You’ve probably heard this idea before: children will naturally learn to read if we just provide them with enough books and time.

It’s easy to believe that one day, your little ones will simply wake up and start reading as if by magic. But the truth is, reading is not an innate skill that develops automatically—it’s a complex process that requires intentional instruction, practice, and support. Let’s talk about why reading doesn’t happen by osmosis and what it takes for a child to become a proficient reader.

The Process of Learning to Read

Learning to read is a journey that involves several developmental stages. It begins long before a child picks up a book. The first stage, often referred to as the pre-reading stage, involves developing phonemic awareness, building vocabulary, and being exposed to language through conversation, songs, and stories.

Next comes decoding, where children learn to connect letters with sounds and begin to recognize words. This stage is crucial because it forms the foundation for fluent reading. Fluency then leads to comprehension, where a child moves beyond just recognizing words to understanding and interpreting the meaning of the text.

Each of these stages requires deliberate instruction and practice. Unlike learning to speak, which children typically acquire naturally through exposure and interaction, reading is a skill that must be taught. Without the proper guidance and support, many children struggle to progress through these stages successfully.

The Role of the Brain in Reading

Reading is not a naturally occurring process in the brain. Unlike language acquisition, which our brains are wired to do from birth, reading is a relatively recent evolutionary development that requires the brain to make new connections. The brain’s language centers and reading centers need to work together to decode and understand written text.

Scientific research has shown that structured literacy instruction is necessary to develop these neural pathways effectively. This means that children need to be taught how to read in a systematic way, building on their existing language skills and gradually increasing the complexity of the text they encounter.

The Skills Required Before Reading

Before a child can even begin to read, they need to develop several foundational skills. Phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in words—is critical. Without this skill, children struggle to decode words and recognize patterns in language.

Phonics, which is the understanding of the relationship between letters and sounds, is another essential skill. Children need to learn that letters represent specific sounds and that these sounds can be blended together to form words.

A strong vocabulary is also vital. The more words a child knows, the easier it will be for them to understand what they read. Print awareness, which includes recognizing the organization of text on a page and understanding the directionality of reading, is another foundational skill. Finally, oral language development, which involves listening and speaking, provides the basis for reading comprehension.

The Importance of Explicit Instruction

Given the complexity of learning to read, it’s clear that explicit, systematic instruction is necessary. Children need to be taught each of the skills mentioned above in a deliberate and structured manner. This instruction needs to be differentiated, meaning it should be tailored to the individual needs of each child, as not all children learn at the same pace or in the same way.

Common Misconceptions About Learning to Read

One of the most persistent myths about reading is the idea that children will “just pick it up” if they’re exposed to enough books. While exposure to books is important, it’s not enough on its own. Children need to be actively taught how to read.

Parents and caregivers also play a crucial role in this process. By engaging in activities that promote phonemic awareness, reading aloud to their children, and providing opportunities for their children to practice reading, they can help support their child’s reading development.

When children don’t receive the instruction and support they need, they often face significant challenges. They may struggle with decoding, fluency, and comprehension, which can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence in their reading abilities.

Reading is a Learned Skill

Reading doesn’t happen by osmosis—it’s a skill that requires a deliberate and structured approach. From developing foundational skills to receiving explicit instruction, children need guidance and support throughout their reading journey. As parents and educators, we have the opportunity to help our children succeed by being proactive in their reading development.

If you’re ready to take the next step in ensuring your child’s reading success, I encourage you enroll your child in my online learn to read program.

Want to learn concrete skills to help you support your child at home? Click here to watch my on-demand webinar “Reading With Ease: How To Guarantee Your Child’s Reading Success Without Losing Your Patience.”

Related Posts: