Téa Francesca Price:

There’s one thing you can do to boost reading scores, Republic columnist writes.

It’s disturbing to see 5-year-olds tap at books with frustrated, quizzical expressions because “nothing is moving.”

And that is not just the nostalgic response of a ‘90s kid.

It is a concern justified by the latest AzMERIT test scores, which revealed that 56 percent of Arizona third graders aren’t proficient in reading.

With access to so many resources at our fingertips, how is this possible?

I started to read sometime between the ages of 2 and 3, mostly thanks to my mother’s dedication with Bob Books, but also because stories were always handy in the form of print and audio.

While I have many fond memories snuggled up with my parents for a story, their presence was not always possible at bedtime due to their careers as professional, classical musicians.

But never did I go to sleep without a story. As the sound of my mother giving violin lessons drifted down the corridor, a collection of voices lulled me to sleep with the stories of “Scheherazade,” “The Butterfly Lion,” “Five Children and It,” “Beatrix Potter“and literally thousands more.

During the day, Rabbit Ears Entertainment books with accompanying cassettes allowed me to listen and follow along at the same time — a skill that is crucial for young minds developing reading and cognitive language skills. Quickly, my reading speed outpaced the narrators, and it became more enjoyable to go through books without a guiding track.

Books and meals were consumed together. A “lights out” rule was established for bedtime. It got to the point where my parents were disappointed because I had already finished a book they were saving to read together.

I was Hermione Granger incarnate long before the days of standing in line for J.K. Rowling’s latest book.

Now, at 23, it’s almost embarrassing how many stories I can recall in great detail — but it’s a testament to the power reading has at a formative age.

As adults, we have an obligation to share that skill with children, to gift them with as many authors who help shape their understanding of the world as possible.

There really are no excuses. Finances can be tight, but there are so many free resources that can satiate a child’s keen desire to learn.

My physical collection of books and audiobooks was expansive, thanks to the dedication of my parents and family. But when a musician’s paycheck was tight, we went to the library. Those still exist.

Can’t get to a physical library? The perk of it being 2018 and not 1999 is t that a mobile phone is a virtual traveling library.

The struggle to find enough hours in the day faces all parents, but we make choices. If kids are going to be in front of a screen, at least make it an e-book.

Develop the habit early. Start at home; becoming a proficient reader does not and should not wait for a child to be in school. Give kids the foundation blocks for teachers to build upon, and see the heights students reach.

Reading is an essential skill, and it’s the first step to becoming an adept communicator.

Trust me. Prioritize this, and your children will thank you forever.