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Reading and Writing

Emily - posted on 09/02/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

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22

My 4 year old son starts school this month. He cannot read and write although he can use a pencil and tries to write his name. He can spell his name but he cannot write the letters out. He likes to be read to, but does not yet point out words on the page. His friend (a few months older) can write clearly many words and can draw recognisable pictures. My son just draws squigles. Is my son behind? Will he catch up when he gets to school? Should I be pushing him more? He is more interested in playing than in reading and writing. Is this normal?

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4 Comments

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Brandy - posted on 01/03/2011

7

28

I don't think any preschooler can be considered as lacking when so many things are new to them. Most kindergarten classrooms start out with a wide range of abilities. Some that can read/write and others that know little to none of the alphabet. There are many ways to get your preschooler interested in reading and writing by using a fun approach. Even 10 minutes a day is better than nothing at all and that way there is very little time to get frustrated (either you or him!)

Rebekah - posted on 10/19/2010

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4

Agreed...don't worry about this. School will help him with this, but the rest is developmental and it will come when it comes. My son is able to write his name, letters and numbers, though can only spell a couple of words on his own. He can't read, as in sounding out words even though he knows what sounds the letters make, but he has sight-memorized some words and knows what letters words begin with. It will all come together when he's ready. Try not to push...too much pressure may make him want to resist trying, especially if he's simply not able to do it yet. Keep it fun. Just watch... he may be like my son who wanted to PLAY school as soon as he started preschool and even practices writing letters pretending he's doing "homework" like the big kids. Keep reading to him, especially books in his interest areas. He'll be fine!

Jenn - posted on 10/06/2010

2,683

36

Yeah, I wouldn't worry too much. My son can write his name and a couple of other words, but he can't read. I think it's still pretty early yet to worry about all that.

Jana - posted on 09/13/2010

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6

Children develop at their own pace. My daughter is 4 and in her second year of preschool, she can recognize her name, tries to write it but it is not clear. Her school does evaluations on all the children and they said she is right on track. I really would not worry too much about it, send him to school, ask the teachers to watch him if you are really concerned and have them inform you if they notice anything, then if they do talk to your doctor and maybe you can find a specialist. But honestly I wouldn't worry about it too much. :)

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