SAN ANTONIO — Now that kids are back in school, learning has resumed. In today's Healthy SA, we learn that learning, and more specifically reading, can go a long way in keeping a child's mind in tip-top shape.
When we talk about reading, it doesn't have to be a physical book. It can be on an iPad, laptop, phone, or even an audiobook. Anything to keep the child learning and improving their vocabulary.
Melanie Sheridan, the director of marketing and communications with United Through Reading, told us, "Screen time can be problematic, but don't discourage your kids. However, if they want to pick up a book, and whatever format they want to, should definitely be encouraged."
The Literacy Project says one out of every two adults cannot read a book written at an eighth-grade level. Two out of every three fourth graders do not read at their grade level. As our kids get older a lot of things tend to take away their attention. Experts say kids just don't read as much as they used to.
"You've got increased screen time. You've got friends and family and sports and school activities," Sheridan said. "So yes, they are reading a little bit less, but it's not anything to panic over."
The National Center on Improving Literacy suggests reading books at home and singing nursery rhymes aloud together can help. So can singing drawing and telling stories. For older kids playing word games and discussing word meanings. Ask questions before, during and after readings.
"One of the things that I like to say is that people or kids who are good readers are good thinkers, and that critical thinking is another one of those skills that benefits being a lifelong reader," Sheridan said.
