Reading & Auditory Processing

Early Reading Development

Early reading development is a critical part of a child's growth, helping them build skills that are essential for learning, communication, and success in school. Understanding how reading develops can empower parents to support their child's literacy journey from the very beginning.

Listening and Understanding Words:

Before children can read, they first need to develop strong listening and comprehension skills. This includes recognizing sounds, words, and understanding what they hear. Parents can foster these skills by talking to their children often, reading aloud, and engaging in activities that encourage listening.

Phonological Awareness:

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and play with sounds in words. This includes skills like rhyming, syllable counting, and identifying the first sounds of words. Activities like singing songs, reading nursery rhymes, and playing with sound-based games are fun ways to help develop these skills.

Letter Recognition and Sound Knowledge:

As children grow, they begin to recognize letters and learn that each letter makes a specific sound. It’s important to support them as they start to connect these sounds with their written form. Parents can encourage this by pointing out letters in books, signs, and around the home.

Word Decoding:

Decoding is the process of sounding out words. This skill allows children to begin reading simple words. Parents can help by practicing letter-sound relationships, reading together, and gently guiding children when they encounter unfamiliar words.

Building Vocabulary:

A strong vocabulary supports reading comprehension. The more words children know, the easier it is for them to understand what they are reading. Parents can boost vocabulary by reading diverse books, discussing new words, and encouraging children to express themselves.

Comprehension and Making Meaning:

Finally, understanding what is being read is essential. Encouraging children to think about the story, ask questions, and predict what might happen next can help them develop strong comprehension skills. Parents can also ask questions about the story to help reinforce understanding.

By supporting these early reading milestones, parents can lay a strong foundation for literacy skills that will benefit children throughout their lives. Simple everyday activities like reading together, playing sound games, and talking about books can make a big difference.