How to teach your two-year-old to read

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the benefits and process of teaching a two-year-old child to read, and why parents should consider doing so.

🙋 Q&A

[01] How to Teach Your Two-Year-Old to Read

1. What are the key benefits of teaching a toddler to read?

• Helps with cognitive development and future educational achievement
• Allows the child to better understand the world around them and feel more confident
• Helps the child learn how to learn, which is valuable for their future education
• Provides a positive learning experience for the child and bonding time with the parent

2. What are the author's views on the current state of reading ability in the US?

• Reading scores nationwide have been declining since 2012, back to 1980 levels
• Many schools and students are struggling with basic reading skills, even at the high school and college levels
• The author believes this is a serious issue that has been quietly worsening over the past decade

3. How does the author recommend teaching a toddler to read?

• The best method is through phonics, teaching the child how to sound out words
• Start with a simplified, lower-dimensional version of the English language, then gradually expand to more complex rules and words
• Use techniques like flashcards, tips and tricks, and other resources to make the process engaging and enjoyable for the child

[02] Why to Teach Your Two-Year-Old to Read

1. What are the author's philosophical views on the benefits of literacy for a child?

• Being able to read puts the child in communication with the logic of the world around them
• It gives the child a sense of mastery and confidence, as they can understand signs, labels, and the mechanisms of society
• Learning to read is a "civilizing force" that allows the child to better engage with the post-Mesopotamia age

2. How does the author describe the personal experience of teaching their child to read?

• It was a joyful experience, with moments of celebration and wonder as the child progressed
• The process became a long-term project they could do together, which was intellectually fascinating for the parent
• While there were occasional frictions, the child was generally happy and willing to learn, with play and routine incorporated into the process

3. Why does the author believe teaching a child to read can be a rewarding experience for the parent?

• It feels like the parent is "building an addition to [the child's] cognitive architecture" in a visceral, tangible way
• It's an accomplishment the parent can take pride in for the rest of their life, as they'll always be a part of the child's reading journey