Reading Daily Helps Boost Your Child's Language Proficiency and Schooling Outcomes - December 2024

Parents, does your child read often? Reading can help in building language proficiency, and the best way to improve your child’s language skills is for them to pick up reading. After the first three years of primary schooling, on average 4% of students do not have mastery of English. Even at the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) level, English remains the most challenging subject for students to tackle, said Education deputy director-general Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim. The issue of low literacy in English among Malaysian students is still a pressing matter. However, to improve on literacy requires a solid foundation in language comprehension. One of the most important elements in literacy development is reading, as it provides enjoyment and an opportunity to gain knowledge. Reading also improves on one’s aspects of language skills, such as it allows you to improve writing, speaking, and even listening skills. Young children who read daily can improve their schooling outcomes regardless of family background or home environment, said Dr Habibah. Thus not only does having a good grasp of English open up doors to many opportunities, it also helps in academics. Starting this year, there will no longer be Literacy and Numeracy Screening (Linus) programme in schools. Instead, schools will conduct their own screening methods, and adapt to suit the needs of their students. The Education Ministry is moving towards greater autonomy and accountability in schools. However, schools and teachers also need support, and it is important to have interventions aimed at building teacher capabilities and improving the support system, said Dr Habibah when at the launch of the Selangor Literacy Project 2019. This project will impact up to 3,000 students across six primary schools. (Image Credit: The Star) Enrich Your Language Through Stories The project is run by British Council in collaboration with the ministry and funded by HSBC. The programme will run for six months, and is aimed at creating a love for reading among children, according to The Star. This project will impact up to 3,000 students across six primary schools, which are SK Desa Putra, SK Jenderam Hilir, SK Beranang, SK Kampung Rinching, SK Ulu Semenyih, and SJK (T) Ladang Semenyih. 32 teachers from these schools will be given monthly training workshops. There will also be storybooks from the UK being placed in the schools’ libraries, as well as community events based around reading and learning English. Stories and reading are the foundation of education, and it helps to develop the mind along with presenting a window to the world. It also develops critical thinking and global citizenship skills that are important in the 21st century, said Sarah Deverall, director of British Council (Malaysia). Furthermore, stories and songs are an excellent way for parents and children to learn and bond together. Spending time on such activities with your children can create happy long-lasting memories. Thus, parents and children can encourage each other to read more at home. For more information about parenting and family, please visit Motherhood.com.my.

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