When did your child start reading comfortably?

Question

My son turned 6 at the end of August. He's in first grade (just made the cutoff for school last year) and he is doing pretty well with reading those little phonics books. (You know, the "I Am Sam" kind) I'm very proud of him and he is proud of himself also. The problem is, he told me this morning that he wanted to read more than he usually does so he can get good. I said great! Turns out his reason for this sudden extra interest is that 4 of the kids in his class are reading chapter books and he feels less-smart. Are these kids advanced or is my son behind? I'm feeling a little panicked at the moment. thanks so much!

Answer 1

I feel your pain! There is a great deal of age difference in my oldest child and my now 1st grader, and they have really pushed reading faster. Boys sometimes aren't ready, but we do have to push them so they are where they need to be academically. My little guy is worn out already! Anyway, like everyone has said, kids advance at different ages yada yada. Check with your son's teacher to make sure he is where he needs to be, but he probably is if he is reading ok what teacher sends home for assignments. We work hard on the sight words. I also look at the book store/library for the "reading step" (different brands) books that are lower level and we read them together. It is good he wants to read better, tell him it is more important that he understand what he is reading than it is that he is the fastest reader in the class.

Answer 2

There's no reason to panic. Each child develops at a different rate. My daughter was reading chapter books at that age too. Now, in 3rd grade, she's reading at a 5th grade level. It doesn't mean she won't drop off at some time. Your son won't get left behind.

My suggestion, start reading more advanced books to him at bedtime. You'll both enjoy the time together and he'll be happier that he's reading bigger books. As he gets used to the words, have him help you read the stories. Each time, he'll read a little bit more. This will increase his confidence a whole lot. You'll be surprised how much he'll advance too. Often, just hearing the stories, the children pick up on the words and such.

Don't let him feel less smart. Instill into him that all kids read at different levels and develop differently. Tell him that he's strong where some of those might be weak like math or science or music or something else. In due time, he'll catch up and maybe even pass up those very kids that are reading at higher levels right now. There really is nothing for either of you to worry about. Just keep encouraging him. Since you're worried, it proves you're doing a good job. Just keep doing that.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

My son is 7 and is in second grade. Last year he went through the same thing. He read the little phonics books, but couldn't really do much more than that. All of a sudden he started bringing home Magic Tree House books and thought he could just start reading them, because one of his friends in the same grade liked to read them. He really struggled with them and then got discouraged when he couldn't read them like he wanted to and said he felt dumb. We told him that it was okay and that he was certainly not dumb, that all kids do things at their own pace. We started reading those chapter books to him (one chapter a night), then it got to where he would read a page of the chapter book to us and we'd read a page to him.. Eventually, over the summer, he started reading some of the junior chapter books on his own and now in second grade it seems he is much more comfortable and reads constantly. He recently brought home a Boxcar Children book and read the whole thing himself. So, don't panic about your child. It all works out in time. Just keep encouraging him to read and always compliment him for trying his very best.

Answer 4

Stop trying to compare your child with other children. Some children advance faster in reading while other kids advance in art, others in music, others in math. My daughter was reading "chapter books" before she reached kindergarten Not because she was so far advanced than other kids her age, but because we read considerably here at home. I always had a book in my hand, wherever I went a book went with me. If I was in line at the grocery store or the bank I'd have a book out. At doctor and dental appointments I'd be reading. Even while cooking dinner if a book was that interesting I'd be stiring a pot on the stove while reading. My daughter's father was pretty much the same way, even when mowing the lawn he had a book propped on the handle of the lawnmower. Whenever we went shopping the deal was if she behaved she could get a "treat" at the end of the shopping, the "treat" wound up to be, more often than not, a book. Her Christmas lists consisted mostly of books as she got older music as well. By the time she was in eigth grade she was reading at college level...however, don't ask me about her math ability...LOL. All I can tell you is to encourage his reading, give him more challenging books to read and let him try them on his own. Tell him that if there is something he doesn't understand or words he can't figure out to come to you, but let him do the work himself. Also don't be so quick to decide that a book geared for an "older" audience might not suit him. He just might surprise you. Also make bookstores a major stop on your trips to malls.

Answer 5

My son read fluently at four years old, but that is unusual. What's interesting is that both my husband and I started reading at four as well. Your son is not behind - it's not long into the beginning of the school year and if he's reading sentences in books with simple words, he's doing great. He's right, though - practice is what makes it better, so he can develop and remember more "sight words" and do better at sounding out words.
Read to him, and with him, every single day. Encourage his reading, especially if he has an interest in a specific area (space, dinosaurs, etc.) - and he will keep being motivated. Just explain to him that everyone is different, and some kids read better than he does, and others can't read as well.

Answer 6

First off, don't panic. Your son is doing well. I think it's great that he wants to get better at it. There are all sorts of chapter book series out there; he'll definitely find one he likes. Just make sure he doesn't put pressure on himself to get better. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore.
My daughter started reading comfortably around 4. She used to read to her nursery school class once a week. My wife and I read and read and read to her as soon as she was born. She is in second grade now but has been tested at reading at a 4th grade level.
Good luck, and stop panicking!

Answer 7

Each child reads at their own rate. of our 6 kids 2 can't stand to read, always very hard for them. 2 are average they stayed pretty close to grade level. and 2 are excellent and started reading much younger but they are also the youngest in our family so everyone read to them when they were little and they had access to the beg-reading books through the older kids. your child is prob right where he needs to be ask his teacher if there is a concern. you can always work with him at home or hire a reading tutor, some schools offer this as well. But enless there is some major reading and comprehension problem I wouldn't worry too much. Some people take to reading more as they get older.

Answer 8

Your son is doing great! If there are only 4 kids in his class that read better than he does he is at least in the upper 20%. If he really wants to read chapter books help him. Don't let him become frustrated, though. It will come. I hope you can keep this great attitude toward learning alive all through school. Maybe you have a National Merits Scholar.

Answer 9

Those kids are advanced. My son is 8. He started reading simple chaper books in the late 6 to early 7 range. He's reading well, now, and can pretty much read anything. It came quickly! Tell your son not to worry. He's just normal, where the other kids just had reading ability sooner. It's no big deal, but it's great that he wants to build on his abilities!

Answer 10

My son started to read on his own at 6. I think your son is right on target as far as reading goes. Don't panic. Just go to the library and get him books. He will be reading chapter books in no time.