Reading programs open books for childhood literacy

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June 23, 2012 - 12:00 AM

One in every six children who is not reading proficiently by third grade fails to graduate from high school on time. Additionally, 35 percent of children entering kindergarten are not prepared to learn; lacking language skills needed, according to the National Academy of Education. 
These statistics, among others, are what prompt reading programs to work with young children, to supply them skills they will need for success.
The solution to this growing problem is exposing younger children to more literary activities.
Turn a Page, Touch a Mind (TAP TAM), a Kansas Pediatric Foundation-sponsored reading program, hones in on the physician’s relationship with the parent and child.
The physician gives a child, between the ages of 6 months and 5, a book at their well-child visit and encourages the child to read and for the parent to become involved and read to their child.
Kate Works, a nurse practitioner, has been involved with TAP TAM through Family Physicians since January. Though it is still too soon to see long-term benefits from the program, Works has seen “the children’s excitement for books.”
Neurologically speaking, when a child reads at an early age they acquire skills benefiting them as they get older.
Attention span and curiosity is expanded. They learn to verbalize effectively and stress levels are reduced.
Reading to a young child not only enhances their brain development but it also gives the parent and child bonding time, “it is nice to sit down and have that one-on-one time,” Works said.  
The affordability and time that goes into providing a child with proficient reading can sometimes be difficult for parents, but not impossible. Works suggests visiting the local public library as a good way to participate in youth reading, since books can be checked out for free.
“Library cards do wonders,” youth services librarian, Leah Oswald said.
Another reading program targeting young children is 6 by 6.
6 by 6 is a state-adopted library program focusing on children gaining six literacy skills by the age of 6. This program makes reading fun for kids and easy for parents.
The first step is to “have fun with books,” Oswald said. Making books fun encourages children to continue learning and reading.
Another of the six skills is to notice print all around. This is how reading can become affordable and easy for parents.
Noticing and talking to children about signs around town, or taking newsletters and pamphlets is also another easy and convenient way to expose children to literature at a young age.
In addition to simply reading to children, Oswald encourages parents to “make them think critically about what you read to them, ask them questions about what they are thinking and comment back,” that will allow for the parents to understand how the child’s mind is thinking and progressing.
People in Iola can help by donating new or used books to the TAP TAM program at the Family Physicians office at 1408 East St.

IN A RECENT PBS Newshour special Melinda Gates spoke about the importance of effective teachers.
They spoke to teachers across the nation and some of the teachers are finding a similar trend. “ The problem is , (students) don’t drop out in high school. They drop out in second grade, and they hang around for eight years,” said a teacher on the show.
Gates has been working with her and her husband’s foundation to have more effective teachers throughout schools nationwide because “It turns out students do know whether they have a good teachers in front of a classroom or not,” she said.
Though teachers are a major part of a child’s learning, Works believes there are more things involved. “Learning doesn’t just end at 3 p.m. when school is over. Parents are responsible for their child’s learning and the child too.”

MOVEMENTS TOWARD EARLY reading is also gaining ground locally. On Nov. 17 the public library will be hosting the second Iola Family Reads Festival.
At the festival people of all ages are encouraged to get their hands on new books, and for a $2 donation, can even take them home.
A feature of the festival is for visiting authors to tell of their books and have discussions with participants about their writing techniques. Children’s book writer Clare Vanderpool will be a special guest at the festival.
In addition to the festival, the Iola Public Library visits physician offices and gives out yellow bags containing reading program materials for new parents to use with their newborns and young children.

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