When a child’s natural speed for reading is fast, the child will have more time for everything else in life. The benefits of reading quickly are enormous and potentially life changing. This will actually give the child more time to play or socialize because they will read the same amount of material in less time. My children always had more time for everything else throughout their childhoods because natural reading speed is extremely fast. Aleka and Keelin can read multiple Harry Potter books in one day just to give you an idea of the speed that is attainable when the child learns early in life.

Reading quickly is generally coupled with better reading comprehension while reading slowly is often linked to poor comprehension. For many children who learn to read in the first three years of life, learning to read quickly comes naturally. Three activities helped my children any many others develop natural speeds while reading that are fast:

1) Once your child is reading complete books silently, encourage your child to read a little faster.

2) Get two copies of some books your child can read. Race your toddler to see who can read faster — you or your child. Explain that you are only going to look at the words (not the pictures) while playing this game.

3) Some children enjoy getting timed while reading a favorite book. You can log the times and encourage your child to develop a very fast, natural speed.

Note: We have had technical problems with the comments. All of the comments are being posted at the same time. We apologize for the delays posting your notes. I will respond to your comments when I can during this extended period of travel where I have gone to four continents (including Europe twice) in five weeks. Once I’m finished describing the milestones, I will write a post about some of my experiences on this exciting global adventure of spreading the concept that babies and toddlers should be allowed to see the language at the same time they are learning to understand and speak the language. I sincerely appreciate the loving support we have from families around the world who have used our program.