Reading is an Absolute Foundation in Education & Life
A couple of weeks ago I covered “Letting Children be Children”
A childhood should be full of wonder. One of the great access points to that wonder is books/stories.
There is so much great literature written recently and through the centuries – including great works by kiwis.
We also know that reading actually enhances intelligence:
Every time children practise decoding words, they forge new connections between the visual and spoken language areas of the brain, gradually adding new letters and words to the brain’s all-important letterbox.
Here, evidence from brain imaging research and educational research converge to show that early phonics instruction can help construct an efficient reading network in the brain.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11854888
Love of stories, love of books, adults reading to kids, great literature in schools and the home are a hub of an intelligent, discerning and eloquent society with strong shared experiences.
Kids know this well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW0nqVBdUdI&t=54s
Alwyn Poole
Villa Education Trust