One of the most important skills is the ability to read. Apart from the different second languages that children of different races would have to study, the medium of instruction for every other subject, be it Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art and Craft, et cetera, is English.

Children entering primary schools “not ready to succeed” are usually lacking the necessary language and reading skills.

The development of language and literacy skills begins at birth. Early literacy skills begin to develop in the first 5 years of life. A child’s early experiences with books and the language lay the foundation for success in learning to read. Young children need a variety of skills to become successful readers.

So what are the skills a pre-schooler needs in order to be a proficient reader?

(1) Vocabulary

Having an adequate vocabulary bank or knowing the names of things, is an extremely important skill for children to have when they are learning to read. Help develop your child’s vocabulary by reading a variety of books with him or her, both fiction and non-fiction, and by naming all the objects in your child’s world.

I remember when I was out with my children when they were babies or toddlers, taking evening strolls or at shopping centres or market places, I would carry them in my arms, rather than push them in strollers.

I treasured the opportunity to look them in the eye and interact with them at eye level. Many learning opportunities took place during times like these. I was able to point out things and introduce new vocabulary to them and at the same time, enjoy the parent-child bonding session.

A stroller was on hand at all times, but used only when they are tired out and want to sleep. Many a time, I see both parents pushing their child in the stroller, busy talking to each other while their child is left to his or her own devices, deprived of mental stimulation that could have come from parent-child interaction.

I lament the fact that a golden learning opportunity had just slipped by for the child. The same amount of time would have passed anyway while strolling, so why not kill two birds with one stone and enrich your child at the same time? He or she might not come across those objects again, or if he or she does, it would then serve as reinforcement of what he or she had learnt earlier.

(2) Phonological awareness

This refers to the ability to hear and manipulate the smaller sounds in words. It includes the ability to hear and create rhymes, to say words with sounds and the ability to put two or more letters together to make a word.

Most children who have difficulty in reading are not phonologically aware. It is never too early for a child to learn phonics. My eldest son recognised all the letters in the alphabet within a month after he turned 1. He progressed swiftly to phonetically pronounce the 26 letters in the next month and went on to 2 letter blends thereafter. He was reading rather well by the age of 1.5 years old.

You may say that my son is lucky to be born a fast learner. Every child is different. However, as parents, regardless of what nature has bestowed upon our children, we should, to the best of our ability, provide him or her with opportunities to learn before letting further development take its own course.


(3) Word Recognition 

From a young age, children should be exposed at a to a set of suitable guided reading books with frequent emphasis on commonly sighted words would aid in increasing the rate at which children pick up reading skills.

This article is the second of a six-part series on ‘Raising A Wholesome Pre-schooler’ .

It was also published on The New Age Parents.

Part 1: What makes a wholesome child?
Part 3: Word Recognition
Part 4: Bilingualism
Part 5: Public Speaking And Confidence Building
Part 6: Character Building & Moral Education