Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Marianne Williamson draws overflow crowd ... Ashland drinking water supplies free of lead contamination ... AMS students to volunteer at food bank ... Marianne Williamson draws overflow crowd ... Ashland drinking water supplies free of lead contamination ... AMS students to volunteer at food bank ... OUR VIEW Our View: Read to your kids Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Feb. 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Feb. 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News The results of a state assessment of children entering kindergarten have been released, and it's no surprise that the 187 Ashland students tested exceeded state averages for early math and literacy skills. But unlike the statewide assessments administered to older children, this one is not a reflection of school quality or teacher competence; more than anything, it measures parental involvement. Again, it's to be expected that many Ashland children entering kindergarten arrive knowing letter names and sounds. Ashland residents are more likely to be affluent and educated than residents of some other communities. But even here, some children start kindergarten not knowing letter names and sounds. The good news is, giving children a solid preparation for kindergarten is as easy as picking up a book and reading to them. And books are free with a library card. Neurological research shows that reading aloud actually "turns on" brain cells in babies and toddlers, and creates new cells as well. And reading stimulates language development even in children who are not yet talking. Research shows the more words parents use in speaking to children at the age of 8 months, the larger the child's vocabulary at age 3. And the benefits are not limited to language. Stories about people interacting with each other foster social growth, and being read to teaches children to listen — very important when they enter school. So if you have small children at home, grab a book. They — and their teachers — will thank you. DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Feb. 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501