When do children normally start reading? And how to encourage reading?

[milkyway2007]

My DD is 3.3. I don't know but I think this is too early for her to start reading - am I right in thinking this? I can't remember when I started reading.

When we are reading books, I can't get her to look at the words - she only looks at the pictures. But I guess this is normal for a 3 year old.

I am not worried, just asking when do children normally start getting into reading, and how to encourage her. She also has to start learning Arabic too, and I would like her to have a basic understanding of reading English before I begin that.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Thye normally start reading when they teach them at achool you can do it beforehand but only a certain type of dc will respond ime.

What you need to do is sit and read with her a lot - as you are doing and start getting her to describe what she is seeing - if she picks up words by recognition then you can go ahead with an old fashioed peter and jane type thing - ie not phonics.

Thanks for the replies :) I think DD has got to the second step that you mentioned loopymumsy, although she can recognise a few letters such as A and I in a word. Mostly the letters in her name.

Thanks again.

With learning to read there is so much more to it than the actual reading the words. Loving stories and experiencing lots of different types, knowing how to handle a book, anticipating what will happen, joining in with repeating phrases, enjoying the pictures, enjoying rhymes and joining in with them, etc

Knowing about words -recognising own name, words in the environment (the first word DS1 knew was TESCO!), letters in words, etc is another thing.

Keep enjoying the books and the rest will follow!

Loopymum - my DS (3.2) is doing all of the points you mention, which he has picked up by himself. May be I should be encouraging him with the words, and if so how?

He knows all his letters and numbers and loves to count to 50, but I have never shown him how to put letter together as I was leaving this for when he goes to school, but if he is interested maybe I shouldn't hold him back. What do think?

He loves having stories read to him and points out letters in everything he sees.

I'm not sure that 'normally' is tremendously useful in the context of reading - there seems to be a wide range from precocious 3 year olds to kids who don't really click with reading till well into infants and still end up with 16+ reading age by the end of juniors!

Loopy's list is good, though she missed the first stage of book appreciation - chewing

Just aim to enjoy at her pace and not stress