Starting school can be an exciting, yet daunting experience. As parents/guardians, it is our job to make sure our children are ready for this big step in their lives. Unfortunately, a recent survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Kindred has found that half of all children are not "developmentally" ready to start primary school. This means that many children start school without having the basic language skills needed to keep up with their peers. The good news is that there are steps you can take as a parent to ensure your child is successful in their academic career from the very beginning.
Reading to your child daily is one of the best ways you can help your child develop the language skills they need before starting school. Studies have shown that reading helps improve literacy, vocabulary and comprehension abilities in young children, which makes them better prepared for learning when they enter the classroom. Not only that but reading also helps foster a love of learning and encourages creativity, both of which will come in handy once your little one starts their educational journey.
In addition to helping with language development, daily reading also provides an opportunity for parents and children to bond while exploring new worlds together through books. It's important to create a safe and secure environment where your child feels comfortable enough to ask questions, express themselves freely and learn about different topics at their own pace. Taking time each day to read with your child can help strengthen this bond between parent and child while teaching valuable life lessons along the way.
All too often, children start primary school behind before they even begin their academic careers. That’s why we need a national conversation about the importance of early childhood development and what steps parents can take to ensure their kids are ready for success in school. Reading on a daily basis is one of those steps—it’s an easy way for parents and kids alike to have fun while developing essential language skills necessary for academic success. So grab a book today and get ready for your little ones first day of school!
