Average is so very relative. With that, my youngest (1st grade) is young, could have been red-shirted this year. She is a fairy who has not landed on this planet. Her sister, however, was always a wise, old, soul who could read at 3 to 4 years old. Every kid is different. I'm enjoying teaching my 6 year old to read, it's fun and different from her sister who just read on her own. Although my youngest is an amazing singer, artist and pianist; so each has talents to themselves. :)