"Who's to say, I can't do everything? Well I can try..."

Upside Down by Jack Johnson

Hey Reader!

When you hear people compare schooling around the world, one sticking point is when countries start teaching their students to read.

On the early side- you hear about The United Kingdom starting reading instruction at age 4.

On the late side- countries like Finland and Denmark wait until children are as old as 7.

The United States starts around age 5, when children enter kindergarten.

You start to wonder if waiting is better...and then you find out your nephew picked up a book at age 3 and started reading 🤷‍♀️ So maybe it's not bad to start young?

My best friend is Dutch (they don't teach reading til age 6-7)- she's told me many parents are frustrated by this long wait. Their kids are ready to read at ages 4-5.

So maybe starting early is good?

Alas, just like many of the things discussed in The K Delay- it truly depends on the child and the environment they've been raised in.

Here's my argument:

It's not when they start to read; it's what kids are doing before they learn to read.

In preschool, children will learn "reading behaviors."

This means they know how to use a book, how to listen to a story, and understand that an adult is reading the words on the page (rather than making it up)

There's no expectation your child knows how to read when they enter kindergarten. But there is an expectation your child spends a lot of time around books so they learn to read.

We could sit and compare all day, but the bottom line is this:

The best readers are growing up in literacy rich environments. They are being read to daily. Older ones may read on their own. They visit the library. When relatives come over, they gift books.

Not sure if one year of preschool will be enough for your baby? The K Delay is a course designed for this decision. Learn more here!​

What's New?

👩‍🏫 Back to School: Open House? Meet the Teacher? Make a great impression by asking these questions! I teamed up with my favorite speech pathologist, Sydney Bassard to make 6 questions to ask when you meet your child's teacher. Get it here​

🎟️ Workshop Sale!: This is the lowest I discount tickets! Charlotte friends: if you're thinking about applying your future kindergartner to magnet, charter, or private schools next year then you've got to attend! Save $15 with code: backtoschool​

Things I Love

🇳🇱 What I brought my Dutch bestie! I'm visiting The Netherlands right now. I met my best friend because she lived in the US during high school. Now I'm so lucky to go visit her and her 1 year old daughter. Of course Auntie Natalie had to stuff her suitcase with American goodies. Here's what I brought the girls!

For My Bestie:

☀️ This subtle self tanner gives my legs a warm glow. Easy to use, and doesn't stain! Wal-Mart / Amazon​

👀 My fav cooling under eye gel to get rid of dark circles

💐 She loves a craft, so I brought her this flower kit. Best part is you can make it again and again.

For Her Daughter:

☕️ Mom makes a racket with her coffee maker every morning- so I got her daughter her own espresso maker! Now she can get in on the fun without being burned. Wal-Mart / Amazon​

🐰 My heart is so warm knowing her daughter still sleeps with this every night. I brought it last summer, so of course Auntie Natalie had to bring back ups! You can't get these in Holland

🌷 I insist my little Dutch niece has a tulip outfit! Luckily this line makes clothes in the same patterns year after year. So I can get variations in the same tulip fabric as she grows.

Have a wonderful week friends ❤️

When did your child start to read?