Reading enables us to learn how to do and make things. We find out how things work. Through reading we learn about science and history and about the people who came before us. Reading helps to level the playing field for children of all income and social levels. Reading enables children to succeed in life.
As the saying goes, learn to read by 3 rd grade, and then read to learn for life. Reading proficiency by the third grade is the most important predictor of high school graduation and career success. We all have a role to play to make sure that children learn to read by 3 rd grade so they can succeed in life. Parents and caretakers need to instill a love of reading at home.
So much of our brain development occurs in the early years, and reading to young children on a regular basis stimulates ideal patterns of brain development at a critical time in brain development. Reading to infants and toddlers enhances their vocabulary and other important communication skills.