Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Road to readiness

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.