FernFolio

During the last few decades, parents and educators have experimented with all sorts of learn-to-read programs, many of which involve phonics and flashcards and complicated computer programs. But research suggests that there are no short cuts or fast fixes when it comes to learning to read and, far more importantly, creating a reader. Readers need to be inculcated into the culture of reading; they need to hear books, and see those whom they love and respect engage in reading, and talk about the books that they read and are read to them. They need to be drawn into reading by sitting next to a reader and looking at the page while that reader interacts with the text. They need to be encouraged to read text that interests them, regardless of whether it be novels or non-fiction or manga or Archie comic books. They need access to a wide and rich and varied collection of books and other text, be it through home bookshelves, school and public libraries, bookstores, or text on-line.
The value of reading cannot be underestimated. According to Dr. Stephen Krashen, readers possess greater oral/aural language skills: they better understand what they hear and are more effective in communicating oral messages. They have a better oral-language vocabulary than their non-reading peers. Their reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and writing skills are better. And, since reading promotes knowledge and understanding, they do better in math and science, and actually perform more successfully on IQ tests than non-readers.
As parents and educators, we do not know precisely what kind of world our children will live and work in, so we are unable to predict just exactly what knowledge and skills they will need to possess in order to be successful. What we do know is that they will need to be life-long learners, able to adapt to a constantly changing work environment. Along with critical thinking and problem solving, reading skills will be vital for success in the 21st century.
FernFolio Editor