Can Your Baby Really Read? Reading Readiness Tips
For at least two years now, I’ve been boasting that my (now) 4 year-old can read. We can drive down a street in any given city and she’ll read the signs, “Taco Bell! Burger King! Pizza Hut!” – I’m not sure whether to be proud or…well, maybe we eat out too much. But what it does show is signs of pre-reading and early literacy readiness. 
You may be wondering if it’s time to teach your little one how to read. There’s really no magic age, but there are signs you can look for.
- Does your child hold a book with the right side up? When you read to her, does she turn the pages in the appropriate direction? Does she know the difference between the print and the pictures?
- Has your child started to “write” (even if it’s just squiggles and not actual letters)? Does he show an interest in letters in print and ask you what they are – or tell you what they are?
- Does your child recognize environmental print, such as the ones mentioned above? Does he recognize the sound of letters, like “s” for snake?
- Does your toddler or preschooler use context when reading or telling a story? Example: When reading a story about a parrot, your child says, “Oh, Mr. Jones has a parrot, but his is blue.”
If your child is displaying these traits, it may be time to introduce reading. So how can you get started?
- You can begin by reading short books that your child knows from memory. Point out each word as you say it.
- Label items around your house. Use note cards to write words on everyday objects: door, table, chair, bed, etc.
- Use magnetic letters to spell out words on the fridge.
- And, of course, read! Read everything you can. Talk about the letters and sounds that you see everyday.
Teaching your child to read is an incredible journey that will open up a whole new world for your family. Enjoy it and make it fun!