Most children start demonstrating their phonological awareness around the age of three and develop mastery of skills through the fourth and fifth year. They hear whole words and their syllables, onsets and rimes, e.g., ball-boat (onset), cat-hat (rime) and learn the sounds of individual letters (phonemes). Young children love hearing and making up silly sounds and words!
When parents are concerned about their child’s emerging reading ability, I suggest they seek clarity through a neuropsychological assessment. Based on these test results, an instructional plan can be developed.
I cannot stress enough the importance of early intervention. Research has shown that “interventions to improve phonological awareness abilities lead to significantly improved reading abilities”. (Bradley, L., & Bryant, 1983)
It is my hope that the language-related developmental checklist (3 years-adult) will further clarify your understanding of your child’s cognitive growth.