Reading Readiness

Learning to read is a huge step for any preschooler. Many parents would like their preschooler to learn to read as young as possible. Signals exist to show parents their preschooler is approaching reading readiness. Key in to what these indicators are to best work with your preschooler on reading skills.

Once a preschooler nears school age, thoughts turn to reading. Most parents understand that reading will be important to a preschooler’s success in school. It is not always clear whether the preschooler is ready to read. Most teachers work with kindergarteners to develop reading skills, but many won’t be ready to read until first grade. Here are some things to be aware of when thinking about reading readiness in preschoolers.

Vocabulary

A preschooler should have an age appropriate vocabulary and understand spoken language. Vocabulary is built when a preschooler listens to conversations and stories or books. Talking with your preschooler is a great way to develop vocabulary. Verbally labeling things allows preschoolers to understand that everything has a name/word associated with it. Older preschoolers usually have a vocabulary of around 2000 words. This vocabulary is necessary when learning to read.

Love Of Books

An appreciation of books and stories usually indicates a preschooler is ready to learn to read. When a parent reads to a preschooler, the preschooler learns. Preschoolers learn that letters make words and that words mean something. Even hearing stories without books help a preschooler to build language skills, understand cause and effect, and follow a plot. When your older preschooler picks up a book they have memorized and “reads” it to you, they are practicing their reading skills.

Letter Recognition

Letter recognition is extremely important. Preschoolers preparing for kindergarten should be able to recognize their name in print, as well as common words, such as "STOP" from a stop sign. They will begin to pick certain letters out of magazines or newspapers, if they are around the house. Build this interest in recognizing letters by using the magnetic letters on the household refrigerator.

After a preschooler starts recognizing letters, the awareness that the letters make sounds should follow. The technical name for this skill is “phonemical awareness.” A preschooler entering kindergarten will just be beginning to grasp this concept. Working with a preschooler to learn the first letter of their name and the sound it makes is a good first step for preschoolers preparing for kindergarten.

Learning to read is a lengthy process in which parents play a big role. Reading aloud to your preschooler from toddlerhood is one of the best ways to prepare them for reading. A parent who reads to their preschooler expands the preschooler’s vocabulary, as well as their ability to follow a storyline. Preschooler’s letter recognition and phonemical awareness are strengthened when someone reads to them. On your preschooler’s road to reading readiness, reading aloud is a great tool for parents to use.