At what age do reading and writing skills typically begin to develop?

Reading and writing skills typically begin to develop in the preschool years, particularly around ages 3 to 4 years. During this stage, children start to engage with books, recognize letters, and understand that written words convey meaning. They may begin to write their names, mimic writing with crayons or markers, and explore oral storytelling, which lays the groundwork for future literacy skills.

While it is true that formal reading and writing instruction often starts around age 5, the foundation for these skills is laid much earlier. By the ages of 3 to 4, children are usually experimenting with sounds, letters, and early writing processes, making this the critical age range for the initial development of reading and writing skills. As they approach the age of 5, their skills tend to become more refined with structured learning experiences. Hence, the age range of 3 to 4 years is significant for the onset of literacy development.