Can Reading Difficulties Be Prevented Starting in Preschool?

What if we could spot reading struggles before they begin?

If you're a parent of a young child, especially one in preschool or kindergarten, you've likely heard varying messages about when reading “should” start. Some experts stress the importance of waiting for readiness. Others encourage early exposure to letters and sounds. But what if early intervention could actually prevent some reading difficulties later on? Understanding how you can support your child’s literacy journey from the earliest years—without pressure—can set the tone for a more confident, joyful reader later.

Reading doesn’t start with letters—it starts much earlier

Reading development starts long before a child decodes their first word. It begins with the seemingly simple moments: listening to a bedtime story, recognizing rhyme in nursery songs, or talking through the day’s events at dinner. These interactions form the building blocks of phonological awareness, vocabulary development, and listening comprehension—all of which are critical for later reading success.

But beyond that, these early experiences are also about developing a positive emotional connection to language and learning. Children who associate language with safety, fun, and connection are more likely to engage with reading later, even if challenges arise.

When attention to reading in preschool truly matters

It’s tempting to let go of any concern until your child reaches elementary school. After all, isn’t that when they truly “learn to read”? And while that’s true for many, research shows that signs of future reading difficulties—especially dyslexia—can appear much earlier.

For example, if a preschooler:

• Struggles to notice rhyming words
• Has trouble remembering the names of letters, even after repeated exposure
• Shows difficulty with sound-letter association (e.g., knowing that "b" makes the /b/ sound)
• Has limited vocabulary or unclear speech past age four

—these could be early red flags for later challenges. That doesn’t mean your child will develop a reading disorder, but it does mean it’s worth gently increasing your support in multisensory and story-rich ways. You can explore tools like multisensory strategies that make letter sounds more engaging and easier to remember.

Building deeper story connections—without pressure to read

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen early literacy skills is simply by fostering a love for stories. Even if your four-year-old isn’t reading a word, they are memorizing patterns of language, expanding their vocabulary, and learning to predict what comes next in a narrative. These are all pre-reading skills.

If you’re a parent who's balancing everything from work to dinner to bath time, carving out quality reading moments can feel unrealistic. That’s where auditory formats—like read-alouds or audio stories—can meaningfully help. Apps like LISN Kids, which features a library of original audiobooks and audio series tailored to kids aged 3 to 12, can support these moments of connection even during busy times. Whether it's on a car ride or during quiet play, stories told aloud spark a child's imagination and build listening skills critical to later reading. It’s available on both Apple App Store and Google Play.

When to act—and what action to take

If your child shows signs of frustration during story time or avoids any activities involving letters or sounds, it’s natural to feel worried. But early literacy support doesn’t have to mean tutoring or drills. Instead, consider these steps:

• Talk to your child's preschool or kindergarten teacher. They can let you know how your child is doing with early literacy skills compared to peers.
• Introduce more story experiences in diverse ways: read alouds, audio series, storytelling games.
• Celebrate language play rather than accuracy—make rhyming games in the car, play "what begins with this sound?" scavenger hunts, or invent characters together.

And if concerns grow or persist, don’t hesitate to explore options for early screening. As we explain in this article on slow reading and early detection, identifying dyslexia or other language-based challenges early can make a world of difference, emotionally and academically.

Fostering confidence more than correctness

Ultimately, your role isn't to force reading early—it’s to surround your child with an environment rich in language, play, and connection. As they grow, some kids will take to books as ducks to water. Others may struggle, and find themselves ashamed or withdrawn. But early prevention isn’t just about teaching literacy—it’s about nurturing a child’s relationship with stories.

If you’re already noticing insecurities around reading, even before your child is in formal school, gently reinforcing their trust in narratives and language can help. Stories can restore confidence—especially when books become a source of frustration. Listening to stories has a quiet, powerful way of reminding kids that they still belong in the world of words, even if reading itself is hard right now. Learn how listening bolsters comprehension and confidence in struggling readers.

Start small, stay close

Preventing reading difficulties isn’t about accelerating your child. It’s about noticing them. Listening carefully. Staying curious about how they learn, and giving them the tools to explore language at their own pace. You’re not alone—many families walk this path, each with its own pace, rhythms, and breakthroughs. And your journey, too, can begin one story at a time.