08/26/2025
Reading is not a milestone every child hits at the same age. It’s a developmental process, just like walking or talking.
Research shows that the part of the brain responsible for reading readiness develops at different ages for different children. In countries like Finland, formal reading instruction often doesn’t begin until age 7, yet their literacy rates consistently rank among the highest in the world.
When we label a 5-year-old as “behind,” we risk creating stress, lowering their confidence, and turning reading into a chore instead of a joy. Some kids are ready at 4, others at 8, and both are perfectly normal.
What they need is not pressure, but patience. A love for stories, rich language, and the freedom to learn at their own pace will build stronger readers than any race to the finish line.
They’re not behind. They’re becoming. 💚
