[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the world marks Father’s Day today we deem it as an opportunity as a Literary Foundation to wish all fathers around the globe happy celebration and to highlight on one or two things as far as teaching the child how to read is concerned.
In Proverbs 22:6 the Holy Bible captured “Train up a child the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” So in what ways are you training up your child?
Though it is true that, almost any man can father a child but then, it is highly evident there are so much more to the important roles of being a Dad in a child’s life.
This is because,fathers as the head of families are very central to the emotional well-being of their children.They are capable caretakers and [ads1]disciplinarians.
Studies have shown before women/mothers that, if your child’s father is affectionate, supportive, and involved,he can contribute greatly to your child’s cognitive, language, social development, as well as academic achievement, a strong inner core resource, sense of well-being, good self-esteem and authenticity.
So it is therefore a fact that, any father who refuses to show the above attributes denies the child very very important qualities needed for a smoother life journey.
On the other hand, fathers in general are supposed to influence our relationships. This is because,a child’s primary relationship with his/her father can affect all of the child’s relationships from birth to death,including those with friends, lovers, and spouses etc.
Those early patterns of interaction with fathers are the very patterns that will be projected forward into all relationships.
Fathers must be reminded of the fact that,not only your child’s intrinsic idea of who he/she is as he/she relates to others, but also, the range of what your child considers acceptable and loving.
As a father what foundation have you laid down for your child or children as far as reading and love for books are concerned?You are expecting them to become very prominent people in society right?
Books are considered not only the best friend of a child but are also gifts of learning that can enrich and improve one’s lives.
Good reading habits are a source of knowledge and learning.
Against this background, inculcating good reading and learning habits in children has always been a concern for all stakeholders in the education field world over.
Reading is a means of language acquisition, communication,sharing information and ideas.
Like all languages,it is a complex interaction between the text and the reader which is shaped by the reader’s prior knowledge,experiences, attitude and language community which is culturally and socially situated.
The reading process requires continuous practice,development and refinement.
As a father,when was the last time you read a book to your child or children? Hahahahaha don’t think far!
Reading to your child will help you to develop stronger bond with them,they will gain basic speech skills and academic excellence.
The children their parents read to and who again read on their own have a better communication skills,think more logically and they embrace new experiences.
They are able to concentrate for longer periods of time and they have discipline.So it is best for children to learn at younger age that,reading is fun.
As a father, when was the last time you read a book to your child or children? Hahahahaha don’t think far!
Reading to your child will help you to develop stronger bond with them,they will gain basic speech skills and academic excellence.
The children their parents read to and who again read on their own have a better communication skills,think more logically and they embrace new experiences.
They are able to concentrate for longer periods of time and they have discipline. So it is best for children to learn at younger age that, reading is fun.
Again,as a father when was the last time you bought an interesting story book for your child?It is not too late you can even start from tomorrow.
In our country today,majority of our school pupils cannot read and understand English and this is really affecting their academic works.
Some are of the misconception that, schools are responsible for literacy but then the fact remains that,a broad range of actors shape literacy development, from parents,peers to health services etc.
As a foundation, it is important to recognize fathers for being there,and actively teaching important life skills to children.
We say, Thank You, job well done.” for ensuring the health and well-being of your children,that future generation to be.
But then,we are quick to add that, fathers must do well to help their children as far as reading is concerned to enable them have a very bright future.
A child who reads will eventually become an adult who thinks.
Let us all do well to sweep away the saying that, if you want to hide something from a black man then put it in a book.
Happy Happy Father’s Day Celebration.Congratulations fathers!
God bless our home land Ghana.
Long Live all Literacy NGOs in Ghana.
Signed.
Mathias Tulasi
Chief Executive Director/Founder.
0200255295
Hon Dela Borluvie
Deputy Executive Director
0206082644
Rose Letsu
Executive Secretary
0245028527
