From Learning to Read to Reading to Learn — Are Your Kids Prepared?

As parents, we often focus on helping our children learn to read in the early years. Between the ages of 1 to 10, the goal is to help them recognise letters, sound out words, and eventually string together sentences. We celebrate the milestones — their first word, first sentence, and finally, the first time they read a book on their own. But what happens after that?

By the time children reach the age of 10, the focus shifts dramatically. They move from learning to read to reading to learn. Suddenly, reading becomes a tool for acquiring knowledge — understanding science concepts, analysing history, exploring new cultures, and even solving maths problems. But are they truly prepared for that transition?

Laying the Foundations for Strong Reading Skills

Reading to young children isn’t just about helping them decode letters and words — it’s about setting them up for future success. Here’s how you can strengthen their reading foundation:

✅ Start early and read often – From as early as infancy, hearing the rhythm and tone of your voice introduces them to the structure of language.

✅ Encourage comprehension, not just pronunciation – Ask questions about the story, the characters, and the outcome to help them think critically.

✅ Introduce a wide variety of books – Fiction builds imagination and empathy; non-fiction builds knowledge and curiosity.

✅ Promote independent reading – Gradually shift from reading to them to encouraging them to read by themselves.

Helping Children Transition from Reading to Learn

As they enter the "reading to learn" phase, it’s important to adjust your approach:

📚 Teach them how to analyse and question – Encourage them to ask, "Why?" and "How?" when they read.

📖 Expose them to different genres and formats – Let them explore biographies, historical fiction, and even articles to expand their perspective.

📝 Discuss what they’ve read – Engage in conversations about the themes and key takeaways from their books.

💡 Model reading for learning – Let them see you reading for knowledge — whether it’s a news article, a how-to guide, or a novel.

The shift from learning to read to reading to learn is critical for a child’s academic success and lifelong curiosity. The question is — have you prepared them well enough to make that leap confidently?