When do early "reading" and "writing" activities generally start?

Early "reading" and "writing" activities typically start around the age of 3 to 4 years. At this stage, children are beginning to develop foundational literacy skills. They start recognizing letters, understanding that text carries meaning, and may begin to "write" by making marks that represent stories or ideas. These activities are vital as they encourage language development and comprehension skills, setting the groundwork for more formal reading and writing education that occurs later.

By the age of 3 to 4 years, children are also increasingly able to engage in storytelling and are often exposed to books. They might start to name objects in books, understand the concept of print, and participate in reading activities by turning pages or repeating phrases. These experiences are crucial for building a child's interest and competence in reading and writing as they prepare for their formal schooling years.