At what age should my son start reading he turned 5 in December and his teacher is saying he should by now.?

Question

Also is it true if you are born at the end of the year that means you are the youngest in the class which means you learn at a slower rate?

Answer 1

Not true to both questions. I'm assuming he's in kindergarten? My son is as well, and his teacher had a big meeting with all the parents at the beginning of the school year to let us know it is NOT a requirement to be reading by the end of kindergarten. She is teaching them phonics and pre-reading skills. She said first grade is when they really start to learn actual reading. She even had a Newsweek article that was titled "kindergarten is the new first grade?" and said there is so much pressure to have kids reading in kindergarten now, but most are just not ready.

Anyways, with that said, I'd say probably about a third of my son's class is reading. Most are girls, a few boys, with a range of birthdates. My son will be 6 in May, and is not fully reading yet, but can read a few words and has the gist of reading, sounding out words, etc. Hope this helps!!!

Answer 2

Generally, I would think if you were born at the end of the year, you might go into school at the next school year, but I guess it depends on the school and the child.

My daughter is not yet 5 and can read a little, but she doesn't like to. I think when they're ready to read, they'll read. Just like walking and talking.

Don't stress over it. He's only 5. Maybe get some phonics books or Dick and Jane type books. They've got a lot of repetitive words.

Answer 3

You could have started reading and showing him words before now but its okay. Start showing him words and having interact by making the sounds of the letters in the words. Just because his birthday is later in the year does not mean he learns at a slower pace. It is based on previous practice that he has had.

Answer 4

Five year olds are usually beginning to identify words, as you read to them. Each child will learn at their own rate, given the opportunity. Pushing a child at this age can set-up unhealthy attitudes toward reading and learning. Give him opportunities to "join in on the fun" and he will very likely move ahead rapidly.

My children were born at the end of the year - so they were actually the oldest in their classes. I believe it's better for them.
It is not at all unusual to hold boys back for a year at the start of Kindergarten. Consider having a "readiness test" to determine your child's emotional maturity and learning skills at this stage in his life, before making your decision. The person giving the test can discuss the pros's and con's with you.

Answer 5

3 to 5 years of age

By 3 to 5 years of age, most children are just beginning to learn the alphabet — singing their ABCs, knowing the letters of their names. Read alphabet books with your child and point out letters as you read.

Help your child recognize whole words as well as letters. Learning and remembering what words look like are the first steps to learning to read. Point out common, everyday things like the letters on a stop sign or the logo on a favorite restaurant.

As you read together, ask your child to make up his own story about what is happening in the book. Keep reading a part of your child's bedtime routine.

Some educational television shows, videos and computer programs can help your child learn to read. They can also make learning fun. But you need to be involved, too. If your child is watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood or Sesame Street, for example, sit and talk about what the program is trying to teach. Limit screen time to no more than one or two hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs.

If possible, give your child a subscription to a children's magazine. Children love getting mail, and it is something they can read as well!

Provide opportunities for your child to use written language for many purposes. Write shopping lists together. Compose letters to send to friends or relatives.

Answer 6

I have never heard that. Some kids are 6 or 7 before they can read bigger words. Try working with him at home more or getting the Hooked on Phonics. They actually do work. My husband had this for his daughter and she learned to read by age 6, even with learning disabilities. Some kids just take a little longer to learn to read and it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them.

Answer 7

Read to him!
That is the easiest way to get your child to read. My mom read to all 5 of us children when we were little and we are all avid readers now.
Make a bedtime story a must. Take him to the library. Turn off the tv and get him to use his imagination reading books or listening to you read them. Most kids will desire to read when they are read to alot.

Answer 8

yes this is a good age to start out with beginner reading books. Try the Dr. Seuss books for beginners, they are great!

Answer 9

Are you not working with him at home? He should at least be learning the basics of how to sound words out.

Answer 10

My grandchildren had to know how to read when they started school