Every child learns at their own pace, but knowing the typical journey helps parents relax — and spot when a child might need extra help. Use this guide as a gentle map, not a race.
Ages 3–4: Listening and sounds
- Enjoys rhymes and songs
- Can hear that “cat” and “hat” sound alike
- Recognises a few letters, often from their own name
Ages 4–5: Letters meet sounds
- Links most single letters to their sounds
- Blends simple words like s-a-t
- Begins to write some letters
Ages 5–6: Reading simple sentences
- Reads short decodable books
- Learns digraphs like sh, ch and th
- Recognises common sight words such as the, said and was
Ages 6–7: Growing fluency
- Reads with more expression
- Self-corrects when a word does not make sense
- Starts to read silently for short spells
When to offer extra support
If your child is struggling to hear rhymes by 5, or still cannot blend simple words by 6, a structured phonics programme and a quick hearing and eye check are good next steps.
- #phonics
- #milestones
- #ages 3-7
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay if my child reads later than their friends?
Yes. A few months’ difference is normal. Steady progress matters more than the starting date.
