Welcome

Inspiring children to learn to read joyfully and easily is at the heart of Proud to Read website.

At Proud to Read we know for sure that all children are eager to learn to read when they start school. As parents and early childhood practitioners we can ensure every child gets that wonderful wish.

We also know how hurtful well-meaning labels such as, ‘reluctant’ or ‘slow’, are to children when they experience problems with reading at school. We should prevent them at all costs!

We can prevent these labels by being mindful of the sequences in the process of reading that children need to go through to prepare for literacy instruction at school.

The key aim of Proud to Read is to highlight the important role early childhood development plays in shaping future readers and writers.

We seek to connect with parents and educators through online discussions, school visits, practical, ‘hands-on’ workshops, with tried and tested literacy tips. So as to inspire all the important adults to make the nurturing of literacy fit into all day-to-day events, with:

  • Fun activities and games to help children develop well and nurture literacy
  • Books, for all ages and stages, to help children discover the vast delight and satisfaction in reading
  • Learning toys to encourage preschool children to learn while they play

Why?

Literacy really needs our help.

Reading is the most important educational skill children need to master during the first three years of primary schooling.

Dedicated and committed teachers do sterling work educating our future generations. In spite of this, and in spite of the fact that we today have better understanding of the process of reading as a result of decades of research:

  • A growing number of children finish grade three with reading skills below the prescribed levels; and
  • Too many school leavers’ final comprehension and reading scores come short of the expected literacy outcomes.

This shows that children and teachers need our support.

How?

How can we give literacy the boost it needs? Research tells us that the process of literacy begins at birth.

So, as mums, dads, aunts, uncles, teachers and all the adults who care for young children we can make nurturing of literacy a natural part of our lives:

  • We can all ensure the literacy journey always feels like a wonderful adventure in the life of babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in the early grades of school;
  • Nurture the love of reading; and
  • Give children opportunities to engage in play.

The sooner we start the more we can help.

What?

What do children need to learn to read?

Children need to do what they love doing best: communicate, interact, play, move, dream, explore, discover and learn.

Literacy, the ability to read, write, and spell, is the sum of many parts. It is so much more than letters and sounds in books, as it encompasses:

  • Emotional, social, physical, cognitive maturation of children
  • The ability to speak and understand the language of instruction at school.

Children progressively develop in these areas throughout the first five formative years. Like learning to ride a bike, the process of learning to read develops in sequences.

When?

When is the best time to nurture literacy?

Every day, by making it a natural way of life. Children are always learning many invaluable skills through natural daily routines.

Proud to Read is about helping children develop and hone the many sets of skills they need for success. Always being aware how these skills make children more capable of reading and writing in the years to come.

Sequences are important in the process of reading. Each one builds on the one that came before and prepares children for the one that follows.

We can all give children the gift of reading, starting today!