Comedian Jamie Carson recently took to social media to share her thoughts on why she’s not rushing her 5-year-old into reading. She noted, “We read him books constantly. We’ve journeyed through enchanted forests and even tackled half of a popular wizarding saga. Our goal is to instill a love for stories and immerse him in the adventures of characters. But as for formal reading? Not just yet. He’s busy learning so many other important things.”
So, what are these “other things” she emphasizes? Jamie mentioned teaching her son how to be a good teammate, how to create with his hands, how to care for his belongings, how to express forgiveness, how to explore the animal kingdom, how to embrace new experiences without frustration, and how to forge friendships. In essence, these are lessons that phonics worksheets, flashcards, or spelling drills simply can’t impart.
Her perspective has drawn both praise and criticism, revealing just how passionate people are about the right age for children to start reading. I can relate to Jamie’s experience; a year ago, I penned a widely-shared article discussing my own decision to delay my son’s reading lessons in kindergarten. Holding a doctorate in educational policy, I was taken aback by the rising expectations for our youngest learners, especially concerning literacy. I expressed my dismay at how kindergarten, once a gentle introduction to learning, has morphed into a demanding academic environment.
A 2014 study from the University of Virginia highlighted the stark contrast between kindergarten teachers’ expectations in 1998 and today. Back then, only 31% thought children should be reading by year-end; by 2010, this rose to 80%. My article garnered extensive attention, being featured in various outlets and sparking intense discussions. Critics labeled my approach as neglectful, warning that my son would fall behind academically. Ironically, the most supportive feedback came from educators, child development experts, and researchers who understand that early childhood education should emphasize social skills.
Here’s why there’s no need for alarm if your child isn’t reading in kindergarten and why we should refrain from judging parents who choose to delay teaching their kids to read:
- Developmental Variability: Children hit developmental milestones at different ages. Just as some babies walk at 9 months while others wait until 15 months, reading readiness varies widely. You can’t rush a child into reading if they aren’t cognitively prepared.
- Research on Reading Readiness: Studies show that kids who start reading later catch up by ages 9 or 10. Countries like Finland, where formal academics begin at age 6 or 7, consistently outperform us in educational achievement, despite varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
- The Power of Play: Engaging in play and exploration is crucial for young minds. Research indicates that children learn best through hands-on experiences. As early childhood expert, Dr. Ava Lin, emphasizes, “Assuming meaningful learning occurs in high-pressure, worksheet-focused environments is misguided. Children thrive in joyful settings filled with exploration and conversation.”
- Rethinking Academic Pressure: We must abandon the race mentality when it comes to childhood education. As Jamie wisely notes, “One day he’ll dive into phonics and penmanship, but right now, he’s got more important lessons to tackle.”
With an extra year of play and exploration, my son is set to start kindergarten next week, and I have every confidence he’ll flourish.
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Summary
As parents, we should embrace the diverse learning paths of our children rather than succumbing to societal pressures regarding early reading. Understanding that developmental readiness varies, prioritizing play-based learning, and allowing children to explore their world can lead to more meaningful growth.