It’s a worry many parents share: “My child just isn’t interested in reading yet.” Maybe they wiggle away during storytime, lose focus before you reach the second page, or choose playtime or screen time over books every time. Maybe they enjoy being read to, but don’t want to interact with the story. Or maybe they have never shown much interest in books at all.
Many parents wonder when their preschooler should start learning to read. Should a 3-year-old know letters? Should a 4-year-old be sounding out words? What exactly is reading readiness, and how can you support it without pressure?
If you’re a parent or caregiver wondering how to encourage a love of books in your preschool-aged child, without pushing, drilling, or making it feel like homework, this guide is for you. Helping preschoolers fall in love with reading doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t require teaching them to decode words before they’re ready.
