Comedian Jamie Thompson recently posted on social media about her decision not to teach her 5-year-old how to read just yet. She wrote:
“Don’t get me wrong, we read to him all the time. We’ve traveled through fantastical worlds in books and are engrossed in page after page of magical adventures. We’re focused on helping him enjoy stories and connect with characters.
But as for teaching him to read? That can wait. He’s learning so many other important things right now.”
She elaborated on these “other things,” which include how to share, how to construct and create, the importance of responsibility, how to mend friendships, how to explore nature, and how to embrace new experiences without frustration. In essence, she’s teaching him valuable life skills that can’t be captured through phonics worksheets or spelling drills.
Her perspective has garnered plenty of support, along with some criticism. It seems that many people hold strong opinions about when children should start reading and what it signifies when they don’t.
I can relate to Jamie’s experience, as I once penned a widely-shared article on why I chose not to have my son read in kindergarten. Despite holding a doctorate in educational policy, I was shocked to discover the increasing academic expectations placed on our youngest learners, especially regarding literacy.
Reflecting on my decision to delay my son’s entry into kindergarten, I noted: “My son wasn’t ready for kindergarten in 2016. What was once a ‘garden for children’ in German has morphed into a rigorous academic environment. Today’s kindergarten demands standards that are far more intense than they were just a decade ago.”
A study from the University of Virginia highlighted a significant shift: in 1998, only 31% of kindergarten teachers expected students to read by year-end, a number that skyrocketed to about 80% by 2010.
My article was featured in several major outlets and sparked thousands of shares. Much like Jamie, I received numerous comments and emails accusing me of being neglectful for not teaching my 5-year-old to read. However, the most supportive responses came from educators, administrators, and early childhood specialists who understand how much kindergarten has changed over the years, focusing more on social skills than on academics.
We aren’t doing our children any favors by pushing them into structured learning before they’re ready or by implementing curricula that overlook the best practices for early childhood education.
Here’s why parents shouldn’t worry if their child isn’t reading in kindergarten, nor should they judge those who choose to delay reading instruction:
Children develop at different paces, and learning to read can happen at various ages. Just as it’s typical for a toddler to walk anywhere from 9 to 15 months, the same applies to reading. Forcing a child to read before they’re developmentally prepared is similar to making them walk before they’re ready.
Research shows that children who start reading later don’t lag behind academically. In fact, late bloomers often catch up by age 9 or 10. Many countries, such as Finland, delay formal education until ages 6 or 7, yet consistently outperform others in academic success, even when considering socioeconomic factors.
Play and exploration are fundamental for young minds. They lay the groundwork for later academic skills. Studies consistently indicate that kindergarteners thrive in active, engaging learning environments. As early childhood researcher and writer Sofia Lane puts it, “It’s misguided to think that meaningful learning takes place in high-pressure, worksheet-focused classrooms. Children are naturally curious learners, and they flourish in environments filled with playful exploration and informal interactions.”
We need to abandon the notion that childhood is a race. As Jamie wisely points out, “While there will be plenty of time for phonics and math in the future, today, my child has more pressing lessons to learn.”
My son is starting kindergarten next week, and I’m confident that the additional year of creativity and fun will serve him well.
For more insights on parenting and early childhood development, be sure to check out our other articles, such as those on home insemination and resources from UCSF’s Center for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, it’s essential for parents to recognize that every child develops at their own pace. The focus should be on nurturing experiences that support emotional and social growth rather than rushing into formal education.