Here's Why all Hands-on-Deck Will Make a Difference this School Year!
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By Katelyn Fry
September 5, 2017
According to a new study by researchers at University of Washington, reading and writing outside of the classroom can “lead [kids] to life-long habits that foster success.”
Researchers examined two cohorts of children ranging in grade levels one through seven, with 241 participating families over a five year period. Every year, the parents were given a questionnaire focused on three areas: how their child feels about reading and writing; their daily home activities (reading, writing, watching television, playing, etc.); and the kind of help the parents offer their children in support of their schoolwork.
The researchers found that chikldren who demonstrated a lack of focus, or ability to set goals at home, had a lower academic achievement rate. Meanwhile, students whose parents actively engaged them in reading and writing at home were developing critical study skills like time management and impulse control.
Children who don’t practice literacy skills at home tend to face a learning gap in the classroom. “It becomes very apparent that if you don’t have a collaborative effort…that gap is always going to be there,” says Nicole Alston-Abel, Federal Way Public Schools psychologist and lead researcher on the study.
Immediate and Long-Term Success
Encouraging reading and writing at home not only benefits kids academically today but in the long-term as well. As Alston-Abel explains, “People who are good students tend to become good employees by being on time and putting forward their best work. All of the things that make you a good student also make you a good employee.”
Aunts can help lead the way to that success. Researchers suggest engaging kids in writing activities ranging from keeping a journal, to writing a story to a family member, or even writing an e-mail or thank you note can help. Become pen-pals with your nieces and nephews and start writing letters to each other, helping to develop their literacy skills. Incorporate story time during each of your visits, or play games that require spelling and writing like Hangman or Scrabble, and with older kids, try working on crossword puzzles together.
“Academic success is an all-hands-on-deck enterprise,” says Alston-Abel. “Teacher, parent…student [and aunts!] all have a part to play.”
Photo: TatyanaGl