Awareness of the importance of reading reaches deep into American society. Everyone seems to have their favourite scheme to help improve the situation. As long as all are enjoying themselves there seems to be no problem with this. But it does re-inforce public awareness that the schools have not been fulfilling their appointed duty to teach the children their three R’s…GS
Raising Readers to
launch book reading program
Aug
28 2003 12:00AM By by gib mathers
One out of six parents admit that they do not read to their one to four-year-old children, says Nicole Battles, the coordinator for the Raising Readers program in Uinta, Sublette and Lincoln counties. For this reason and many others, Battles is launching the readers program.
So, Battles' program begins at two months and
continues until a child is five by providing a total of 10 books for a child.
Raising Readers calls this program a "prescription to read," because
the books from Raising Readers are given to pediatricians who present them
to parents to read to their offspring. The free books can be either in
English or Spanish. Chances are a kid going to school in
"
Children that are read to
on a regular basis are better prepared for kindergarten she says. If a kid's
cognitive, language, motor skills, adaptive skills and social-functioning are
supported by their parents, the child is more likely to succeed in school and
later in society. Without a parent's support the same youngster is more likely
to drop out of school, go on welfare and/or commit crimes.
One reason why it is vital
for early childhood nurturing by parents, says Battles, is the first years of
school teach children how to learn. After the third grade, kids must have
developed their learning skills so they can absorb the knowledge. "Kids
like structure," says Battles. She says a child craves routine from
regularly scheduled naps and meals to reading. Battles says a parent is a kid's
most influential teacher, so if parents value reading, their child will, too.
If parents also use books for instruction, a kid will learn the importance of
learning from books. A prime example is a cookbook. If a parent consults a
cookbook, the kid will learn the significance of book learning. Battles is a Vista/AmeriCorps employee who will only be in
the area until the end of the year. For this reason she is looking for
volunteers to keep the program running. How can you help? Volunteer to serve on
a steering committee, prepare books for distribution, promote the program and
help with fundraising. If you would like to pitch in, give Battles a call at
(307) 679-5114.
Intellectual accomplishment
is based on a child's environment and the first five years have the most impact on a child,
says Battles. "It is amazing how much effect we have on our
children," she says. Battles says they have no intention
of interfering with families, they just want to get families together. She says
the goal is to advocate a love of learning in the family. "Mostly we
encourage parents to interact with their children."
After college, Battles says
she wanted to help people so promoting early childhood development seemed a
good vocation. "I really believe our children are our future," she
says.