Read every day and lead a better life
Reading is an essential element to leading a better life.
Research shows that children who grow up in homes where books and reading material are readily available go further in school than those who don’t. Children with low-education families can do as well as children with high-education families if they have access to a wide range of reading material at home.
Children need access to a wide variety of books and reading material, with meaningful and interesting subjects. A rich literacy environment is critical to reading success. This can be achieved by a monthly trip to your local library. But children don’t only have to read books to achieve a high level of literacy; interesting articles in the local papers can provide an opportunity to enhance literacy and open discussion in your house on local events, sports, or anything that your child has displayed an interest in. Research also shows that children who read a diverse range of reading materials are more proficient readers than those who read a narrower selection of texts.
A notice board for interesting articles is a great tool for encouraging your children to read and follow-up on related articles they have found interesting. Let them lead the way in their research. If you show an interest it will encourage them to continue. Who knows? You may learn something too.
While the best predictor of reading success is the amount of time spent reading, reading achievement is also influenced by the frequency, amount, and diversity of reading activities.
Children who read voluntarily and extensively practise their reading skills, and reading practice is essential for children to become proficient readers. Research demonstrates a strong correlation between high reading achievement and large amounts of independent reading.
It is imperative to recognise the importance of the many different reading materials that are available for our children these days. Many young children are participating in online games that are hugely popular and, if chosen and managed carefully, can help promote literacy and reading. There are guidebooks and other books that are related to these online games that can be used to encourage your children to read. It can also open discussion about the game and keep you in the loop of what they are up to. Make sure you have read the parent notes and are happy with the format of the online games: many of them are educational as well as fun. Also ensure your children are protected if they are going on line.
So, turn the telly off, find a good book and curl up on the couch with your kids and read to them, even when they are older. Reading together as a family is a great way to encourage reading in your house. A chapter a night before bedtime gives you the added bonus of fantastic quality time with your family.
By Mandy Fowler, Scholastic New Zealand
