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I really wanted to vote NO on this question, because I firmly believe that reading is FUNDAMENTAL. Just like that old television public service announcement back in the 70s we used to see, reading is so important and really is elemental for a good education. But I am interpreting this question to mean that whether the child wants to read or not, by gum they are going to get taught. That is not only harmful, it's cruel.

A child needs to interpret the world around him or her first before accepting other points of view. That means playing and socializing with other kids and adapting to the physical world first and foremost. A piece of clay becomes such an important tool for a kid. Children respond to the physical world much easier than to the literary world. Once the child becomes more curious by seeing or watching certain events on television, for instance, then the wonderful world of reading becomes a new pathway of exploration for the curious child. They can have both the physical and the imaginary worlds in harmony together.

Like anything else, when the motivation is there to want to read, miracles can be accomplished. And a child will get motivated when they want and need to learn something more that they are interested in. Take animals for instance; almost all children are curious when it comes to dogs and cats or their own pets. Reading can fill that gap and satisfy the information the children require to learn more about the needs of their own pets. When they begin to want to read and learn more, then a whole new world opens for them. What does this word mean? What does a Veterinarian do? Are there such things as love between animals? These are just some of the questions a child might be curious about, and reading can help point them in the right direction.

So, when a child wants to learn and is motivated, reading then becomes a platform for their education. They all want to be on the computer, right? Well, if you can't read, it's awful tough to use the computer and understand what you're doing. That should be motivation enough, even if they want to play a video game. So curiosity is the key, motivation will just fall into place.

When I was a kid, I hated to be forced to do anything. I got a lot more accomplished when I was interested in the subject, and most children are that way. So as a parent, it's important to recognize when the time is right, and a trip to the local library then becomes a great adventure!

Learn more about this author, Anthony Megna.
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