Literacy involves materials that humans use to communicate – be they visual, written, spoken, sung, and/or drawn. Definitions vary according to culture, personal values, and theories.
In its simplest form Literacy means the ability to read and write. UNESCO further goes on to explain literacy as a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.
Lack of access to reading material and textbooks are two of the main reasons that 78% of South African children still cannot read for meaning. Furthermore 80% of kids, between the ages of 9 and 10 year’s old, have not mastered basic reading skills. This simply means that literacy should be taught to kids much earlier in their early childhood development.
Research has also revealed that children between the ages of 3-5, who had regular engagement in literacy through their parents have supported good literacy outcomes. Daily reading to young children improves schooling outcomes, regardless of family background and home environment.
Books such as Spot from Penguin Random House SA, that have been around for over 40 years play such a big role in introducing young children to reading and thus improving their overall literacy outcomes. Also, Spot is a great introductory book to young kids as it is both full of beautiful illustrations and one-line sentences that make it easy to read.
The partnership between Penguin and Van Schaik has fostered a meaningful contribution in the book and literacy space. Having experience that spans over a century Van Schaik was a likely partner that has been servicing the educational industry, with the know how off communicating to their different customer base.
Head on down to Van Schaik or simply visit www.vanschaik.com for more on books that can help improve your child’s literacy development.