When is Your Child Ready to Learn to Read?

When is Your Child Ready to Learn to Read?

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Blog

Recognizing when your child is ready to start reading can be an exciting and important milestone. Keep in mind that children develop at different rates, so it’s essential to look for a combination of signs rather than expecting all of them to be present at once. Here are some common signs that your child may be ready to read:

  1. Interest in books: If your child shows a genuine interest in books and enjoys looking at them or being read to, it’s a positive sign. They may ask you to read the same book repeatedly or engage in pretend reading.
  2. Recognizing letters: When your child starts to recognize and name letters of the alphabet, it’s a good indication that they are making progress toward reading readiness.
  3. Phonemic awareness: Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate individual sounds in words. If your child can identify rhyming words, break words into syllables, or recognize the initial sounds of words, this is a crucial step toward reading.
  4. Print awareness: Children who are ready to read often show an understanding of how print works. They may point to words as you read them, follow the text from left to right, and understand that words have meaning.
  5. Storytelling: If your child can retell or create simple stories with a beginning, middle, and end, this demonstrates an understanding of narrative structure, which is important for comprehension skills.
  6. Fine motor skills: Good fine motor skills, such as the ability to hold a pencil or crayon and draw, can be an indicator of readiness for writing and, subsequently, reading.
  7. Curiosity and questions: A child’s curiosity about the world and their willingness to ask questions about how things work or what words mean shows a desire to learn and understand, which is fundamental for reading.
  8. Letter recognition and writing: When your child starts trying to write letters or their name, it’s a sign of growing interest in letters and words.
  9. Word and language play: If your child enjoys word games, such as rhyming or making up silly words, it’s a sign of a budding interest in language and reading.
  10. Memorization and repetition: Children often enjoy memorizing favorite books or songs, and they may start reciting them from memory.

Remember that reading readiness varies from child to child, and it’s important not to rush the process. Encourage their interest in books, engage in activities that promote language and literacy development, and provide a supportive and positive reading environment. If you have concerns about your child’s readiness to read, consider talking to a teacher or pediatrician for guidance and recommendations.

We Can Books is a great way to help teach your child to read when they are ready, as our combination of familiar images and rhyming phonics word sets is fun and engaging.

When is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Blog

Mother and daughter reading together happily

Get Ready for Kindergarten:

Helping Your Child Start Strong

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone — for both your child and you. It marks the beginning of their formal school journey and sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to thrive. But how do you know if they’re truly ready? What does “readiness” even mean these days?

Let’s take a closer look at what kindergarten readiness really means — and explore how We Can Books can be a helpful, heart-centered resource as you prepare your child for a confident, joyful start.

What Does ‘Kindergarten Readiness’ Actually Mean?

Kindergarten readiness isn’t about knowing everything on day one — it’s about having the foundational skills that make learning possible.

Educators generally agree that readiness falls into a few core categories:

– Language and Early Literacy Skills: Can your child recognize some letters, especially those in their name? Are they curious about books and stories? Do they enjoy rhyming or playing with sounds?
– Social and Emotional Development: Can they follow simple directions? Take turns? Manage frustration or express feelings with words?
– Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Can they hold a crayon? Zip a backpack? Climb stairs?
– Cognitive Skills: Are they curious about the world? Can they solve simple problems or match similar items?

Every child develops on their own timeline — and that’s okay. But giving them frequent, joyful exposure to these skills makes a measurable difference.

Why Early Reading Skills Matter More Than Ever

Of all the kindergarten readiness benchmarks, early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of school success.

According to decades of research on the science of reading, children who enter school with strong phonemic awareness — the ability to hear and play with sounds in words — are much more likely to become confident readers by 3rd grade.

And here’s the thing:
> 📘 Reading isn’t “natural” — it’s built.  
Children need to be explicitly taught how letters and sounds work together. The earlier that process starts, the smoother their path.

The Hidden Confidence Gap

When kids start kindergarten without these foundational skills, it can impact more than just academics — it can shape how they see themselves.

A child who feels “behind” may withdraw or act out. On the other hand, a child who feels capable — even in small ways — is more likely to participate, take risks, and *love* learning.

That’s why readiness isn’t about pressure. It’s about empowerment.

How We Can Books Supports Kindergarten Readiness

We Can Books was created with one simple mission: 
To make learning to read personal, playful, and powerful — starting before a child ever sets foot in a classroom.

Here’s how:

📷 1. Your Child Becomes the Star of Their Learning  
Each book is made with real photos from your phone — your child’s toys, pets, favorite places, and family members.

🔤 2. Blended Phonics Approach = Science-Backed Success  
Our 4-book series follows a proven, progressive phonics path that aligns with how children naturally acquire reading skills.

🧠 3. Supports All Readiness Domains  
Not only are children building literacy — they’re practicing memory, sequencing, attention, and confidence.

What Other Parents Are Saying

“My son was so excited to see himself in a real book. He asked to read it every night! When kindergarten started, he was already sounding out words and feeling proud of himself.”  
 — Jennifer R., California

“We Can Books gave my daughter the boost she needed. Her teacher was amazed at how ready she was on day one.”  
 — Monique L., Texas

Getting Started is Simple

You don’t need a teaching degree or hours a day to make a difference. 
Just 15 minutes a day with We Can Books can have a lasting impact on your child’s literacy journey.

Here’s how to begin:
1. Download the free app on iOS or Android 
2. Upload your photos and personalize your first book (Volume 1) 
3. Read together and watch their confidence soar

👉 Create Your First Book Now

A Note from Our Founder

As a mom and literacy advocate, I created We Can Books to fill a gap I saw in early education — something joyful, affordable, and grounded in what truly works.

You don’t have to “teach” your child everything. You just need to invite them into the world of reading — and remind them that they’re capable, curious, and loved.

Let’s make kindergarten readiness a joyful process — together.

With heart, 
Bonnie  
Founder, *We Can Books*

PS — Free Printable: Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Not sure where your child stands? 
[Download our free Kindergarten Readiness Checklist] — a simple tool to help you spot strengths and gently fill in any gaps.