Reading at 17-Months Old – Now That’s a Feat
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Here I was feeling that my 3-year old was brilliant with his ability to sound letters from before he was two or read many words by his 3rd birthday – but little Elizabeth Barrett made me realize that is really nothing great. This amazing little girl at just 17-months old not only reads script, but to her parents’ amazement, cursive writing as well.
Elizabeth had an early introduction to language with both of her parents being speech pathologists, but they said they did no coaching of little Elizabeth. She was introduced to sign language from day one, which is now a common enough practice among new parents. Like many parents, Elizabeth’s also read to her quite often. According to her mom, Katy Barrett, the first indication that Elizabeth could read was at age 13-months when she read the word ‘corn’ on a cereal box.
Parents generally want to have brilliant kids – some will go to the various lengths to achieve this, while for others – it just comes naturally. That is, some children are special and apparently little Elizabeth is one such. There is no doubt about Elizabeth’s ability to read as Ann Curry on NBC’s Today Show used flash cards with different words and sentences and she read them without hesitation.
Her parents said that although they are amazed by her abilities, it also scares them. Their main concern is that it makes her different and this in itself can pose problems for her later on. But, from what I saw and heard, the Barretts will be able to provide all the coping skills Elizabeth will need as she grows up.
However, parents can also help to stimulate their child’s abilities by doing just what the Barretts did – read a lot to them, limit the number of hours they spend watching TV and engage them in meaningful activities. You may be just as surprised as the Barretts at what your little one can accomplish.
Do you too have amazing stories about the amazing abilities of your child? If yes, why not share them.
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