Reading is fundamental
Photo courtesy of the National PTA
In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, March is designated as National Reading Month.
A month to motivate Americans of all ages to read every day. Reading is fun and has many benefits, regardless of your age. It's a key component of education and professional development. It also has immediate and long-lasting health benefits such as increased cognitive function, memory, vocabulary, empathy and decreased levels of stress.
Studies show Just like going for a jog exercises your cardiovascular system, reading regularly improves memory function by giving your brain a good workout. Reading books about different people, places and experiences is critical to healthy child development and should be a priority, particularly in early literacy.
A parent’s understanding of each element at play in their child’s school reading life will support their personal growth, and their advocacy can serve the greater student community. Literacy is an essential life skill. Of all the gifts we give our children, knowing how to read is the one that provides the foundation for the rest of their lives.