Should I teach DC phonics before school?

[Stickortwigs]

I’m not generally into doing stuff that they’ll learn at school early as think there’s plenty of other stuff like collages of leaves to be doing.

But DS is a sedate child who’ll happily sit for long stretches and concentrate and is constantly asking what each letter is in a book and what words say. If I read a story he’ll choose words which I’ve read and ask which ones they are on the page.

He’s my second so think I’d have a reasonable chance of teaching him phonics according to the school’s scheme but think then he might be bored in reception? Or I might teach it slightly wrong and create bad habits.

I don’t know whether to give it a go as he’s so keen or stick to answering his questions as we are.

Does anyone have any advice, especially if you’re an early years teacher.

I should add he’s almost 3.5 and he doesn’t start reception until September 2026 so a way off.

Phonics is actually quite easy to teach to a bright child interested in reading, particularly if you focus on one set of books for consistency. I taught DD to read before she started school as she started in 2021 and during the prior year (pre vaccine and lifting of restrictions) I had thought that her reception year might involve further lockdowns, so I thought I would get ahead of the game. It was easy and DD has been miles ahead in reading ever since. It also meant that she could easily entertain herself with a book from a very young age which is very convenient.

This was the same for mine, stayed ahead in reading all the way through primary. Oldest two stayed ahead through secondary too and now at Oxbridge, we’ll see what happens with dc still at school.

A strong core is really important to writing. Look at a gymnastic class like tumble tots, kids yoga on youtube, playing in the park and swimming pool, balance bike.

My youngest could read before school. We didn't directly teach him, he just picked it up from lots of reading, both us and his older sister reading school books. It gives him so much pleasure. He has been going to bed with a book to read since he was 4. He can find out facts about space or animals from his non-fiction books even if we are busy. The first time he could read his own menu like his big sister he was so pleased! He still had plenty of time playing in other ways e.g. with toys, outdoor, active play

By contrast he did not enjoy writing because he found it very tiring. We encouraged this a bit but he remained resistant. He is pretty good at writing now but still prefers not to.

If you are following his lead and he is interested, then I think phonics is a bit like learning a fun secret code!