How reading and writing develop in children 2026

Learning to read is another of the many exciting processes that come together in the growth and development of children. Sharing this process with your children is an absolutely wonderful experience. And this learning can become a meeting place between parents and children where we can share experiences and stimulate fantasy. Do you want to know how? Keep reading, because we'll tell you.

To learn to read there are two methods that are most commonly used, the analytical method and the global method.

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The first is based on the abstraction that reading entails and begins with learning letters, later with the composition of syllables and then creating words and phrases. It requires abstraction from the child to relate symbols, sounds and concepts.

The global method tries to associate meanings with complete words through images or concepts.

Both methods are used in parallel by educators and parents to develop reading skills.

In the early childhood education stage, we begin with the global method by which images and meanings are related to written words that are related to each other depending on whether they begin with one letter or another.

Later in primary education, we move on to an analytical method in which words are broken down into letters or syllables, focusing on the sounds and meanings that the letters construct.

Although the age at which children begin to read and write varies depending on the development of each child and the environment in which they grow up, it is considered that the appropriate age for learning to read and write is six years. Before that, the child must have developed a good level of oral expression, motor skills and autonomy.

Learning to write occurs gradually. It begins with a phase in which the child copies the letters. Then, at approximately six years old, he learns to write simple sentences through dictation. And he begins to write spontaneously already into primary education. Writing is a stimulator of your imagination and helps you develop your observation skills.

Parents can contribute significantly to the development of literacy. For this it is important to create a routine. For example, before going to bed every day we can read for a while with our child and turn that moment into something fun and special in which, in addition to learning to read, the emotional bond is strengthened, his memory and self-confidence are reinforced. Nowadays there is a wide range of books for any age and on any topic.

Reading should be a habit that is maintained throughout children's growth and adulthood. It is proven that children who are readers have greater academic success and are also capable of undertaking more professional disciplines.