How to Teach 1-Year Olds to Read

According to Judith Hudson, a developmental psychologist, children are not prepared to learn to read until they are five or six years old. Most young children who learn to read before that age are just memorizing words, and do not learn the phonetics needed to learn to read words they have never seen. While your one-year-old might not be able to learn to read yet, there are many things you can do to help him learn to read when he is ready.

Things You'll Need

  • Books
  • Flash cards
  • Computer with printer and Internet
  • Pictures of family members and friends
  • Magazines
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Markers

Instructions

    • 1

      Read to your toddler. Make story time part of your daily routine and read to your child at least 20 minutes a day; more if your child enjoys it. Find a comfortable place in your home to sit and read, such as the family room or your child's room. Choose short books with big pictures and words. Discuss the book with your child, talk about the pictures and ask him questions. Do not pressure your child to listen, if he is not interested try in a few hours.

    • 2

      Make or purchase flash cards for your toddler to look at. Print pictures of animals, foods and other items your toddler recognizes, and write their names underneath or the letters the words start with. Print another set of flash cards that only has the letters of the alphabet, in a big colorful print. Show the flash cards to your one-year-old multiple times a day. Pronounce the words and letters clearly to your child and ask him to repeat after you. Place the flash cards in places your toddler can see them often while you are not using them, to help him get familiar with them.

    • 3

      Make an alphabet book for your child. Include cut outs from magazines and pictures of your family and friends. Have your child help you find the pictures and glue them on sheets of paper. Write the name of the family member or item under the picture. Alternately, write the first letter the word starts with. Show your child the book frequently throughout the day. Talk about the images with your child.

    • 4

      Play online games with your child. Many children' websites include games to teach children the alphabet, letters and simple words. Help him use the mouse and explain what is going on in the game. Talk about the letters and activities in the game. Do not spend too much time in the computer; only play a few minutes a day.

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