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An international study from An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development analysis has found that children who are read to frequently by their parents in their first year of school, still show the benefit when they are 15 years old.
Teenagers in 14 developed countries formed the OECD analysis, which found that on average those parents who had encouraged shared reading, were six months ahead in reading levels at 15.
The study also revealed that it is these children that go on to achieve better exam results at the end of secondary school as a result of encouragement by parents and involvement in family activities.
Whilst it was reported that it was parent and child reading that was the greatest enhancer on school performance, family activities such as singing, eating meals together, and discussing stories and goings on in their day also had a positive effect on their academia.
The research also highlighted that fears many parents shared about their lack of skills or doubts over their own education, does not influence the benefit their involvement can have.
It was found that how regularly parents read with their children, and their ability to discuss what they were reading together that was more pertinent than specialist knowledge or unlimited hours.
It is thought that the findings of this research will be welcomed warmly by parents who will appreciate that developing their children’s literacy does not require boundless hours, specialist knowledge or the latest school books, but is instead down to a small daily dose of interaction, support and encouragement that will provide the benefits.
Image Credit: peapodsquadmom @ Flickr