Raise A Reader: A Parent Guide to Reading for Ages 3 – 5

A text-rich environment for preschoolers lays the groundwork for reading success.  It’s not just about having books in the home, although that’s a great start.  You can also start talking about letters, numbers, and words on packages and signs.

Help your child see how text is already a part of his daily life.  Point out the name of his/her favorite cereal.  Show him/her the labels on clothing.  Show him/her the different parts of a birthday card or invitation.

Be Aware of Problems

Are you concerned that your child might have a learning disability?  As with almost any disability, early intervention can prevent problems in the future.  In the preschool years, speech delays are much more noticeable than the learning disabilities that may affect a child’s efforts to read.  Ask your pediatrician for advice if you are concerned that your child is speech delayed.

Most school districts will not diagnose reading disabilities until first grade.  However, there are signs that you can look for earlier.  If your 5-year old can’t “hear” the rhyme in two simple words, or cannot differentiate between a letter and a random squiggle, this may be an area of development you will want to keep an eye on.