Teaching child to write and read letters

[sea74]

So many of my friends are asking me if i am eteacing my son to read letters and numbers. They ask me "How is D going with numeracy? Are you doing letters with him?"
I am not.
Should i?
Fact is i am not english, i didnt go to school in this (crazy) british system where there is a competition. Children go to school and learn.

Now, honestly, should i teach my son to read?
What should i ask his pre-school teacher?
Help me please .
Thanks

Anyone please?

NO! There is no need for you to teach your child to read before they go to school -unless they actually want to learn.
DS1 could read before he went to school as he was obsessed with letters (he has Aspergers syndrome and was genuinely obsessed by reading, he couldn't eat a yogurt without needing to know what it said, walk past a sign without knowing what it said etc.). I taught him his phonics as he wanted to know them. He worked out how to blend them and taught himself to read. DS2 on the other hand had no interest in letters until 6 weeks before the summer holiday before he started school. His nursery gave him a couple of phonics books. By half way through his first term in reception he was on the gifted and talented list for reading and put up to the year 1 class for literacy.
So there was no need to force DS2 to learn to read, he did it when he was ready.
DS3 is somewhere in the middle (he is 3) and he is a bit interested in letters, when he asks I tell him what they are, and he has just decided he wants to write his name on work, so i show him how to make the letters correctly.

Some people think you shouldn't 'do' letters and things before school in case you confuse them/do it wrong. Some people think that it gives them a head start and more confidence.

I didn't teach my dd2 before she started as I know her and I know she would be bored if she knew how to read before she started. Unlike my dd1 she never showed any interest in reading or writing.

Don't do it if it doesn't feel right. People are so competitive. Don't let people make you feel like you are doing the wrong thing.

Teach him to count when you are playing, teach him to sing songs and how to fasten his coat.

Starting early to teach your child to read will be very benefecial for your child. There is definitely more gain and expands your kids interest in reading.
I used these video guides to teach my 3 yr old to read and they were fun and very effective. You can also try:

www.firststepreading.com

There is no evidence that early reading has long term benefits. If your DC is interested great if not don't stress. DD did read before school she could recognise and write her own name that is it. At the age of eight now she is a good reader. The latest research says that no matter when they learn to read as long as they are supported they will achieve their potential. I didn't learn to read till I was eight and have two degrees now.