On Literacy

*excerpted from weekly radio segment- January, 2010

Did you know that most children watch over three hours of television per day? That is more than four times as long as the average child spends reading for pleasure.

According to The National Center for Educational Statistics, children who routinely read and watch less than ten hours of T.V. per week perform better in school and score 10 to 20% higher on proficiency tests. Multiple studies prove that kids who engage in reading as a daily activity are significantly more literate than those who do not.

Literacy is more than just reading and writing. Literacy is the ability to assimilate knowledge and apply it to our lives in a practical way. Reading increases vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical skills. Habitual readers generally achieve a higher level of education and satisfaction in their adult lives. Literate adults enjoy better physical and social health and are three times more likely to participate in cultural activities and fine arts.

So, how can your family become more literate? You can do what our family did and eliminate television altogether, or you can adopt a less extreme approach. Many families find the following tips helpful:

1. Limit the number of hours your child spends watching television or playing video games and move the T.V. from his or her bedroom to a common area where you can observe and enforce T.V. time and content rules.

2. Substitute T.V. time with simple activities that utilize reading such as cooking from a recipe or planning a family vacation.

3. Make routine trips to the public library and bookstore and gift your child books on birthdays or special holidays.

4. TALK about reading. Ask your children questions about what they are currently reading and discuss highlights of what you are reading.

Most importantly, be a good example. Your child needs to see you enriching your own life through literacy. Making literacy an active part of your family culture will greatly increase your child’s chances of academic and social success.