TotSmart - National Institute on Media and the Family Go back to this section's main page Go back to previous page Every child needs to learn how to read to be successful. But watching hours of entertainment television doesn t contribute to school success. Score the questions below to measure your preschool child s television viewing and reading readiness. Look at your answers for each category. Click here to order this tool in a brochure format.
Every child needs to learn how to read to be successful.
The groundwork for reading success is laid in the preschool years. Watching hours of entertainment TV does not contribute to school success, it hinders it. The time your preschool child spends watching TV could be used for reading or participating in other learning activities. Children learn media habits starting in their preschool years and need adult guidance to learn good habits. Children spend more time watching TV than any other activity in their day except sleeping.