Making
sure that every child comes to school ready to learn is a worthy national
education goal. 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 with their children all the time and read to them as often as possible.
Parents
can 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 for learning.
Good
health comes first. Then come unhurried time with family, safe and supportive
environments, and special help for families in need.
This
sounds like commonsense, but unfortunately these items are not always in great
supply.
The
researcher wrote: “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 to help meet 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.
