Blog
Does Learning to Read Early Truly Produce Lasting Advantages?
Studies show that children from four months to three years learn faster than children aged four years and older, and this age bracket is the one that can benefit the most from an early education. If you are reading to and with your children at this early age, they will better be positioned to pick up on language and speech patterns, to learn words and sentences and to begin speaking early. Advances in these areas at an early age will allow them to remain ahead of their peers, and learn at a highly accelerated curve as they continue to master language and communication at an early age.
What is Early Reading?
Early reading is more than reading to and with your child. Learning to read early and independently by age three or four is the combination of decoding words accurately and effective comprehension skills borne out of good oral language and familiarity with text structure. Reading early and independently produces advantages throughout life that are hard to quantify and positions your child to succeed in their following formative years – as well as with jobs and relationships, well into the future.
Reading Early Encourages Self-Confidence
Early reading will also help to encourage your child in the area of their own self-confidence. A confident child will feel more comfortable in asking questions, answering questions, reading aloud and interacting with teachers, other students and other adults. They will be more eager to accept new learning challenges, and they will be ready to tackle whatever subjects are put in front of them next.
Early Readers Enjoy School More
Children with this early edge on education will likely enjoy school more, will feel more comfortable in the classroom and will look forward to getting there each day. They will pay more attention during lessons, will get more out of what the teacher is offering and will have fewer hurdles to overcome when tackling a complex subject in any grade or any classroom.
Learning to Read Early Fosters Increased Brain Development
These reading skills will also help to foster increased brain development throughout a child’s early years. Their neural circuitry will be heightened, and their brains will thus become more receptive to the learning process.
Reading Proficiency Leads to Better Speaking and Writing Skills
Children who have enjoyed this early level of education are able to better understand language patterns, and they will develop good writing skills that will later translate to other avenues of their life. While many children are prone to reading problems in their early years, those who learn how to read at the earliest ages are less likely to fall victim to these problems. Giving your child all of the benefits of an early reading education will best prepare them for the education that will fill much of the first quarter of their lives.
Leads to Active Life of Reading
The reading education that is begun at an early age enjoys benefits that are seen all the way until the end of life. An early love of reading will influence the propensity towards the activity in the teenage, adult and middle age years, and an active life of reading can help to stave of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. As your child grows into their adult years, they will be able to use what they learned in early reading lessons – and take these with them into the professional years. A study from the University of Leicester, quoted inScience Daily (May 12, 2009) — discovered that children’s early reading experience is critical to the development of their lifelong reading skills. “When adults read words they learned when they were younger, they recognise them faster and more accurately than those they learned later in life.” - Dr Tessa Webb.
An Advantage in Entrance Tests and Assessments
Because reading is usually one fourth of the content of tests used in school entrance exams and assessments, even when done informally at 4+, and in university admission tests for humanities courses, reading early could give your child an advantage in these tests and influence your child’s chances of selection into their choice of school or university.
Enhances a Well-Rounded Education
Reading skills will translate to all other fields of study, and the child who has a long history of reading will be able to enjoy a complete and full education that will propel them in college. This child will be able to thrive under any academic conditions, and the results will be seen for a lifetime.
Leaders are Readers accept children from as young as 3 and-a-half years onto the reading programme. Our supplementary school will teach your child to read at the earliest age. They have access to the best method, and enjoy small group sessions of 12 people or less. Your young child will become a fluent reader within 9 months (3 terms). With this early education opportunity, they will later learn skills to foster comprehension and creative writing skills ahead of their peers.
Call us on 01992 651 300 for further information or to book a trial lesson for our next Open Day, or use the online booking form. You can secure your child's place straight away by completing the enrolment form online.
Updated: 03/06/11
7+, 5+, 4+ Assessments Reading
Leave a comment
Previous comments
There are no previous comments for this story.