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OpinionGUEST COMMENTARY - Read to a child todayIn the vivid aftermath of September 11 that prompted the rearrangement of American priorities, many of us are wondering how can we use our gifts, our volunteer time and our financial resources to make the world a better place. Recent research has confirmed that reading to children is the keystone for academic and life success. The development of early language and pre-reading skills is extremely critical. Assuring that our preschool age children are provided with stimulating activities that help them develop strong language skills is of utmost importance to the future or our communities. We have 330,000 children under age five in Minnesota. Unfortunately, nearly one out of five of them have the added challenge of being a member of a ìworking poorî family, according to the Childrenís Defense Fund. We must work together to give these special little ones and their families the best opportunities possible. Efforts like the Federal ìNo Child Left Behindî Act of 2001, Laura Bushís ìReady to Read, Ready to Learnî Initiative, Minnesotaís ìNo Better Timeî Project and those of many local organizations will make a big difference. There is also a multitude of other resources waiting to be mobilized through private donations of money or time, resources that will increase the availability and quality of local childcare and better prepare children for learning and life. So if you are still seriously searching for a way to make the world a better place, you will find comfort knowing that opportunities exist everywhere. Simply find a book and a child. Kathy Gaalswyk, President ©ECM Post Review |