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I was listening to the recent This American Life episode on how an organization run by Jeff Canada has taken a new - long position - at solving the cycle of disenfranchised children who grow up to be disenfranchised adults. The organization's aim is to make sure all of the 10000 children in Harlem graduate high school and go to college. At the center of this mammoth and seemingly complex vision is a very simple concept - parents need to read to their kids every night and especially from age zero to three.
We read to our son Jaisal from time to time. I look at it as more of a form of distraction and thought of it as our focused time with Jaisal. It seems reading this early, increases a childs language learning ability and is directly related to interpersonal skill development as well as their later success in school.
Jaisal's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. My wife and I have been discussing ways to make it the most memorable and special 1st birthday a child can have. After listening to the story of Jeff Canada's organization, I think the best gift we can give Jaisal would be our renewed commitment to read for him every night.
--Mayank
