Reading and writing is vital

IS reading a lost art?

Are children and young people so absorbed in their electronic devices, playing games, watching movies, texting, Instagramming and Facebooking, that they no longer can read a wonderful book of literature?

We don’t think so and that is why the Cairns Post joins News Corp titles across the country to launch the Raise a Reader consumer advocacy campaign in partnership with Australia Post today.

Raise A Reader is News Corp’s consumer education and advocacy campaign, designed to highlight the importance of developing early literacy skills among Australian children and the critical role parents play as educators and role models in demonstrating a love for reading.

It complements the launch of Australia Post’s Legends stamp series which this year recognises Australia’s leading children’s authors, to be announced on January 17.

It also is part of the Fuse program as part of Ready, Set, Go and gives our readers valuable information in the back-to-school period.

The more young children read stories and are read to, the greater their interest in mastering reading.

Reading out loud exposes children to proper grammar and phrasing. It enhances the development of their spoken language skills and their ability to express themselves verbally.

Reading helps them with their writing and verbal skills which are vital as they start their careers, it develops the mind and understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability.

Teaching young children to read helps them develop their language skills. It also helps them learn to listen. Nick Dalton Deputy editor