A study in the journal Pediatrics has concluded that children who have limited vocabulary and language skills at age 5 are more likely to have lower literacy levels in adulthood. However, the study also found that adults who overcame this childhood language deficit were most often those who were read to by their parents. "Our study suggests that reading to a child might also have long-term beneficial effects," [Dr. Ingrid Schoon] said.
"Without attempts in improving the socioeconomic and housing conditions, as well as the literacy environment experienced by the child during the early years," the researchers write, "the likelihood of success in improving language and literacy skills may be diminished."
Yet another reason why early literacy is so very important!
What are your thoughts?