In Conclusion…

What we are not saying:

• We are not saying that you should not play with your child, or read books to your child.
• We are not saying that you should make it your main aim to teach your child to read by a certain age.
• We are not saying that you should test your child on words, and reward and punish your child accordingly. Of course, it’s great to praise your child when she successfully reads a word – but let her be the initiator of such active reading.

What we are saying:

• We are hoping that parents everywhere will take the time to bond with their children while enjoying the experience of teaching and learning to read.
• We are saying that most children can be taught to read as babies, and almost all children would benefit from learning to read before starting school.
• We are recommending that parents spend a little time each day teaching their child to read. In doing so, we suggest that they make the most of all the tools and advice at their disposal.

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