It is no secret that parent involvement in early childhood education can be a pivotal factor in a child’s academic success, especially early literacy. In fact, research shows that children’s reading achievement, vocabulary, and comprehension skills improve when their parents read to them.
While the benefits of reading together and modeling the joys of reading may be common knowledge in early literacy circles, a new study published by the UK’s National Literacy Trust shows a widening gap between the reading habits of mothers versus fathers. The National Literacy Trust surveyed 21,000 8- to 16-year-olds from nearly 130 schools in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. One of the revealing trends indicates that fathers’ involvement in reading and literacy is significantly less than mothers and continues to decline.
Highlights of the National Literacy Trust survey
- One-third of dads are never seen reading by their children versus one in seven mothers.
- Fewer dads than mothers encourage their children to read (66 percent versus 8 percent)
- Below average readers are four times more likely to say that their father doesn’t encourage them to read
Involving the Digital Dad (and Mom!)
At Kindermusik, we know the importance of family involvement in education, which is why mothers and fathers participate in every step of the learning process. So, whether enrolled in Kindermusik, ABC Music & Me, or ABC English & Me, family involvement in early childhood education remains a cornerstone of the Kindermusik experience. Our curricula always include materials for families to use together at home, where a child learns best.
As part of our on-going commitment to giving a child a good beginning that never ends, we continue to look for ways to include the latest technology in fun, age-appropriate, and family-friendly ways. Now, more than ever, we make it easy for parents—moms and dads—to actively support their child’s learning through Kindermusik@Home. With Kindermusik@Home, families enrolled in Kindermusik classes —our music classes for toddlers, babies, big kids, and families—receive access to their favorite Kindermusik songs and activities, music, e-books, and lyrics and more in a green-friendly digital format from a smart phone, iPad, tablet, laptop, or computer. Dads and moms love the convenience of Kindermusik on the go!