Read to your kid everyday

I was listening to the recent This American Life episode on how an
organization run by Jeff Canada has taken a new - long position - at
solving the cycle of disenfranchised children who grow up to be
disenfranchised adults. The organization's aim is to make sure all of
the 10000 children in Harlem graduate high school and go to college.

 At the center of this mammoth and seemingly complex vision is a very
simple concept - parents need to read to their kids every night and
specially from age zero to three.

 We read to our son Jaisal from time to time. I look at it as more of a
form of distraction and thought of it as our focused time with Jaisal.
 It seems reading this early, increases a childs language learning
ability and is directly related to interpersonal skill development as
well as their later success in school.
Jaisal's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. My wife and I
have been discussing ways to make it the most memorable and special
1st birthday a child can have.
After listening to the story of Jeff Canada's organization, I think
the best gift for Jaisal would be our renewed commitment to read every
night.

 --Mayank

Posted via email from Mayank Misra