Preschool, kindergarten, and first grade can be useful organizing labels, but children do not all acquire reading skills on the same timetable.
Use stages to choose content—not to label a child
Look at what the child can do with speech sounds, letters, words, connected text, vocabulary, and comprehension. Then choose instruction and practice that meet that need.
Keep exploring
Preschool ReadingFocus on oral language, sound awareness, letters, shared reading, and a positive reading routine.Kindergarten ReadingA practical map of foundational reading skills commonly developed in kindergarten.First Grade ReadingSupport decoding, word recognition, connected-text reading, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.Foundational Reading SkillsSee how sound awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension fit together.