More than one-third lacked basic reading skills. And there's a widening gap between the nation's best and worst students. Make spoken language the key to literacy. Engage your child in conversation early and often.
Language is the key to literacy.
As adults, we view conversation as a luxury, but for kids, it's essential for their developing minds. It's never too early to start talking to your child, who will be mesmerized and soothed by your voice. For infants and toddlers, songs and rhymes spark their awareness of language and sounds. Try storytelling to help your child think creatively and practice using new words. Read different kinds of books to your child and have the child re-tell the story to you, in his words.