They possess the key to unlock and decode words they already know, and the skills to look up words they don't know, allowing comprehension to become the focus. We now know that there are certain developmentally-appropriate activities which can enhance learning and intelligence. We also know that very young children can learn a second language much easier than older children or adults. Four to six year-olds love to make noises, build, and take things apart. True reading readiness is the ability to put these skills together, and varies greatly from student to student, depending on illness, allergies, maturity, etc.
Children have very different learning modes.
Therefore, we have presumed it necessary to tailor reading methods to perceptual styles. No research has ever validated this approach. Studies conclusively prove that letter knowledge and phonemic awareness are the best indicators of reading success. If a multisensory approach is used to teach phonics, then all students will learn whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. A multisensory method had the synergistic effect of addressing the strongest learning mode while reinforcing the weakest.