I have heard that a child of 3 is supposed to be reading and speaking different languages, is this true? I have never seen a child like that, but their parents are obviously determined. I keep on being pushed to make my child like that. I firmly believe that a child should be a child. If I am wrong, please let me know! Thanks and God Bless. P.S. I have not started teaching my child to read yet!

No, you are not wrong! There is no “conventional wisdom” that says when a child is supposed to be able to read, and as far as languages go—if a child is brought up in a bilingual home, obviously, he will speak two languages, but not as a regular course of pre-school education. (With the exception of Montessori schools that do introduce French during preschool years, but only by way of introduction.)

I’m a firm believer, like you are, that childhood needs to be childhood and children have many years ahead of them to work on their educational and social skills. Every child matures at a different rate; some children mature quicker and are ready for more complicated material sooner than others. Some children mature later, but they end up being just as bright, with their own time scale and in their own way. Allowing for those differences will save you and your child many hours of frustration.

I do believe that there is a natural curiosity that most 4 year olds display about our language. They become curious about the letters in their name, the letters in your name, the letters and words in their favorite book. You may hear things like, “Look mommy, that letter is in my name” as you drive by a billboard, etc. Capitalizing on that natural curiosity when it occurs in your child’s life can be a very positive introduction to reading. Exposing your child to great books (from birth on), reading to them, letting them hear the cadences of our language, singing alphabet songs that talk about the letters and sounds (library, a great resource), and letting them handle and “read” their own books at any age is a great way to help them discover our language and how the letters fit together and make words and how words change our lives.

Most children develop this curiosity around 3 ½ to 4 ½, but for some children it could come sooner, for some later. Knowing your child, their personality and disposition, will be the best guide for you as you prepare them for their educational experiences and introduction to reading. It sounds like you’re doing a great job! Enjoy the process of working and learning with your child.