5 year old can't read
7 answers /
Last post: 30/03/2023 at 3:53 am
In 4 months my son turns 5 and he can't read yet, his writing isn't great, he can count and does alphabet. No sums yet though. Can't write his name independently (if I write it out for him he will copy it)
My main concern is my is son's phonics reading - he doesn't seem to recognise the letters - all week we will learn about f then on Friday I will ask him what letter this is and he will say he doesn't no!!!
So far he knows (s, a, t, x, z,o) phonically
So he is very far off reading.
Do your 5 year old know all their letters phonically? Would also just love some insight in your 5 year olds, learning wise what they can and can't do yet ?? Thanks 😅😁
Hi Ev K,
I’m Kayleigh, one of the parent supporters at Netmums. You are really trying to support your son with his reading, but it sounds like you’re feeling worried he isn’t picking it up as you’d expected. It is fantastic that he is confident in reciting the alphabet and counting.
When it comes to reading, every child is different, some will learn quicker than others. You are doing a great job in helping him with this and I’m sure you will see him continue to improve his phonics skills with practice. There are some tips about helping your child with reading here that may be helpful: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-top-tips-to-encourage-children-to-read/10-top-tips-to-encourage-children-to-read
I’m sure many of our users will relate to these concerns too, hopefully they will be along soon to share their own experiences
Wishing you all the best,
Kayleigh
It sounds like you're doing a great job in helping him, just keep with it, keep repeating and keep trying, it will click and make sense to him in no time.
My son barely spoke until he was 4, was way behind on his reading well into year 1 and now, in Year 3 aged 7 he's among the top readers and has outgrown the reading tree they use and become a 'free reader'.
If your son isn't getting any extra support from his teachers, can you request it? My son, I think, thrived because he had some extra group sessions and one on ones. Sort of a safe place for him to practice.
Either way, try not to worry. They are all developing at their own pace, with constant practice they will get there. And try not to compare him to his class mates, you will only cause yourself more stress :)
Neither of mine could read at 5.
My eldest left infant school (age 7) unable to do anything other than say her alphabet. She somehow managed to be able to read about 3 days after the summer holiday started. So obviously she could read but refused!!
my youngest could say her alphabet when she started year 2. We practiced every evening and by January she had gone from one of lowest reading colours to free reading. That was about 8-10 levels within 3 months.
just wait for it to click. Don’t panic and don’t worry!
Hi my son only learnt when he was 6 don’t worry to much they all there in there own time
Hi, it spunds like you are doing brilliantly to support your LO at home. They all learn at different rates so try not to compare your LO to others, and if you look on line you will mostly find people sharing about their advanced readers.. If you are worried, have a chat with their teacher and see what they are doing at school to support, and get ideas of things to do at home. Keep it light and fun at home - there are lots of games to play. Have a look at Jolly phonics - they have lots of games and resources. You could also try sound scavenger hunts at home (stick a f on the fridge, t on the table etc so they can match the letter shape to the sound they recognise). If you have a jigsaw of letters you could use them to label things in pictures, or types of food/toys.
Every child is different, don't worry, give it time. Mine started reading when he was 6, It is great that you are helping your son and teaching him.