by Gabby Bugwadia

Created on: March 31, 2010

Developing reading and writing skills, is the foundation on which all future learning can be built. Learning is the process of acquiring information and gaining experience of all kinds. Acquiring reading and writing skills at the primary education level, is therefore of prime importance for your child’s intellectual growth and academic success.

As success is the key element in all human endeavors, parents and teachers would do well to simultaneously encourage their child’s receptivity and the ability to assimilate new things. This would contribute to your child’s self-confidence and set the stage for a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience. However, let us not forget that each child develops skills based on his/her own unique pattern of growth, temperament and gender.

Here are some ways of encouraging reading and writing skills in children:

~Begin with the Basics

A child's learning takes place naturally and intuitively beginning from the early stages of development.  Primary learning to a child is almost as natural as growing and can make the most lasting impression on your child's life. To begin with the basics, the best technique in the early years is to read to him/her daily. As you find your child enjoying this activity, you will find developing an interest in books which could give him a good head start in school.

~Provide an enriched environment

A child in an enriched environment wherein he/she gets the right combination of help and stimulation from his parents will have the finest opportunity to develop reading and writing skills.  An enriched environment be it at home or school, offers plenty of stimulating experiences through a wide range of play activities. Example: flash cards, alphabet bocks and simple instructional toys, can engage a child's attention, boost his intelligence and prepare him for all future learning.

~Give story time your attention

Story time is one of the most pleasurable experiences a child can have. A lot happens as the child learns to listen; his attention span can be increased and concentration level can be built. By active listening to the sound of words, the child learns the rudiments of language and gets the message that books are an important source of information. Children, who are encouraged in this direction, discover meaning and value of books long before they learn to decipher words for themselves.

~Create reading awareness

Parents need to watch out for the signs of readiness

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