When Should a Child Start Reading? A Guide for Australian Parents
Most Australian children start learning to read when they start school, in their first year (called Foundation or Prep in Victoria), usually at age 5 or 6. That's when formal reading teaching begins.
But reading doesn't start on the first day of school. It grows out of years of talking, singing, rhyming and sharing books. So the better question for most parents is: what can we do now, at our child's age, to make learning to read easier later?
The short answer
From birth: talking, singing and reading together build the language reading depends on
Toddlers and preschoolers (1 to 4): playing with sounds and rhymes, enjoying books, noticing letters, especially the one their name starts with
First year of school (5 to 6): formal teaching of letters and sounds, and reading simple words
Years 1 and 2: reading grows quickly with practice, and schools keep a close eye on progress
In Victoria, a child can start Foundation if they turn 5 by 30 April of that year, and school is compulsory once they turn 6, according to the Victorian Department of Education.
What comes before reading
Reading is built on spoken language. Speech Pathology Australia explains that preschool language and communication skills support later reading, including knowing the structure of words (syllables and sounds), how books work, and alphabet and sound knowledge.
An article in The Conversation describes a strong spoken vocabulary as "one of the most reliable predictors" of good reading. In plain terms: the more words your child hears and uses, the more words they'll recognise on the page later.
The building blocks look like this:
Talking and listening: chatting about what you're doing, naming things, answering their questions
Hearing sounds in words: rhymes, clapping syllables, "what sound does sun start with?"
Knowing how books work: holding a book the right way, turning pages, knowing print carries the story
Letters: recognising some letters and linking them to sounds, starting with their own name
What reading looks like in Foundation
In the first year of school, teachers explicitly teach the link between letters and sounds, so children learn that the letter "t" makes a "t" sound. According to The Conversation article above, within a few months of consistent teaching, children should be able to use the sounds they've learned to read simple words.
Victorian government schools also use a Year 1 Phonics Check, which became mandatory in 2026. The Victorian Government says it helps teachers identify literacy learning gaps and provide early targeted support.
Should you teach your child to read before school?
You don't need to. Some children pick up reading early and love it, and that's wonderful. Many others learn when they're taught at school, and that's completely normal too.
Raising Children Network puts it simply: "Follow your child's lead with reading. Encourage your child, but try not to push them." Before school, your most useful job is to make books and words part of everyday life, and to keep it relaxed.
Everyday ways to build reading skills
Babies and toddlers (0 to 2)
Read together every day, even for a few minutes
Sing nursery rhymes and songs, and do the actions
Talk through your day: "Socks on. One sock, two socks."
Visit library Baby Time or Toddler Time. Geelong Regional Libraries run drop-in sessions across the region, with no booking needed.
Preschoolers (3 to 4)
Choose books with rhyme and repetition, and let them finish the line
Play "I spy" with colours, then with first sounds
Point out their name on signs, letters and labels
Let them scribble, draw and "write" shopping lists
Ask questions while reading: what might happen next? How would you feel?
Early school years (5 to 8)
Take turns reading pages of a book
Help them sound out short words like "mat" or "on"
Ask them to read signs, menus and supermarket labels
Keep reading aloud to them too, including stories they can't read on their own yet
Raising Children suggests making reading a daily routine, with at least one book a day in a cosy spot, and letting your child choose books, even the same favourite over and over.
Signs it's worth talking to the teacher
Every child learns at their own pace, and early differences don't automatically mean there's a problem. Raising Children notes that things like missed school or hearing or vision problems can also play a part.
It's worth having a chat with your child's teacher if, after a good amount of time at school, your child:
has a lot of trouble sounding out simple words
finds it hard to hear rhymes or pick out single sounds in words
strongly avoids reading or gets very upset about it
isn't progressing even with extra help at school
Teachers can assess reading skills and explain what they see. Your GP may refer your child to a paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist or audiologist for further assessment. Speech Pathology Australia stresses that getting help early can improve outcomes in the early school years.
Where movement fits in
Reading takes sitting still, listening and following instructions, and young children build those skills in lots of places, not only with books. Songs with actions, taking turns and listening to a coach all practise the same habits.
In Tiny Circus, our baby classes include songs, and Tiny Explorers (3 to 4 years) practise following simple instructions and taking turns. We're not reading teachers, and circus doesn't teach reading. It's simply one more place where little ones practise listening, waiting and joining in.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal if my 5 year old can't read yet?
Yes. In Australia, formal reading teaching starts in the first year of school, so most children are only beginning to read at 5. Talk to the teacher if you have concerns later in that first year.
Can a 4 year old learn to read?
Some do, especially if they're curious about letters. There's no need to push it. Reading together, rhyming games and noticing letters are the best preparation.
How much should we read together each day?
There's no magic number. Raising Children suggests at least one book a day as part of your routine, in a cosy spot without screens or distractions.
Who can help if my child is finding reading hard?
Start with the classroom teacher. Your GP can also help, and may refer your child to a paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist or audiologist.
A balance of books and movement
Reading together and moving together are two of the best things you can do with a young child. If you're looking for a weekly active class to balance the quiet time, our kids classes run after school and on Saturday mornings in Grovedale.