Literacy Development

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Elementary School Expert Advice from Barbara Potts

Question: I have a six-year-old daughter who can spell anything, but when she sees the word down on paper she can't read it. Is there something I could do that may help her with her recognizing words?

Answer: At age six, your daughter is still developing her basic skills in reading, writing, spelling, and math. It sounds like she may have a special talent in spelling, and the other skills may be not quite as well-developed.

It's hard to tell from your question whether your daughter is reading any words at all. If she is not reading anything yet, you may want to watch her during this first-grade year. If she does not begin to read by the end of the year, ask the school counselor about the process for screening your daughter for a learning difference. If she can read some words but just not all the ones she can spell, you may need to wait for her reading skills to "catch up" to her spelling.

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Barbara Potts has worked as an elementary school counselor for many years. She has a BA in psychology from Wake Forest University, and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Please note: This "Expert Advice" area of FamilyEducation.com should be used for general information purposes only. Advice given here is not intended to provide a basis for action in particular circumstances without consideration by a competent professional. Before using this Expert Advice area, please review our General and Medical Disclaimers.

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