At five, most children are just beginning to read. Their reading skills at this age are quite limited, but they are capable of recognizing basic words and phonics. They may even be able to decode simple words like “cat” or “run.”
It's important to start by reading to your five year old. Read books that contain real-world objects and situations, as this helps them gain experience with words and encourages them to start reading on their own. You can also ask them questions about what they hear when you read, so that they are actively engaged in the story.
Once your child starts eagerly looking at books on their own, you can gradually introduce them to words with more complicated sounds and tonal patterns. Have them practice reading aloud, and provide them with appropriate feedback as they do. Working on phonics will also help your child. You can do this yourself, but also consider enrolling in a reading class or working with a tutor.
You can also give them games and activities that involve reading. For example, you could have them match picture cards with words, or make up stories where they need to use their reading skills to get the details right.
Remember, reading ability varies from child to child, so it's important to be patient and to follow your child's own learning pace. With consistent effort and practice, your five year old will be well on their way to becoming a strong reader by the time they reach school age.
