ASK THE EXPERTS—Q & A, blog posts, and other valuable INFORM

You might be asking yourself why expert opinions matter right about now. Did I peg it? Let me explain why I consider their opinions to be invaluable.

Expert opinions matter because they are based on extensive knowledge, experience, and research in a particular field. In this case, education and literacy. Their opinions provide valuable insights and perspectives that can oftentimes help others, like us, make informed decisions, and avoid potential pitfalls. 

These dedicated professionals have carved time out of their schedules to answer some questions pertaining to literacy, and share why they believe it to be of the utmost importance, especially for children. Keep reading to see what the experts have to say!

Studies have shown that “the more words that are in a child's language world, the more words they will learn, and the stronger their language skills are when they reach kindergarten, the more prepared they are to be able to read, and the better they read, the more likely they will graduate from high school” (www.pbs.org).

Literacy plays a crucial role in the development and success of children in numerous aspects of their lives. It is the foundation upon which their academic, social, and personal growth depends upon. Literacy skills encompass reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and they are essential for effective communication and understanding of the world around us. Here are some key reasons why literacy is important for children, and vital for their success:

1. Academic Success: Each literacy skill is a building block for academic achievement. Reading is the gateway to learning in various subjects such as mathematics, science, history, and of course, literature. Without adequate reading abilities, children will, more likely than not, struggle to comprehend textbooks and other educational materials, hindering their overall academic progress. Strong literacy skills enable children to absorb information, think critically, and express their thoughts effectively, and are a crucial skill set.

2. Cognitive Development: Literacy stimulates thinking, and encourages cognitive development in children. When children read, they engage their brains in decoding words, understanding sentence structures, and comprehending complex ideas. These processes stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and memory retention. Additionally, literacy enhances vocabulary, language skills, and the ability to express oneself clearly, which are all crucial for cognitive growth, and the ability to interact with the world around you.

3. Personal Empowerment: Literacy is empowering. Kids expand their horizons and gain a sense of independence as they master literacy. Through reading, children gain access to a vast array of knowledge, are introduced to new and interesting ideas, and become aware of a variety of differing perspectives. They can explore different cultures, historical events, and scientific discoveries, fostering curiosity and broadening their understanding of the world. In addition to all the above, literacy equips children with the ability to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and express their thoughts and emotions effectively. Literacy truly provides children with the tools they will require to be successful not only throughout their school career, but in life as well.

4. Social and Emotional Development: Literacy is closely linked to social and emotional development. Reading books, stories, and other literary works exposes children to different characters, situations, and emotions. This exposure helps them develop empathy and compassion for those they make connections with, as well an increased understanding of diverse perspectives that they may be exposed to. Additionally, literacy enables children to communicate their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, fostering strong interpersonal relationships and social interactions. Literacy helps children develop an ever growing curiosity, make sense of big ideas, prepares them for life’s challenges,  encourages them to appreciate diversity, and process emotions they may be experiencing. Reading is a fantastic way to approach some of those more intense topics with children in a very relaxed, non threatening manner. It is quite amazing what a story can do!

5. Career Opportunities: In the modern world, literacy is a prerequisite for most career paths. Proficient reading and writing skills are essential for obtaining higher education, pursuing most specialized training, and overall success in the workplace. Strong literacy skills definitely open doors to a wider range of career opportunities, enabling children to pursue their passions and achieve professional success no matter what path they travel.

6. Lifelong Learning: Reading helps to foster a lifelong love of reading, and creates healthy literacy habits. When children develop a passion for reading, they are more likely to engage in continual self-education and explore various topics of interest throughout their lives. We all enjoy learning about what is of interest to us; kids are no different. Reading is the means by which they can absorb knowledge in any area that peaks their curiosity. Lifelong learning not only expands knowledge but also enhances personal growth, adaptability, focus, and resilience.

To ensure children develop strong literacy skills, it is crucial to provide a supportive environment that fosters the development of good reading habits and encourages language development. This includes access to a wide range of age-appropriate reading materials, opportunities for interactive storytelling, encouragement for independent reading, and active engagement in literacy-rich activities both at home and in educational settings.

Literacy is of utmost importance for kiddos as it lays an incredibly strong foundation for their academic success, cognitive development, personal empowerment, social and emotional growth, career prospects, and lifelong learning. By promoting literacy, we equip children with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. I wholeheartedly believe these two things; firstly, bright futures start with literacy, and secondly, today’s readers will certainly be tomorrow’s leaders. We each need to do our part to ensure that every child has the opportunity to master literacy.

Here’s what The Children’s Bureau of Southern California has to say about the importance of literacy, and the impact this particular skill set makes in the lives of children. “It’s undeniable that a child’s reading skills are important to their success in school, work, and life in general. And it is very possible to help ensure your child’s success by reading to them starting at a very early age.”  They are right! If you’d like to continue reading, and learn more from this “expert,” click the link below.

A—Reading is an integral part of youth development, and is one of the most crucial things that we use in everyday life. It is one of the few things that you will be taught in school that you will rely on for the rest of your life.

A—There is never a perfect time, as every child has different developmental phases. However, it is best to introduce them sooner rather than later. Even reading to children before they go to bed can help progress them to eventually learn to read themselves at a younger age. 

A—Consuming the same material with the child can help to keep the child interested in a book. At such a young age, it would be nice for the child to bounce off feedback of certain points of the book with their parents. Reading does not have to be a lonely experience, and can instead be used to build a collaborative rapport with the child. Thus, it could help the child develop into becoming a more avid reader as they get older.