Developmental Timelines
Parents and teachers often ask about realistic reading and writing expectations for young children. Learn about typical developmental timelines by age and find recommendations for what parents and family members can do to support emerging readers and writers.
This section contains 33 articles.
Sort by: | Date | Title |
Display: | Summaries | Titles only |
Recognize Early Signs of Trouble
For almost 40 percent of kids, learning to read is a challenge. So in addition to talking, reading, and writing with your child, families play another important role — being on the lookout for early signs of possible trouble.
Know When Your Child Is Struggling in School
Once your child moves into first, second, and third grade, being able to read fluently and comprehend what he or she reads become critical for future success in school.
The Development of Phonological Skills
Basic listening skills and "word awareness" are critical precursors to phonological awareness. Learn the milestones for acquiring phonological skills.
How Does Your Child Hear and Talk?
Every child is unique and has an individual rate of development. This chart represents, on average, the age by which most children will accomplish skills in hearing, understanding, and talking.
Is It a Reading Disorder or Developmental Lag?
How do parents know if their child's reading delay is a real problem or simply a "developmental lag?" How long should parents wait before seeking help if their child is struggling with reading? Susan Hall answers these questions.
Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is where most children learn to read and write. Though some kids can do this before entering kindergarten, it is not required or expected. Being ready for kindergarten means having well-developed preschool skills, and being academically, socially, and physically ready for the transition. Here are some signs that your child is ready for kindergarten.
Young Children's Development: What to Expect
What's typical development? And what can parent do to be sure their child is getting the stimulation he or she needs? Here's a list of what to look for as a child learns and grows from infancy to preschool.
Clues to Dyslexia from Second Grade On
Find out how the specific signs of dyslexia, both weaknesses and strengths, in any one individual will vary according to the age and educational level of that person.
Clues to Dyslexia in Early Childhood
Learn about the specific signs of dyslexia in early childhood. Both weaknesses and strengths, in any one individual will vary according to the age and educational level of that person.
Reading Risk Indicators by Grade Level
The following is a general list of risk factors for reading difficulties by grade level. Please note that the list is not all-inclusive and should be interpreted with reference to age and grade expectations.
Opportunity Deferred or Opportunity Taken? An Updated Look at Delaying Kindergarten Entry
Many families are under the mistaken impression that holding their child out of kindergarten for an additional year will be beneficial, that it will give the child the gift of time. But families need to be aware of the possibility of too little challenge and the potential negative effects of holding children out.
Identifying a reading problem is a challenge without a sense for what typical literacy development looks like. Find out what language accomplishments are typical for most children at age six.
Identifying a reading problem is a challenge without a sense for what typical literacy development looks like. Find out what language accomplishments are typical for most children at the age of three to four.
Identifying a reading problem is a challenge without a sense for what typical literacy development looks like. Find out what language accomplishments are typical for most children at age five.
Literacy Milestones: Birth to Age 3
Identifying a reading problem is a challenge without a sense for what typical literacy development looks like. Find out what language accomplishments are typical for most children at the following age levels: birth to three, three to four, age five, and age six.
When a child is having a language or reading problem, the reason could be simple to understand and deal with or it could be complicated. Often, children may just need more time to learn their language skills. On the other hand, some children might have trouble seeing, hearing, or speaking. Others may have a learning disability. If you think your child may have some kind of physical or learning problem, it is important to get help quickly.
Birth to Three-Year-Old Accomplishments
The Committee for the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children has compiled detailed lists of literacy accomplishments for children of different ages. Find out what the typical child can do from birth through age three, from three to four, and in kindergarten, first, second, and third grades.
What Kids Should Know Before Entering First Grade
The foundations for reading success are formed long before a child reaches first grade.
The Committee for the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children has compiled detailed lists of literacy accomplishments for children of different ages. Find out what the typical child can do in third grade.
The Committee for the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children has compiled detailed lists of literacy accomplishments for children of different ages. Find out what the typical child can do in second grade.