SOUTH Africa’s literacy crisis can be turned into a powerful tool to tackle poverty and in-equality. What is needed is to establish the building blocks of education, which are reading and storytelling.
The most daunting statistic was revealed by the Progress In International Reading Literacy Study in 2016, where an alarming 78% of South Africa’s Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language.
Reading aloud is invaluable when it comes to language development and promoting early literacy skills such as book handling and naming, understanding how stories work, recognising sounds and letters, expanding vocabulary and honing listening skills.
Celebrated tomorrow, Friday, 1st February, it is well worth taking time to participate in World Read Aloud Day. Reading aloud boosts confidence, helps children cope better with anxiety, develops memory and expands children’s worlds.
Of tantamount importance is the enjoyment of reading, a responsibility that not only rests on the shoulders of educators, but also falls on parents.
Sadly, surveys show that only half of parents read to their kids daily and less than 10% of parents read to their children from infancy.
Reading aloud is a great way of connecting with little ones. Along with the benefit of spending regular time with your children, this activity supports healthy brain development that forms a priceless foundation for success at school and on the journey of life.
Which toddler doesn’t love sitting on his/her parent’s lap and hearing that beloved voice reading aloud to him/her?
Uitenhage Library – reading aloud outreach
Understanding the importance of reading are the staff of Uitenhage Library. Participating in World Read Aloud Day, Nadine Stroebel, Uitenhage librarian assistant at the children’s section, will be at Caledon Preparatory School, reading aloud the story “Where Are You” from the Nal’ibali programme. She will be reading for the Grade R to Grade 3 learners.
“We advocate reading, as reading is of utmost importance especially for the foundation phase. Reading gives the children confidence and improves their marks at school,” said Nompumelelo Ngcoko,
“Reading is a way of life, we have to encourage it.”
Magic read aloud box sets
Read Education Trust is all too aware of the power of literacy and has Read Aloud Magic Box sets which are vital in encouraging reading aloud. Each of the three box sets contains 12 beautifully designed books filled with enchanting adventure-filled stories set in Africa. It is a priceless investment in spending quality time with little ones.
These sets are available online at www.thereadshop.co.za and all profits are ploughed back into promoting literacy.
