Go ahead and read: Benchmarks for a young readers success

Pittsfield Priorities is setting a goal to have 90 percent of all third-graders reading at grade level by 2020. Thegroup is highlighting the reading and language achievements shown below from birth to 9 years and how parents and adults can assist children in reaching those benchmarks.

months
Imitates speech, such as ga-ga. Likes books with simple pictures.

year
Understands several simple phrases. Has 1 or more words. Likes lift-the-flap books.

years
Has 250-350 words. Holds books, looks at pictures.

years
Has 8001,000 words. Repeats common rhymes.

years
Comfortably uses long sentences. Begins to rhyme and play with words.

years
Has 3,0005,000 words. Starts to match letters with sounds. Uses complex sentences.

years
Starts to read words on the page. Makes predictions using knowledge, pictures, and text.

years

7 8-9 years
Reads chapter books. Is now learning an estimated 3,000 words a year.

A young readers milestones

Starts to read words automatically. Expands knowledge by listening to and reading books.

How parents can help young readers reach these milestones

T to your alk children. Read books with faces, animals, objects. Have conversations while pushing the stroller. Read interactive books. Read and recite nursery rhymes. Go to the library to find books together. Point to pictures and words as you read. Play rhyming games. F ocus on a few new words while you read. Repeat them in other situations. Call attention to letters on signs. Talk about letter sounds: Mom and milk have M sounds. Have fiction and nonfiction books and magazines around. Visit museums and libraries. Limit screen time to encourage reading. Encourage reading and re-reading of easy books. Help your child develop an independent reading routine before bed.

The information is compiled from T urning the Page: Refocusing Massachusetts for Reading Success, a Harvard University study, and other resources.