It is a worthy national education goal
that every child comes to school ready to learn. But we are not yet nearly to
that point.
One researcher examined the steps that must be taken
to make it happen.
The researcher determined that the
quality of the parent-child relationship is key to language development.
Children need rich verbal experiences to draw from
as they enter school. Parents should talk to their children all the time and
read to them as often as possible.
Parents
should share stories, and ask open-ended questions to spur thinking skills.
This helps get children excited about learning new
things.
According to the research, there are
several preconditions required for learning.
Good health comes first. Then come unhurried time
with family, safe and supportive environments, and special help for families in
desperate need.
These are commonsense items, but unfortunately not
always in great supply.
Wrote
the researcher: “These principles are deceptively simple. Assuring that every
child has the opportunity to learn requires collaboration among community and
health care agencies, families, and schools.”
It involves institutions and
neighborhoods working together for basic needs.
It is a promise unfulfilled in this country at this
time, but it is a worthy goal to pursue for all our children.
This is the road to readiness.
