Reading Readiness Checklist — 10 Signs (Free PDF)

Ten signs that a child is ready to start learning to read — a cluster of skills, not a single switch.

What’s inside

• An instructions page: check off each sign as you observe it and write the date.
• The 10 signs, starting with phonological awareness (can hear rhymes) and clapping syllables.
• A date line next to each sign.

How to use it

1. Observe during everyday play rather than testing.
2. Tick and date each sign when you notice it.
3. If most signs are there, start with the first letter sounds.
4. If few are, spend a few more weeks on rhyme and listening games.

Watch out for

• A child can be ready in most areas and still not know letter names — that's fine; phonics teaches sounds first.
• Readiness isn't age-based; some 3-year-olds tick most boxes, some 5-year-olds need a few more months.
• If several signs are missing at 5 or older, it's worth mentioning to the teacher.

Who it’s for

Parents of 2–5-year-olds wondering whether to start phonics.

Where it fits: Stage 0 — Getting Ready

Goes well with

• Is My Child Ready to Read? 10 Signs of Reading Readiness
• Phonological Awareness: 8-Level Progression with Ready Activities
• Phonics for 2-Year-Olds: Is It Too Early?