Reading

An Ontario study, found in the opinion section of the Globe and Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/those-who-read-well-at-15-succeed/article1465434/,) has recently found that children who read well by 15 years of age are more likely to succeed in post secondary education. The differences between class and younger level reading ability disappear; that 3 year old who could read aloud, unlike my crazy 3 year old who was fascinated by carpet pile, but failed to continue to do so, is no longer the prodigy; in fact, said 3 year old could actually be behind and not as smart as my child. People put a lot of importance on being able to do things well at any early age as though that is a predictor of future achievement. It is not.

The New York Times also had an editorial (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/02/opinion/02engel.html?th&emc=th)relating how schools should be managed and what is truly important for early childhood curriculum. Reading, as in the enjoyment of the written word, is more important than the ability to read; the skill will develop if a child is supported with reading enthusiasm. Math is also important. But everything else is icing on the cake and irrelevant academically before high school. Sort of makes one wonder what one is paying for if a child is in school all day long…..