A Message to Parents - Part I

It's no big secret that reading to our young children is important.  Many parents believe that intelligence is an essential trait that they would like to develop in their child or children. As parents, don't we all want children who are smart and successful in school?  My message to parents is this: You do have the power to boost your child's learning potential by simply making reading a part of your family's daily life.

Reading to toddlers and preschoolers provides fantastic academic benefits.  Research shows that students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all facets of formal education.  It makes sense.  Students who struggle in reading and understanding words and sentences will likely struggle in grasping math, science and social studies concepts once he is in elementary school.  Reading develops a higher aptitude for learning in general; thereby improving a child's potential of success in all content areas.

Learning the fundamentals of language is key to early academic growth.  Reading to and with our kids improves a child's ability and increases the rate at which this happens. Language development is one attribute that ultimately separates students who achieve and those who struggle.  I believe that lack of language development is also a key reason that the academic achievement gap continues to plague our children of color.

It's not all about intelligence and language though! Reading to your young child is a great way to bond and build a relationship.  In doing so, you and your little one will learn so much about each other as you explore common interests and develop new ones.  So snuggle up with a good book and enjoy some nurturing time together.

Don't have young children?  Well pass this information along to others.  Knowledge is power but it means so much more when it's shared!  Happy Reading!