WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN READERS

“In the world which is already upon us, the aim of education must be to develop individuals who are open to change.” – Carl Rogers- Freedom to Learn

The teaching of reading is a continuing challenge to parents and teachers. There is always a need to increase efforts in effective literacy which requires reflection, even more so during today’s rapidly changing times. It is not surprising that there’s always been great concern over whether Pedro of or Maria is learning to read.

Parents play great role in educating their children.

What can parents do to make their children reader ?

First get rid of the television, or at least limit its use. An hour or two a week is plenty, even for preschoolers.

Second get rid of the video games.

Third limit computer/gadgets use.

Fourth buy books, visit libraries, have books in the house. Child who develop a habit of reading and have books in the house are seldom bored, so they are less likely to get into trouble.

Fifth read to your children for at least half an hour every day. Reading and listening helps children builds a large working vocabulary and improve their grasp of geography, history and social conditions.

Sixth keep them home after supper. The hours after supper should be reserved for study and reading.

Seventh early to bed. Children who have read for three hours after supper often grow sleepy. If they ‘re asleep by 9:00 or 10:00, they’ll be alert in school and learn mor e.

Eighth limit phone calls. Hours of telephone/ cellphone gossip are not educational. Ninth if you have a sense of wonder that makes you continually fascinated by the world around you share it with your children. Learning for the fun of it translates into high scores.

Tenth the most important, have time for your children,

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Sto. Rosario Elementary School

Apalit District