No, Your Baby Can’t Read. They’re Just Memorizing Words… and There’s A Huge Difference
Parents tell me all the time, “Ms. Guillory. My baby can already read! I saw them reading the words on the cartoon commercial. I saw them reading the flashcards I created!”
It’s commendable, and I am happy you are seeing your child engage with words. However, I have some news for you and please don’t take it the wrong way but…
Your baby can’t read. They’re just memorizing words.
Definition Of Reading
True reading is a process where a person uses their background knowledge (experiences with the world) to connect with the text in front of them and build meaning of that text. Reading requires children to be able to quickly recognize frequently used words, analyze and decode (or sound out) unfamiliar words, and simultaneously create meaning while fluently reading in chunks and phrases instead of word for word.
Children typically are quickly able to soak up the world around them. They see you eat food, they hear you say food over and over, and pretty soon they’re saying the word food. This same phenomenon happens when they memorize words.
At a very young age, children see the world around them as pictures. When you think your child can read, it is more likely that they’re seeing your flashcards or words on the television as pictures. Because the picture, or word, is seen repeatedly and daily, your child begins to connect that picture with what they hear, in this case, a word.
Is reading important? Oh, absolutely! As the creator of an online learn to read course and educator for thirteen years, I believe all children must learn to read. However, I also believe in allowing children to hit developmentally appropriate milestones.
How To Prepare A Toddler To Read
Instead of trying to force your child to memorize words as a toddler or three year old, focus on building a love for learning and reading in your home. You can do this through reading books aloud each night. Engage your young child in conversation that challenges them to respond to you (so avoid those questions that only require a yes/no answer).
The youngest I’ve seen children start to authentically read is four years old. And when I work with students to teach them how to read, I begin with five year olds.
Yes, every child is unique. But the next time you’re ready to shout to the rooftops that your baby can read, just remember reading is a complex process that extends far beyond rote memorization.
Want to make sure your child has a strong reading foundation so they can easily move up in reading levels quickly and without you having to feel like you’re forcing them to read? Learning to read is fun in the Raising Readers program. Click here to learn more.
