Do children need to learn to read before school?

[Kyng]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/educa...88592.html

Fewer than half of parents believe their children should know how to use books correctly before starting primary school, a recent survey suggests.

The poll, conducted for early years charity Kindred2, also revealed that only 76 per cent of parents think children should be toilet trained before entering Reception.

These findings come as teachers report children starting primary school with delays in basic motor skills and lacking core strength.

Last month, the Prime Minister announced his goal for 75 per cent of children to reach a good level of development by the time they begin school.

The survey, conducted by Savanta in October and November of last year, questioned more than 1,000 primary school staff and 1,000 parents of Reception-aged children across England and Wales.

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Well, I know my sister could read when she was 2 years old: we have video of her reading . And, according to my parents, I was able to read around the same age (although I have no memory of that).

I guess it gave us a head-start at school, but was it necessary? I'm not sure - although it was certainly nice to have.

[Shiny Star]

I think that reading before going to school does help a lot. I am pretty sure that sociology highlights children who had that extra head start tend to achieve higher than their peers who do not. It does make sense as being able to read benefits across subjects. This may not also be possible and parents shouldn’t be shamed when the child does not reach this milestone.

[JHG]

Yes, so as to prove the required reading lists wrong.

[MamaFrankie]

Yes, it will be of benefit. I learned to read before I went to school.

[Jarkko]

I was a very early reader and my parents noticed it. It does tend to help. I don't think it should be a requirement per se but absolutely a recommendation.

[deyana]

I think it helps to teach them the basics, abc's  but not pressurize them to read.  I didn't start to read ( or speak English) until I was 5 years and went to school. On account I was already fluent in another  language.

[slooroo]

My Kindergarten year was borderline pointless because my parents worked with me heavily on reading, basic math, and other things. So everything taught that year wasn't new to me. Even part of 1st Grade was a breeze before I started hitting material I didn't know. So yes, parents should be diligent in helping educate their child in reading and many other subjects. Do not entrust all of the education to teachers!

[LadyJirachu]

I think it’s good to have kids read as young as possible! Books are a good hobby in general for people to pick up, they can inspire relaxation, logical thinking, imagination, empathy and creativity. Kids who don’t get to read as much growing up won’t get as much of the benefits on general average. Yes, you can be less of a reader as a child and still love books as an adult. But it’s still a good hobby to pick up as young as possible. It’s something that grows with you.

Now, there are SOME things to be wary of….a kid who reads very young might need more bounderies with the internet and phones and stuff, as their young reading skills could potentionally cause issues if they come across reading the wrong stuff.

But even that isn’t so bad. Cos it can be a good way to also discourage kids from engaging in toxic social media from a young age too.

So overall young reading abilities is a good thing. But, like all kids skills, it should be handled responsibly, too. Cos it’s very important kids still stay innocent as well. I personally think kids who read young should also maybe have phones/internet access a little bit older than those who read older in comparison.