Learning to read is a pivotal milestone in a child’s development. Early literacy development is the foundation from which reading literacy begins. It takes several years for the child to become a true independent reader. In this article I’m going to show you the journey that a typical child goes through in order to learn to read.
Early Literacy Development
The foundation for reading is laid during the early years of a child’s life.
Exposure to books, storytelling, and language-rich environments plays a vital role in fostering a positive attitude towards reading.
Early literacy experiences at home and in early childhood settings contribute significantly to a child’s readiness to learn to read.
If you are a parent then the best thing you can do for your child is to read to them as much as possible.
Be a good role model for them so they learn to value reading from a young age.
Emergent Literacy
The stage known as emergent literacy typically begins in infancy and extends through the preschool years.
During this time, children develop pre-reading skills, such as recognizing letters, understanding that print carries meaning, and associating spoken words with written symbols.
Again, parents need to be the role model for the child and support pre-reading skills as much as possible.
Probably the simplest way to this is to read them nightly before bed.
I did that with my children and it’s paid off, they are older now and both have no problem reading independently for long periods of time.
Activities like singing, rhyming, and engaging in conversations also contribute to building a strong foundation for literacy.
Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
As children progress into formal education settings, typically around kindergarten and first grade, they delve into phonemic awareness and phonics.
Phonemic awareness involves the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words, while phonics focuses on the relationship between letters and their corresponding sounds.
These skills are fundamental for decoding words.
Don’t worry parents, this is something that teachers are trained to do through various activities.
Sight Words and Vocabulary
Alongside phonics, the memorization of sight words, commonly used words that are recognized on sight, becomes a crucial component of early reading.
Building a diverse vocabulary further enhances a child’s ability to comprehend and derive meaning from written text.
You know what one of the best ways to develop a diverse vocabulary is?
Reading! The more a child reads the more words they are exposed to.
So be sure to get a library card at your local library and start checking out some new books for them!
Fluency and Comprehension
As children progress through elementary grades, the emphasis shifts from decoding to fluency and comprehension.
Fluency involves reading with accuracy, speed, and expression, while comprehension focuses on understanding and interpreting the meaning of the text.
This is a big jump for kids because they are now predicting, analyzing, and interpreting text.
Reading aloud, discussing stories, and engaging in comprehension activities contribute to these higher-order reading skills.
Independent Reading
Achieving proficiency in reading marks the transition to independent reading.
Children gain the ability to read and comprehend texts on their own, exploring various genres and topics.
Encouraging a love for independent reading further nurtures a lifelong appreciation for literature.
Continue encouraging your child to keep reading and be a good role model as well.
Make sure your child sees you reading!
Individual Variances
It’s crucial to recognize that children progress through these stages at their own pace.
Variations in learning styles, developmental readiness, and exposure to literacy-rich environments contribute to individual differences in the timing of when children learn to read.
As is with other skills reading is something that does not come easily to all kids so don’t panic if you feel like your child isn’t where you want them to be. Be patient.
Continued Literacy Support
Ongoing support from educators and parents is vital for sustaining and enhancing literacy skills.
Providing access to a diverse range of reading materials, fostering a positive reading environment, and celebrating reading achievements contribute to the continuous growth of a child’s literacy.
Parents, keep bringing home books from a variety of genre and keep being a good role model by reading as well.
Allen is an 8th grade teacher in a Chicago suburb.
