Reading text written in capitals.

[George9978]

A have a Dc that is a very good reader, however I have just realised he struggles when text is all capitals.

When do children become good at this? I understand it's due to the shape of words not being the same.

Are there any reccomended ways to help with this?

Thanks.

Sorry - thought I'd answered that before.

But it is the same really.

For forms, etc. - capital letters are generally easier to form with less alternative formation, and therefore more legible also. When reading forms the need for increased speed is reduced, when compared to things like books, leaflets and road signs (distances to places, etc.)

So capitals are clearer?

Yes DealForTheKids I'm glad it amused you! I think it's called 'irony'!

On MN capitals is the easiest way to show emphasis, seeing as the other way is rather long winded. Maybe one day Tech will get round to Ctrl+B, I, U as in most programmes?

And I'm not sure what works on MN PMs?

I wonder if the teachers haven't noticed that this is normal even if children are taught using phonics because the texts used at this age in school will not use blocks of texts in capitals, but when you are out and about (or indeed at home playing monopoly), there is quite a lot of text written just in capitals. Certainly my children were much slower at reading text in capitals only at this age, but a year or two later could manage it well. I don't think this needs to be taught, it will come naturally with time and exposure to different kinds of text.

Individual capital letters are more legible. The key word here though is individual.
Blocks of capitals slow road reading for a range of reasons. Not harder to read as such but a much slower process.

But feel like I'm repeating myself. Certainly most studies done over the years state this.