Share the joy: Parent-child stories serve a valuable purpose

There are lots of people talking about how to make our schools better — and how to help our students score higher on standardized tests.

We worry about the quality of education our children are receiving, and then we look for a reason that some of them seem just not to be interested in bettering their skills and others simply can’t keep up.

And some of us really would like to know exactly what the best way is to prepare a student not only for school, but success.

Enter Larry Dean, principal of Greenwood Middle School.

When asked what one thing parents could do to improve the success of their children’s school experience — and to set them on the right path in their future education — he gave an answer without hesitation.

“Read with them and to them,” he said.

And since this is a time period when Wayne County residents are supposed to be thinking about reading as we celebrate Wayne County Reads — what better time to offer that same experience to our children.

So, let’s experiment. During the next couple of months, take the time to share a book with your child if you don’t already. And if you need some help picking out the right one, head down to the Wayne County Library. Jane Rustin and her staff will be more than happy to help you choose the perfect parent-child story.

Often during our busy days, experiences like reading with our children get set aside for a later that never really comes. But Mr. Dean is right, the best way to set the path for future knowledge is modeling the importance and joy of reading.

So, read “Night,” the current Wayne County Reads selection, over the next few weeks, but also take the time to enjoy “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “Green Eggs and Ham” with your child.

You will give your children a gift that will last a whole lot longer than the latest Xbox 360 game.

Published in Editorials on January 28, 2006 11:11 PM