Read 'em and Reap

How much a child reads affect his/her performance in standardized achievement tests. In a recent educational statistics performed by the U.S. Department of Education, on "The Nation's Report Card: Fourth-Grade Reading 2000", "...fourth graders who reported reading more pages daily in school and for homework had higher average scores than students who reported reading fewer pages daily." It has been proven time and time again that a person's love for books start from childhood and his/her wide array of reading choices depend on how long the person has been dedicated to reading. It is imperative that children be highly exposed to various reading materials at home. "The Nation's Report Card" also indicate that "the average scores for students who reported having all four types of reading materials (books, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias) in their homes was higher than those who reported having fewer reading materials". Also, the fact that parents themselves are exposed to reading set up a good example to children. After all, children believe that what is important to parents must be important for children as well. Therefore, if a parent would rather watch TV for hours, than to take some time to read, the importance of TV over reading gets embedded in the child's mind and attitude towards reading.

Likewise, the more a person read, the better and more proficient reader he/she becomes. Thus, reading becomes fun, more enjoyable and lesser of a task or a gruesome chore. Parents who enjoy reading tend to have children who also enjoy reading. The National Center for Education Statistics also indicate that "students who reported reading for fun on their own time everyday had higher average scores than students who reported reading for fun less frequently."

Family Reading

Reading to a preschool child is not only beneficial to the child but it also gives the parents and the child quality time to bond and share insights together. It serves as time well spent that can harvest abundant fruits in years to come. It provides both calming and exciting atmosphere within the home. It designates a positive, loving attention to the child. Reading to a child also brings out the youth in all of us.

Reading with a school-aged child is also rewarding. As a child increase his/her vocabulary, comprehension and improve phonetic skills, with parents listening in, as satisfied and well-entertained audience, a child's self-confidence also increases. It is heartwarming for parents to see their children

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