A new report reveals that a staggering majority of Grade Four learners cannot read for meaning, highlighting the urgent need to cultivate a love of reading among children.
According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, 78% of Grade Four learners cannot read for meaning in any language. The ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. The statistics underscore the urgent need to foster a love of reading among children to ensure their academic success. Reading is an essential part of learning and personal growth, enhancing vocabulary, improving comprehension and stimulating imagination.
More importantly, reading is linked to better academic performance across all subjects. In a country where educational disparities are significant, promoting reading can be a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower future generations. Keeping a child’s interest in reading can be challenging in a world dominated by social media and mobile devices. But fostering a love for reading rests with parents. While the Department of Education committed to addressing challenges identified in the report, Minister Siviwe Gwarube stated that this mammoth task could not be left to educators alone. Schools and teachers play an important role in teaching students how to read, but few are equipped to instil a genuine love for reading when children begin formal education. This must be nurtured at home to create a supportive environment where students can thrive once they master their ABCs. Create a reading-friendly environment: Second-hand books are affordable, and libraries are free, thus making it easy for families to fill their homes with a variety of material that caters to their child’s interests and reading level. Take the time to choose books together. Doing this can be an exciting adventure that creates valuable parent-child bonding time. Engage in paired or shared reading experiences to enhance this connection
Reading Education Children Literacy Parental Involvement
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