How and when can I teach my toddler to read?

There are certain neural connections that have not yet formed in children before the age of five or six – these connections allow the child to decode the printed letters and then mentally put them together to make words. There are a few children who are able to read before this age, but most of them don’t learn to read through direct instruction, but rather pick it up as they go along. It is therefore not recommended that you try to teach your child to read when he or she is younger than five or six.

The best way to get your toddler ready to read is by indirect instruction. This is where you get your child introduced to books and print in such a way that they become excited about the stories that the books contain. You can show your child what fun books are, and how important they are by simply reading to them.

You can start reading to your baby from the age of six months, and, between the ages of one and two years, repetitive and rhyming books will really be a winner with them. At the ages of two and three, they will begin to enjoy books that contain more print and simple story lines.

More questions

Our little one is in preschool. Is this a good time to get a family dog?

There is no right or wrong age to get a family dog; however, you should be mindful of your situation before you rush into things.

My toddler is drooling and having trouble eating. Should I worry?

Drooling and difficulty eating can be associated with normal toddler behaviour, illness or sensory processes.

When does separation and independence occur in a child?

Up to the age of three, your toddler will be over separation anxiety. However, as there are so many separations in the years of growing up – pre-school, a few days away at camp, and even your child’s first year at college, bouts of separation anxiety could very well occur from time to time all through your child’s life.

How can I ensure that my toddler’s motor development is on track?

As long as your toddler has plenty of space and time to play, and practice all their new physical skills, they’re probably doing just fine with her development!

How can I make sure that my child stays curious and interested in the world around him?

Toddlers are naturally curious about everything. Instead of stifling that curiosity, you should be making every effort to promote it!

Encouraging imagination and creativity: how do I do it?

Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.

I want my child to be in touch with her emotions. How can I ensure that she grows up that way?

Young children are emotional beings. The worst thing you can do is make them stifle those emotions. Teach them how to cope with them instead, and you’ll raise a well-adjusted child.

Encouraging spirituality: how can I make sure that my child grows up with a spiritual foundation?

If you want your child to grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, it’s never too young to start teaching, but remember to teach by example.