How Early Can Kids Start Reading?
Finding the youngest age when my daughter started reading was a surprise and a bit unsettling. At just 2 years and 4 months, she began reading all by herself, a phenomenon that has always been fascinating to me.
My Daughter's Unique Journey
It all began when I noticed she was memorizing a lot of the books we read to her. This was not an intentional effort on our part. However, when she started randomly reading a webpage on the browser to troubleshoot a tech issue, things got quite interesting. She knew all the letters and could count up to 100 even before her second birthday. Yet, she couldn't form sentences at that age. At around 18 to 21 months, she could spell her name with letters.
My Other Child's Reading Milestone
My older child, on the other hand, picked up reading at 3 years and 9 months. However, he needed some help in figuring out words that didn’t follow the default sound formula—words like “thought” or “caution.” At 2.5 years old, he figured these out as sight words. The reading journey began with us reading to them since they were weeks old. We sit on their laps and look at pictures, making it a comforting experience that just paved the way for a love of reading.
Parenting and Early Reading
My journey began when I started reading to my children while they were babbling infants. I would choose a child-friendly book from the library or bookstore and read it to them at night in bed. My daughter can now read her name "Laurel" if I write it big on a piece of paper for her. My son, despite being almost two, has an impressive vocabulary for his age—something that amazes his therapists.
I have noticed that the earlier you start, the better. We receive books as gifts during Christmas from relatives and friends, further enriching their reading experience. When we are in the car, I give them board books to keep them occupied and amused. On the train, I often ask them "What does that say?"
My Mom's Influence
My mom, the unsung hero of my reading journey, started teaching me when I was just 4 years old. She is now 21 years old. She would point out signs in the car and ask what they said. Another technique she used was to get me to say the word that would come next. Her favorite technique involved getting us to name the closest pub during family walks.
In conclusion, the youngest age a kid can start reading varies greatly from one child to another. Early reading milestones can vary widely, but the key appears to be how engaged and supportive parents are in promoting literacy. Whether through books, screens, or even car trips, the journey to reading mastery is a joyous one, marked by countless milestones and learning moments.