English

One of the most important predictors of graduating from high school is reading proficiently by the end of third grade. Reading is the most crucial academic skill because it is the foundation for learning.

Schools have put their emphasis on academic reading and functional reading and abandoned the idea of trying to turn kids on to the kinds of reading we want them to do 10 and 20 and 30 years from now—and that’s recreational reading.

Adults who read regularly are much more involved in their communities and civic life generally. This means creating a culture of recreational reading and reading out of curiosity rather than only reading to learn or following directions. Half of student reading time will be for non-academic reasons. Classes will have quiet time for reading, books will be available in the classroom or Literacy Center, and teachers will model reading for enjoyment as well.

Public speaking is cited as one of America’s greatest fears. Yet strong public presentation skills are valued as one of the critical and most desirable strengths in any successful student or professional.

As with any skill, public presentation and speaking skills must be taught and practiced. The introduction of these skills to our youngest students allows them to meet the challenge associated with speaking publicly from an early age, instilling children with the increased confidence that leads to success.

A core curriculum that emphasizes public presentation skills teaches that creativity makes for memorable presentations; smooth transitions, the right tone, appropriate presentation speed and length, and body language and eye contact all contribute to an effective presentation; and visual enhancements make a good presentation even better. When public presentations are emphasized in school, even the youngest students acquire improved communication skills, increased self-esteem, planning and preparation experience, and the power of persuasion.

Learning how to write isn’t just about developing writing skills. It’s also a way of training the mind to think. The connection between writing skills and success in other areas has been studied by many education scholars.

Whether they are writing an argumentative essay or composing a story, students’ ability to express themselves in written language will help them express themselves in general.

Writing exercises provide a structure through which students think through what they want to say and how they want to say it. Their increased capacity to do this in writing will make them better communicators in general.

Childhood education researchers have found associations between writing skill development in elementary school and overall academic performance. According to one such expert:

Kids need to start writing early because writing helps to cultivate emotional growth, develop critical thinking skills and improve school performance.