{
  "title": "Stages of learning to read: a reference by age",
  "url": "https://materlu.com/en/knowledge/studies/learning-to-read-stages/",
  "inLanguage": "en",
  "updated": "2026-07-12",
  "tables": [
    {
      "caption": "Typical stages of learning to read",
      "columns": [
        "Stage",
        "Approx. age",
        "What happens",
        "How to help"
      ],
      "rows": [
        [
          "Pre-reader (emergent)",
          "0–4",
          "Enjoys books, learns print carries meaning, builds vocabulary",
          "Read aloud daily; talk about pictures"
        ],
        [
          "Early / phonics",
          "4–6",
          "Learns letter sounds; begins to decode simple words",
          "Play with sounds and rhymes; point to words"
        ],
        [
          "Decoding reader",
          "6–7",
          "Sounds out words; reads simple texts",
          "Patient practice; easy, fun books"
        ],
        [
          "Transitional / fluent",
          "7–8",
          "Reads more smoothly; focus shifts to meaning",
          "Keep reading aloud above their level; discuss"
        ],
        [
          "Fluent / reading to learn",
          "8+",
          "Reads to learn; tackles chapter books",
          "Offer variety; let them choose topics"
        ]
      ]
    }
  ],
  "charts": []
}