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The
Importance Of Early Reading In The School-Aged Child
The importance of early reading
is a fact that almost everyone acknowledges. When thinking of
the importance of early reading, however, most people think of
the years before their child enters school. Obviously,
exposing your child to reading and to books before entering
school is extremely important. But, the importance of early
reading also applies to the first few years of school as well.
Even if your child doesn’t have great reading skills before
entering school, he can still become a successful reader. But,
the importance or early reading must be stressed in
kindergarten through third grade for this to happen. Research
has indicated that these years are most important years in
school for learning to read. Students who do not gain strong
reading skills during these years are more likely to be
struggling learners in later years.
The
Importance Of Early Reading At School
Because the importance of early
reading is so well recognized, most schools have focused on
these years to provide intensive remediation in reading. One
of the most well-known reading programs focusing on the
importance of early reading is the Reading Recovery program.
Reading Recovery is a short-term program that provides
one-on-one tutoring to first graders who are struggling to
read. The Reading Recovery program generally lasts for 12 to
20 weeks for each qualifying student. Though the program, the
student receives one ½ hour lesson every school day. When the
student demonstrates he is reading at the same level of his
peers, he is released from the program.
There are several other reading programs focusing in the
importance of early reading. But, becoming a successful reader
requires more than stressing the importance of early reading
at school. To truly become a strong reader, the importance of
early reading must also be stressed at home.
Parents have the greatest influence over their children.
Therefore, the greatest responsibility for instilling a love
of reading in your child lies with you.
To best assist your child in learning to read, you should talk
to your school to learn about the program being used there.
Your child’s teacher should be willing to give you tips on how
you can reinforce the reading program at home. The more you
communicate with your school and work within the program being
used there, the greater the chances are of your child
succeeding.
Stressing
the Importance of Early Reading at Home
Of course, you probably already
understood the importance of early reading. That is why you
are visiting this website and reading this article in the
first place.
What you are probably most interested in is ways to stress the
importance of early reading to your child at home. You are
also most likely looking for ways to encourage your child to
read at home. Or, maybe you are looking to improve his
reading.
As both a teacher and a mother of four, I, too, recognize the
importance of early reading. For this reason, I have developed
many ways to encourage children to read.
First and foremost, the best way to encourage your child to
read is to show her that reading is important to you. One way
that I have shown my children that I value reading is to set
aside a “family reading time” each night. During family
reading time, every member of the family finds something to
read. This includes my husband and me. In this way, we are
demonstrating both the importance of early reading and reading
in adulthood to our children.
In addition to demonstrating the importance of reading through
family fun night, this special time has served as a time for
our family to bond. After reading, we share what we have read.
This encourages family discussion and togetherness. In
addition, it helps my children increase their comprehension
and summarizing skills, both of which are needed to be a
successful reader.
Another way to stress the importance of early reading is to
treat reading as a reward. For example, my children know that
their bedtime is 9:00. But, they also know they can stay up 15
minutes longer if they want to read. In this way, reading has
become a treat that allows my children to “get away” with
staying up later. Reading has now gone from being a chore to a
reward.
The importance of early reading is paramount. Children who
become successful readers in the primary grades go on to be
more successful readers and learners. Better yet, they
discover a love for books that lasts a lifetime.
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