The Simple Way Scotland Will Promote Literacy Before Kids Learn to Read
Puppet shows, teddy-bear picnics, and watercolor sessions. Those looking to simultaneously teach and entertain little ones in Scotland can head to their local library for educational activities that go beyond hushed book checkouts and free Wi-Fi access.
That’s why Scotland has established a program in which every child will automatically receive a library membership, The National reported Wednesday. Helmed by parliament member Nicola Sturgeon, the program aims to foster literacy from a young age.
“Our libraries are often the hub of a local community—providing vital access to information and resources that people would otherwise not have,” said Sturgeon.
The yearlong pilot project begins in September, with different libraries trying out a variety of enrollment schemes, including cards issued at birth, at three to four years, or when kids enter their first year of primary school. Libraries will work with schools and communities to encourage kids to use the resources available to them.
Children who don’t own or have access to books, computers, or newspapers are more likely to have below-average reading and writing levels, according to a 2009 study on literacy in the U.K.
Literacy standards in Scotland have dropped in recent years, with 78 percent of students in their fourth year of primary school performing “well” or “very well” in 2014, down from 83 percent in 2012, according to the Scottish Survey of Literacy. Thirteen- and 14-year-olds living in deprived areas were the most affected by the drop in literacy. Not only were their rates 22 percent lower than those living in the least-deprived areas, but reading proficiency levels dropped from 75 percent in 2012 to 68 percent in 2014.
As increased access to resources promote education, library visits also help nurture a love of reading. Twenty percent of U.K. kids ages four to 11 reported that trips to the library made them want to read the most, according to a 2012 study from the Reading Agency. Less than 2 percent of kids said having a book available on an iPad or Kindle made them the most excited to read.
“Libraries can empower communities,” said Sturgeon. “Access to books and learning materials will help us to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get excited about reading.”
Related stories on TakePart:
• Why Little Free Libraries Are the Water Coolers of the Digital Age
• ‘Reading Rainbow’ Hits the Jackpot, but We Need to Go Twice as High to Fix Illiteracy
Original article from TakePart
