Key Reading Milestones for Young Kids

Early Childhood EducationReading DevelopmentParenting Tips for Literacy

Oct 10

When do kids learn to read? It’s a question that comes up a lot for parents who want to help their little ones get ahead. Whether you’re new to this or have been through it before, understanding the steps kids take in learning to read can make things easier.

You might feel like there’s so much information out there that it’s hard to know where to begin. Luckily, the Doman Method makes it straightforward. My grandfather, Glenn Doman, created the Doman Method to help children learn to read long before they enter a classroom. So far, it’s been used by over 5 million parents worldwide. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key reading milestones for children under six years old, based on Glenn Doman’s original work. By the end, you’ll know what to expect, how to teach your child to read, and why letters don’t need to come first.

Let’s get into it and learn how to make reading a fun and joyful experience for your child!

The First Step: Reading Single Words

When do kids start reading? It’s earlier than you might think. While most people assume kids should start by learning their letters, the Doman Method flips this idea on its head. The first milestone is learning to read single words. Kids don’t naturally find letters interesting—after all, a letter alone doesn’t carry much meaning. Words, on the other hand, are filled with meaning and can grab their attention from the get-go.

doman method single word for teaching reading — *Example of a Doman Method single word flash card.*

Visual Word Form Area

Babies are born with a part of the brain called the Visual Word Form Area, which helps them recognize and understand words from a very young age. This means they don’t need to wait until school to start reading!

How to Teach Babies Single Words

So, how do you begin teaching them?

Use big and red print: Tiny letters can be hard to see. Large words in red are easier for kids to recognize.
Repeat often: The more they see a word, the quicker they’ll pick it up.
Start simple: Words like “dog” or “ball” are fun and easy for them to learn.

Once your child can read single words, you’ll know they’ve hit their first big reading milestone. Watch the example below!

Watch this mom teach her toddler single words.

Moving Forward: Learning Couplets

Once kids are reading individual words, they’re ready for the next step—couplets. A couplet is just a pair of words put together, like “red apple” or “big truck.” If your child already knows both words, it’s easy for them to understand these little word pairs. This developmental milestone helps your child see how words can work together, setting them up for longer phrases later.

*Example of a single word and couplet Doman flashcard.*

How to Teach Couplets

Start with familiar words: Use words they’ve already learned and combine them.
Mix it up: Encourage your child to come up with their own pairings. They’ll have fun putting together words like “blue car” or “fast dog.”
Practice makes perfect: As with single words, repetition is key here.

This phase builds your child’s confidence in reading, showing them that familiar words can be used in new ways.

Building Sentences

After learning to read single words and couplets, kids are ready to move on to sentences. This might sound like a big leap, but it’s actually a natural progression. Once they know how to read words, understanding that those words can form a sentence isn’t too tough. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding for a child to see how these words fit together to tell a story or express a thought.

Tips for Teaching Sentences

*Doman Method single word and sentence flashcard.*

Keep it simple: Start with short, easy sentences like “The dog runs.”
Relate it to real life: Use sentences that connect to what’s going on in their world. “Mom is happy” or “Dad has a ball” can spark their interest.
Practice always makes perfect: As with single words, repetition is also key here.

Children at this stage often feel proud when they can read a full sentence on their own. You’ll see their excitement grow as they connect the dots between words.

Watch this 2 year old kid read sentences using the Doman Method!

Doman Books: A Bridge to Commercial Books

Before your child is ready to pick up a standard book from the library, Doman Books are a fantastic option. These are specially designed with kids in mind. They use larger fonts and keep the words separate from the pictures, making it easier for little ones to focus on the reading itself. Many children’s books have pictures right alongside the words, which can be distracting. Doman Books make sure the text stands on its own, letting your child read sentences without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Doman Books Work

Bigger fonts: They help your child’s eyes follow the text more easily.
Clear separation: By keeping pictures and text on different pages, kids can focus on reading.
Gradual increase: The sentences get longer as your child’s reading skills improve.

Once your child is comfortable with Doman Books, they’ll feel ready to tackle more traditional books. It’s the perfect stepping stone to commercial reading material.

Reading Commercial Books

So, what age do kids usually start reading commercial books? By the time they’ve gone through words, couplets, sentences, and Doman Books, many kids are ready for commercial books around age five or six. These are the kinds of books you’ll find in libraries or bookstores. They offer a world of stories and facts that will keep your child peeled to every page.

Start by picking out books with larger print so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed by tiny text. As they grow more confident, you can gradually introduce books with smaller fonts.

Choosing the Right Commercial Books

Start with larger print: Books with bigger fonts are easier for young readers.
Offer variety: Let your child explore different topics like animals, adventure, or anything else they’re curious about.
Visit the library often: Encourage your child to pick out new books each week.

When your child can read commercial books on their own, they’ve reached a huge milestone—they’ve opened the door to endless learning and exploration. If you need some ideas check out my 5 MUST READ Children Books!

Watch These Kids Go from Learning Single Words to Commercial Books!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When do kids start reading?

Children can start recognizing words as babies, long before they begin school. The Doman Method focuses on reading words rather than starting with letters.

Q2: What age do kids usually learn to read sentences?

After they’ve learned to read single words and word pairs, kids often start reading sentences around age 3 or 4.

Q3: What’s the best book for 6-year-olds?

Look for books with larger fonts and simple sentences to build your child’s confidence. Doman Books are perfect for this, as are books on topics that get your child excited.

Q4: Do kids need to learn letters before they can read?

Nope! Letters are more important when they start learning to write. Kids can read words long before they know all their letters. Read my other blog Phonics vs Sight Words to learn more!

Key Reading Milestones for Young Kids