beginning the process of teaching reading
When can children start learning to read?
While we can teach reading at any age or grade in school, children benefit from learning to read in early grades. Educators used to think that children had to learn to cut and paste or develop gross motor skills before they started formal programs to learn to read. Parents and teachers can do many things to help young children develop language skills, perhaps beginning at birth, that will aid in learning to read and there is a multitude of activities to be found on web sites related to child development.
Opinions among educators vary in regard to readiness for formal reading instruction but there can be a balance between formal and informal instruction in reading. While it is rare that a child is given formal instruction on learning to read before age 4, my experience has been that instruction in basic skills for 4- and 5-year-old children can be very successful at home or in Pre-Kindergarten class settings. The most important things to remember are to use a systematic, consistent approach and not put undue pressure on children if they are not learning as fast as others...some just take more time and practice.
Next time, we will get into basic methods for teaching reading and the balancing act that teachers face.