Reading is incredibly important for the development of every child; first to third graders in particular! During the pandemic, physical distancing meant that many of the usual reading opportunities and activities were limited, making it even more important for parents to find ways for their children to develop their reading skills, a challenging task at best.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of acknowledging the need to develop reading strategies and coping skills, and the long-term effects that the pandemic has had on the reading abilities of first to third graders.
First and foremost, reading is a fundamental skill for all children, and one that can greatly improve their academic performance. Studies have shown that early reading skills are linked to higher test scores in later grades. Reading books also helps children develop their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking skills, all of which are important for success in school and later in life. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the development of reading skills in many children as evidenced by the low reading scores which currently plague our school system.
After long periods of remote learning, it has become clear that it is challenging for kids to keep up with their reading assignments, or to find the motivation to read. This has led to a decline in their reading abilities, which can have a long-term negative effect on their academic performance and earning potential.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help children’s literacy skills. Parents can enlist the aid of a tutoring reading program that can provide instruction in phonics, comprehension, and decoding skills. Small group instruction offered by the Reading Academy can awaken the interests and joys of reading. Parents can also encourage children to read by providing access to books and other materials, setting aside time for reading, and providing incentives for completing reading tasks.
The pandemic has made it more difficult for kids to develop their reading skills, but with a little bit of effort and support from The Reading Academy, we can help them stay on track and continue to learn and grow.