At nearly 6 years old, my son, Leo, still struggles to recognize all of his letters. Some family members express concern, especially since my eldest child was reading early on. They worry that Leo is lacking or that I’m not giving him enough attention. If we weren’t homeschooling, Leo would be starting kindergarten with little knowledge of the alphabet or its sounds, which means he would already be considered “behind” before even beginning.
But that’s simply not true. My 5-year-old is not a poor reader; he’s just a typical 5-year-old.
Our expectations have become distorted over time. The implementation of George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, which emphasized testing and accountability, has pushed kindergarten to resemble what many believe is the new first grade. An article from New York Magazine highlighted that in 2010, teachers were 33% more likely than their 1998 counterparts to think children needed to enter kindergarten knowing how to hold a pencil and the alphabet. I recall learning the alphabet in kindergarten during the 1980s, singing songs like “Mr. M, with the munching mouth.” Nowadays, if your child isn’t already familiar with the alphabet and on the path to reading, they’re seen as falling behind.
This stark shift contrasts with educational practices in other countries. In Finland, where children start school at age 6, kindergarten emphasizes play over academics. In fact, a significant 80% of teachers believed in 2010 that learning to read shouldn’t be a priority in kindergarten. Finnish children often leave kindergarten—at an age when American children are finishing first grade—just enjoying books for the pictures. Yet Finland consistently ranks as one of the best educational systems globally, with a literacy rate of 94%. This stands in contrast to the 14% of Americans who struggle with reading.
Nancy Carlsson-Paige, a professor emeritus of early childhood education, pointed out in a video by the advocacy group Defending the Early Years that research shows no long-term advantages for children taught to read in kindergarten. Studies reveal that children who start reading at age 7 eventually reach the same reading proficiency as those who begin at 5. Despite this evidence, the trend in the U.S. has seen a 15% increase in the use of reading workbooks among 5-year-olds from 1998 to 2010.
As Bev Brenna, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, noted, there is no definitive age at which children should start reading. One homeschooling parent shared how her son struggled at 7 but taught himself to read fluently by 9. Another child in her family was just beginning to read at 8, yet both went on to complete high school and attend university without any negative consequences.
I know a friend who was unschooled and decided to learn to read at age 10, using the works of Charles Dickens, and he succeeded beautifully. Today, he holds a graduate degree and works as a field biologist.
So, when I see Leo not reading yet, I refuse to label him as slow or lazy. We’re working through “Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons,” a method I previously used with my eldest. It’s challenging but rewarding. Leo often gets distracted and struggles with identifying letters but still expresses excitement about reading like his brother in the future.
It can be tough when other parents boast about their children’s reading accomplishments, but I remind myself of Finland’s educational philosophy and my friend’s success story. I ask Leo if he’d like to practice letters with glue, buttons, or Play-Doh, and we keep at it. He’s exactly where he needs to be, and if he doesn’t fit into the American mold for early reading, that’s perfectly alright.
I’d much rather have a child who is engaged, motivated, and joyful in his learning than one who reads early. Leo will benefit from waiting until he shows a genuine interest in reading, all while enjoying playful learning experiences.
Summary:
In a world where early reading is often seen as a benchmark for success, it’s important to recognize that every child develops at their own pace. My son Leo may not be reading yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s behind. With an educational system that increasingly emphasizes early literacy, it’s crucial to remember that many children thrive when given the freedom to learn through play. Like many successful learners, Leo is on his own path, and I’m confident that he will find his way to reading when he’s ready.
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