Did You Know…The Single Most Important Factor that Influences a Child’s Early School Success-YOU!

I always find this piece of information fascinating. The research actually says more specifically that this includes having books in the home and having someone read those books to them. As parents, of course we want to make sure our children are ready for school and have the skills they need to be successful. We might feel that using the newest early learning apps to help them recognize their ABC’s or having some preschool workbooks that help them start tracing their letters are some good first steps.

But research is clear and the solution is simple. The single most important thing that you can do as a parent to get your child ready for school is to have books in your house and to read them to your child. Sounds too good to be true right?

One step that you can take to make this happen, is to have a lot of books in your home that are appropriate to your child’s age and interests. Have them available in every room. We kept a couple of books in each area they spent time in. We had some in the kitchen as we were preparing meals. We had some waterproof ones in the bathroom for use while they were in the tub or sitting on the potty. We had a milk crate with many different books in their bedroom. They always had several on their bed (wrapped up in the covers and sometimes even under the bed). And of course we had a book shelf with books where their toys were.

One favorite memory is “magically” being able to read to them while we were in the car. We had books in the car (sometimes too many-what a mess!). Because they asked to have books read over and over, I began to have them memorized. To this day I can remember the words to Good Night Moon and Pat the Bunny! As they pulled out a book, sometimes I would “read” it to them while they turned the pages. Other times, I would ask them to “read” it to me by telling me what was on the pages.

Another step that you can take is to make books a part of your daily routine. The more books are woven throughout their day, the more their love of learning will grow.

One example that I remember was reading at mealtime. Sometimes I would use this as a tool to keep all of them at the table and sometimes I would use this as a way to have conversation, asking questions on each of the pages. Another idea is having some books available when we were on the go, such as at the grocery store. I always kept a few books available in my purse or the diaper bag for use while shopping or out running errands. It was a great way to keep a conversation going and to keep them occupied while I crossed items off my list!

As I reflect on this research, that seems too easy and simple, I am reminded that the Bible also tells us in Proverbs 22:6 that we should “start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This seems applicable to this research on our important role in their future education.

As parents our role in our child’s school success is critical, from a research and Biblical perspective. While the ideas I shared here seem simple, the fact is, your life as a parent is not always that simple. It can be complicated and unpredictable. I would love to pray for you and for your time with your children.

Dear God, thank you for Your words of wisdom in Proverbs about the important role you have given us as parents. Thank you for the research that reminds us that we can play such a big part in our children’s school readiness. God, we just ask that you might help us to find times throughout the day, in our every day moments to share books and to read with our children. Please make those brief moments ones that will make a lasting impact on them. We love you. Amen.

If you would like more ideas for your baby or have a question about development and what to expect, I would be honored to support you with information. Please reach out to me and let me know.

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Also be on the lookout for my next blog which will focus on playing and praying in the every day moments while talking with your child.