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| |    What Is Literacy? by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Literacy is more than just being able to read and write. Literate children see reading as fun and exciting. They use reading to learn about a wide range of subjects, and they use writing to share their ideas. They tend to have rich imaginations and many interests. Children who haven't had a thorough and enjoyable introduction to the world of literature tend to see writing and reading as a chore--something they do because they have to. Literacy widens a person's world; illiteracy narrows it. How literacy and health are related Literacy gives people power to live healthier lives. Adults who can't read or write well--whether in industrialized nations or in underdeveloped ones--have poorer health and higher medical costs. For children, literacy is part of a broad definition of health that includes being sound in mind and spirit, as well as physically. Reading problems also directly threaten children's health. Children who have trouble reading often see themselves in a very negative light. They may believe that they are stupid, and they are more likely to misbehave in school. As teenagers, they tend to take more risks with drugs, alcohol, or crime. A good start is key to reading success Right from a very young age, children benefit when their parents open the world of books to them. When you sit down with your child and a book, many wonderful things happen. In talking about the pictures, for example, you expose her to lots of new and interesting words. By reading and re-reading, you give her many opportunities to learn how the words come together in full, interesting sentences. Most of all, your child comes to love books and reading because she loves you--and you come with the book! We call it "reading aloud," but reading is only a part of the magic. What's most important is that you and your child enjoy the book together and talk with each other about it. Each time you ask your child a question, then respond to what he says, you are teaching. And each time you help your child connect the world of books to her own experiences--her toys, friends, favorite activities, or fantasy worlds--you are sparking her imagination, stretching her attention, and planting the seeds of literacy. Measuring success You will know that reading aloud is working when your child asks for the same story over and over. You may wonder what the attraction is to revisiting this familiar material, but it's actually a sign that she's learning something new each time. When you hear your child using words from the book in her play--she might call her doll "elegant," or start her own story with "once upon a time"--you will know that all your efforts are paying off. Finally, and this is the truly magical part, you will have discovered one more way that you and your child can connect with each other, something that you can enjoy for your whole lives. Click here to join the discussion on Reading and Your Child
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