My daughter is one of those fortunate and rare children who learned to read at an unusually young age. At two, she could identify a few familiar words on sight. Now at three and a half, she is approaching a first-grade reading level. Many other parents have asked me how, or if it's possible to teach a toddler to read.
I know that it is possible for at least some toddlers to read. However, children vary tremendously in their developmental capacity. My own daughter happens to have a knack for literacy, but she lags in other developmental areas, including gross motor skills. Most children simply aren't ready to read until they reach five or six years of age. If you're wondering if toddlers can possibly learn to read, here are some points to consider.
It's okay if your toddler can't read yet.
Many parents view parenthood as a race, with our children constantly competing with peers to reach the milestone finish-line first. We all want our kids to be the first on the block to walk, talk, and read. However, this sort of attitude does nothing to help our kids, and only adds to our own stress. My daughter still can't jump at three and a half, and still struggles to use a pair of scissors correctly. Your child will never be ahead of 100% of his peers, 100% of the time, in 100% of achievements. Accept this-- and know that there's no reason to fret if your child isn't an extremely precocious reader.
You can't change your child's ability level.
It is possible to work within your child's needs, to enable the most accomplishment within her own framework of ability. You can teach your child to her fullest potential, but you can not alter how her brain structure works. If your child is not developmentally prepared to read here is nothing on earth that you can do to change this-- any more than you can force your child to learn to speak at four months or walk at six months. According to developmental psychologist Judith Hudson, very few toddlers are capable of learning to read. Accept your toddler's natural limitations so that she can work to her fullest potential.
Don't fall for gimmicks.
Hokey programs and products like the "Your Baby Can Read" children's films can help to provide the illusion of superhuman development. Some toddlers exposed to these programs do, indeed, look like they can read. However, for the most part, toddlers exposed to these programs fare no better than their peers-- and the products can actually be detrimental. If you want to teach your toddler to read, read to her often and make a point of teaching phonics. Don't rely on some mindless television show or series to magically expound your toddler's abilities.
Some toddlers are prepared to read-- and you'll be able to recognize them.
As my daughter demonstrates, it is indeed possible for some toddlers to read. These tots usually show obvious signs of reading-readiness, including the ability to recognize rhymes, connect letters to sounds, speak clearly, and maintain an avid interest in literature. If your toddler seems ready to read, there's no reason not to go for it. Watch for the signs and work within your child's ability.
Give your child the best possible education. This doesn't mean pushing your child beyond her natural limits. If your child has the basic framework necessary to learn to read as a toddler, there is no reason not to make sure she gets the tools she needs to excel educationally. Dedicate time and effort into reading to your child and educating her-- and consider enrolling her in a flexible preschool that can meet her needs. Your involvement in your child's early development can set the framework for her educational achievement later in life.
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