…developing individuals to meet the challenges of a global community
The United Nations’ International Literacy Day falls on September 8 to
raise people’s awareness of and concern for worldwide literacy. This
global observance is intended to highlight the importance of literacy in
key areas, such as health and education.
According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), about 774 million adults lack minimum literacy
skills. One in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them
are women. About 75 million children are out-of-school and many more
attend irregularly or drop out.
Students
in Garden County have the opportunity that many children in our world
do not: attending a public school regularly and learning how to read. At
the onset of a new school year, it is important for parents to commit
to increasing their child’s literacy and insuring regular school
attendance.
Parents and caregivers should stop at nothing to promote reading in our
community and homes! Here are some ideas to build on:
- Make reading a daily habit by putting it in your schedule and modeling reading as adults.
- Make sure your child has a library card and visits the library.
- Know the books your child and their peers are reading. Ask them about the contents and why they choose them.
- Give your child books as gifts. This portrays the timeless value of reading.
- Read aloud to children for as long as they will listen! The discussion reading aloud can provide is invaluable.
- Limit
television and computer time. Time spent on these two activities
reduces reading opportunities, plus limits creativity and conversation.
- Play word games, such as Scrabble, that promote vocabulary in a fun way. Vocabulary knowledge preempts all other reading skills.
- Talk
about what your child is reading and how it may connect to their lives.
What do they have in common with the characters? How do plots develop
and conclude? Does good versus evil always prevail?
- Ask
your child what they are reading at school. If you have read the book,
share your thoughts and opinions. Find out who your child’s reading
teacher is and seek them out at our first conference to discuss their
progress.
Whether reading for information or pleasure, the dividends yielded are incalculable. Good habits are instilled at an early age. As with all good habits, they are learned from positive role models.
Attending
school regularly is perhaps the most important thing to do in the
effort to increase global literacy. Regular school attendance has huge
impact on a child’s development of work ethic and commitment to lifelong
learning.
Thank
you for your investment of time in the area of reading and making sure
your child gets to school every day! They will benefit from your
commitment. Parents hold the key to their child’s likelihood of future
success.
-Dr. Paula Sissel,
Superintendent/Elementary Principal