Commentary
By Amy Schardein
We all know that reading is the cornerstone of school success, but learning to read begins at home - long before your child will start school.
Early childhood experiences have a great impact on brain development and a child’s ability to learn language and literacy skills. Children who grow up in a stimulating environment where parents and other caregivers talk and read to them are more likely to become fluent and eager readers.
Children are born with all the brain cells they will ever have. It is interactions with parents and caregivers that form the connections between these brain cells or neurons. These neural connections are pathways that are vital to learning, and they are strengthened and made permanent with repeated interactions and experiences.
Reading to children is one of the best ways to stimulate brain development and help form neural connections. Other great ways to build neural connections include talking, singing and playing with your child. You can find more brain building ideas at
www.bornlearning.org.
In this tough economy, when we are all looking for solid investments, reading everyday with your young child will yield a great return. The Kenton County Public Library has books, music and programs to help parents nurture reading skills and build a love of reading. All of our high-quality programs are free and open to the public. Go to
www.kentonlibrary.org for more information.
