Radio Commentary
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, and 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.
