Reach Out and Read program jointly developed this information.(c) Copyright 2000 American Academy of Pediatrics
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