My 5-yr old can't read. Many of friends' 4 yr olds are reading. Should I be worried?

Question

My 5-yr old can't read. Many of friends' 4 yr olds are reading. Should I be worried?

Answer 1

Is he in Kindergarten?  They should be working on this.  Most 5 y.o. can read some, but many are just beginning to "get it". My daugheter  was reading 3 letter words by 5, but the real reading didn't start until 1st grade, then she took off and was at a 3rd grade reading level by mid year.  so, work on it, but don't be too worried.  Some kids don't get is a early as others.  If there is a problem, the teacher would let you know. My son is just turning 4 next month and has no clue....

Answer 2

I wouldnt be worried! Children develop at their own rate and in different areas. If he/she hasnt shown interest yet then I wouldnt worry...doesnt he/she use numbers, share, turn take, enjoy being with friends, speak clearly etc...if he seems 'behind' in a lot of things then it may be worth speaking to his/her teacher but if its only reading your concerned about dont worry! :)

Ideas if you want to promote reading:

-Magazines-buy one of something they're interested in and look at it together.

-Labels around house eg: room names, toy box, cupboards.

-Use it in everyday life like writing letters to grandparents, birthday lists etc.

-Go to library and let child choose a book a week.

-Play games like hangman, or look in shops for lotto games, flashcards etc.

-Read: follow text with your finger, books that are repetitive like "Going on a Bear hunt" are great!

-Sensory experiences: such as writing name in paint, wet sand in a tray, or ketchup :)

Answer 3

You can teach him phonics yourself.  Just learn a phonics song and sing to him at bath time or breakfast time. But do it the same time everyday routinely. Make it fun. My boy learn phonics that way in one month and was reading by 3. Little kids are so smart. They brains are like a sponge really. Get a puzzle with alphabets and pics to go with. Like A is for apple. then make the A sound. After he learns phonics check out "Bob Books" they are great for starting. And read to him before he sleeps.

Answer 4

nope, dont worry and please do not pressure your child , they will read when the time is right !

my daughter was a late reader also ... I had a very supportive 1st grade teacher and  my daughter was reading as well or better then some by the end of the year!!

Answer 5

The normal window for learning how to read actually extends up to age seven.  Many children enter kindergarten unable to read.  A few even enter first grade with the same issue.  By that point, your child's teacher will be in touch with you with any learning concerns.

In the meantime, here are just a few ideas to try at home:  

Make reading a daily routine.  Let him see you reading every day, whether it's simply a newspaper or a novel.

Play sounds games with him, such as "I spy something that starts with 'b'".

Spray shaving cream on a tabletop and practice tracing letters while saying their sounds.  

Trace letters made out of sandpaper.  Focus on their sounds, not the names of the letters.

You can get sight word flashcards, but you want to be sure that you are playing games with them instead of making him memorize them.

Answer 6

No, don't be worried at all. Children develop at different rates. There is no reason to be concerned until he is first grade, and then the teacher will approach you about it. You can help him/her out by reading together every night, point out road signs (ie mcdonalds, grocery store, etc) as you pass them - talk about the letters, sounds and words on the signs. You need to give your child experiences they can relate to so they will want to learn.

Relax, let your child develop normally, and have fun!

Answer 7

No, I wouldn't be too concerned.  Each child develops at at different level.  Also depends on interest level.  If you push a child who is not interested or ready it may cause more problems then benefits.

My five year old has had great success with the book

Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons- Siegfriend Englemann... under $20 on Amazon...you can buy it at Barnes and Noble... Walks you through it step by step.  Though I don't use it exactly like it says, because my son would have been bored LOL, it is great for a typical parent and child.  Great reviews if you wish to check them out on Amazon.

Answer 8

no don't worry - your child will learn to read in kindergarten.  Preschool (4 year olds) are learning pre-reading skills such as rhyming and alliteration, recognizing pictures of more advanced vocabulary words.  Make sure your child's preschool is up to date on these practices.

Answer 9

i would start by reading to him as much as possible...also a phonics program would be good for him, if you don't have one pbs has many new shows on that teaches reading specifically...good luck and have fun!

Answer 10

you shouldn't be worried just teach her how to read if that doesn't work then you should be a Little worried and get a professorial!♥

Answer 11

Hi Minnie.  This is often a concern by parents, but it is really nothing to be worried about.

Some children manage to figure out (whether because of how they were taught, whether they figure it out on their own, or whether it is a combination of the two) how to use more parts of the brain to read.  Most children are taught to use the Visual area of the brain, which is not biologically developed well and not connected to the rest of the brain perfectly at this age.

A lot of things happen with reading.  The child sees the word, translates all the letters into various sounds, matches different tones and speech rhythms....it's a lot of work if you really think of it.  

What it sounds like is your son will likely have a bigger explosion into reading once the visual section of the brain starts connecting more quickly to other areas of the brain.  Always keep your eyes open for more reading opportunities to share with him.  Just realize he may be in the 1st grade before he really "gets it."    It may be sooner.  

If there are no other real concerns and the teacher has no real concerns (just assuming he's in preschool), I would not worry until he is struggling later in school, but at age 5, there are many students that do not yet read.

Matt

Answer 12

Where I live in Kindergarten the kids ONLY have to know letters and letter sounds. First grade is where the learn to read. They don't even have to know sight words.

Answer 13

No not at all.  In today's word they are pushing these little 5 year olds to hard.  It's like they need a college education by the time the get out of pre k...lol.  My son turned 5 in Jan and he can read his sight words and his name and thats about all.  He has picked it up all on his own and he is the only one in his class that knows them all.  Your son will get it all in good time.  Have fun with it, but if he loses intrest take a break and let him be a 5 year old.  Good luck to you!

Answer 14

Try to read to your kid as much as possible. There are also some programs that help to teach children how to read.