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I tried to open the article but I couldn't. I was wondering if this study was given to any countries in Latin America and if it was how they rated. Also, I think TV watching and computer games have to do with young children not spending time in front of books. The more choices about TV programming and bad quality electronic games the less most children will feel interested in reading.

While I believe that we should not push our children before they are ready, it is imperative to expose them to reading fundamentals at early stages in their development. If we introduce the basic elements in toddlerhood we offer them the opportunity to choose to progress at their own pace. However, if we wait until we think they are "ready" before sharing things such as the alphabet and sight words, we may miss an opportunity for them to flourish earlier by their own choice.

My young son Jacob enjoys watching certain shows on PBS that appear to be focused on educating children much older than he. When he was only 20 months old, I "discovered" that he knew 20 of his 26 letters by sight and name. I was astounded! My husband and I had not actively introduced the alphabet to him as we thought he was too young, so we attribute his advanced learning to the educational television shows that he enjoys. However, since we've discovered his propensity for learning we have taken a more active role and introduced games with flash cards and picture signs around the house. Jacob is now 22 months old and knows all of his letters, all of the basic shapes (along with some advanced shapes -- his favorites are octagon and rhombus), most of the basic colors and he is working on his numbers. He also speaks in full sentences and is very social. If it were not for his exposure to educational programming, we could have missed this amazing time of wonderment and genuinely fun learning.

I think there is much to be learned from Finland and any theorists who advocate play, creativity, and imagination in the early years. I believe our literacy rates would rise if childhood could be valued for what it is and children could be allowed to be children. Children are ready to begin academics around age 7. Those who are taught to read before age 7 are no further ahead by 4th grade than those who wait, and they often progress more quickly.

Why?