Home
>
Parenting
>
Are You Reading to Your Kids?

Are You Reading to Your Kids?

Over a number of years there have been issues raised concerning the literacy levels of eight year old children in schools. The number not meeting minimum literacy levels was almost at 30% only a few years ago. It has since improved but is still a concern to teachers and parents alike.

It seems the desire for consumer goods and pressure for both parents to maintain employment is robbing our next generation of the precious time spent nuturing them with stories and preparing them for school. Reading only three stories a day to preschool children would probably have them excelling once they reached school age and almost wipe out the issue of illiteracy in our schools in years to come.

Children who are read to as a part of their everyday life understand the simplest aspects of reading. Concepts like reading from left to right, that text and pictures are different, and how stories evolve, that they have a beginning, middle and ending.

There are other benefits, many of them occurring on a social level. Children and parents who read stories together have valuable bonding time. The story itself may help children to address fears or concerns they may have which can be discussed. The book itself acts as a platform for further enquiry and imagination for the child. This aids in self-expression, vocabulary and the ability to concentrate for given lengths of time.

For parents who are concerned about selecting 'the right' content for a story, don't be. It is the enjoyment of sitting down and reading together that brings value. Rhyming books are often funny and children love the absurd. Scary books can help children work through their fears. Just think about most fairytales, most end in some gruesome way which children do not seem to be disturbed by. Keep in mind the visual appeal of the book, children are captivated by images as well as hearing the words.

Once your child has connected with a book expect to be asked to read it again and again. It may drive you slightly insane but children benefit from this repetition. With each read they are able to gain more from the book and even when they know what is over the page they still get a thrill each and every time. Just like hearing your favourite song come onto the radio.

For a guide on great books for kids visit our top picks

our top picks - For parents of 0-6yr old kids. Lots of educational baby & toddler games, child crafts, indoor & outdoor child games, child party games and more.

Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Hertz, the rental car giant, recently confirmed that customer information was exposed through a cyberattack on one of its software vendors.

There are a number of features with AirPods you may or may not know about to take your listening experience to the next level. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

These 35 Chrome extensions have privacy and security concerns. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says to delete them now.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 329,000 mph fusion rocket promises to be fast, disruptive and enable deep-space missions.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a new autonomous AI is a game changer that also raises privacy risks. Is your data safe?

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says robots and drones are revolutionizing fruit farming with faster picking and smarter handling.

Landmark Admin revises May 2024 cyberattack scope to show twice as many people were affected. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives tips to help stay safe from an insurance data breach.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how Yamaha’s hydrogen outboard motor could revolutionize boating with zero emissions.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to memorialize or remove a deceased loved one’s Facebook account and protect their digital legacy from misuse or scams.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says an Apple Watch saved psychiatrist Amanda Faulkner by detecting deadly leukemia early.

Scammers and fraudsters are increasingly targeting the most vulnerable, especially nursing homes and the personal data of their residents. Kurt the CyberGuy has safety tips.

Infected USB flash drives can spread malware among multiple organizations in ways that can easily bypass traditional security systems.

With a fully automated warehouse system and AI-powered robots, Ocado's Hive picks, packs and delivers grocery store orders in just a few minutes.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Recycling robots are using artificial intelligence to learn how to sort recyclables by recognizing patterns in colors, textures, shapes and logos.

The Reachy 2 robot is designed to be friendly and approachable, inviting natural interaction and is perfect for research, education and experimenting with embodied AI.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares several easy ways to keep your credit cards safe from digital thieves while you're traveling this summer.

Arcturus sets up cameras around the edges of baseball stadiums to capture real-time action and generate a 3D digital clone of the game.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

The CyberGuy explains why healthcare organizations are vulnerable to hackers after there have been a half dozen data breaches this year.

Developed at two California universities, the innovative technology combines brain-computer interfaces with advanced AI to decode neural activity into audible speech.

Microsoft patches 12 critical flaws, but six have already been exploited by criminals. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says updating your system is only a short-term fix.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how robots can milk, feed and clean cows on dairy farms, boosting efficiency and comfort.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says quantum internet ensures unhackable security and redefines online privacy and speed.

Are You Reading to Your Kids?

Parenting