Question: My two children are preschoolers. I am constantly talking to them and reading them lots of books. Still I’m worried about their being ready to read when they get to school. Are there signs that indicate the possibility of future reading problems?
— Avid Reader
Answer: Over time, most children are likely to become good readers. Nevertheless, it’s helpful for parents of young children to know the signs that their preschoolers could be potential candidates for reading difficulties so early help can be secured for them. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has developed this list of things for parents to watch out for when they are observing their preschoolers:
• Very small vocabulary and/or slow vocabulary growth.
• Inability to find the right word and speaking in veryshort sentences.
• Even with age-appropriate instruction, difficulty with remembering sequences such as numbers, alphabet, days of the week.
• Difficulty pronouncing simple words.
• Difficulty understanding simple directions and following routines.
• Difficulty learning colors and shapes.
• Fine motor skills slow to develop.
• Strong avoidance of certain activities, like storytelling and circle time.
Question: My son will soon be starting kindergarten. He believes that school will be a hard trial because he saw his sister doing so much homework this year in fourth grade. We’ve said it will be fun. What more can we do?
— Wondering
Answer: Your son is confusing what children are expected to do in kindergarten with what he saw his sister doing in fourth grade. Do you know any children who have just completed kindergarten or a kindergarten teacher who could describe the good experiences he will be having in kindergarten? If so, talking to them could give a positive view of kindergarten. Visit a kindergarten room, so he can see all the fun things in there. Read books to him that describe what children do in kindergarten.
Have a question for Peggy and Marge? Send it to dearteacher@dearteacher.com.