(6/13/98 Baltimore AFRO-American Newspaper)
by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
"Many things that we need we can wait for . . . but not for the children. Now is the moment in which their bones are formed, their intellect developed, and their social and emotional well being established. We cannot answer them tomorrow. We have to answer them today." --Gabriella Mistral
When I visit elementary schools to speak with teachers and principals, I often ask what I can do to help. They all echo the same sentiment, "encourage parents to prepare their children for school." Experts suggest that we teach our children as much as possible before they enter school. If youngsters receive more at home preparation, they are more likely to enter school with finer skill and greater confidence. That skill and confidence usually translate into better behavior due to less anxiety, and better overall performance. As parents we must seize each opportunity to teach. For example, when your child identifies a cat, ask him or her what color is the cat?
As a father, I am fully aware of the fact that a child’s learning experiences begin at conception. Many of us assume that a child’s education begins when he or she enrolls in school, be it preschool or elementary. We now know that babies listen and respond to our voices and sounds in the womb. They are able to distinguish smells, textures and family members shortly after birth. Our role as parents is crucial as a child’s first and most important teacher.
Many of us are unaware of how we can best prepare ourselves for our role as instructor. We should be aware that during this critical period, connections are being made in a baby’s brain that form the foundation for cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Most people think that a child’s use of language begins when they utter their first words. However, research shows that by their sixth month, infants are well on their way to "cracking the language code." Early education is a critical first step on the long road to success in school.
Preschoolers need good nutrition and strong parental interaction as they begin their young and tender lives. Throughout the early learning years, we can do many simple things to help our children grow, develop, and acquire an appreciation for learning. During their first three years, children learn more quickly than at any other time in their lives. Programs that encourage language development, intellectual growth, social and motor skills, and strengthen the parent-child relationship are essential.
A child’s sense of self begins with the smallest of accomplishments such as crawling, walking, and talking. As parents, we must take notice of these developmental steps and marvel along with the child at their newly found ability. Children are excited about the world around them. It is our duty to ensure that their world is filled with comfort, encouragement, and love.
Experts from various national programs suggest the following techniques to better prepare our children for school. First, we can encourage our children to view education as a priority by visiting a school with them long before they are enrolled. Read to your child aloud for 15 minutes daily. This provides them with a chance to learn about language, enjoy the sound of your voice and become closer to you. Establish high standards for them and encourage them to try new things. Listen to your child talk. Learn how his or her mind works. Teach by example. Read in the presence of your child and be generous with praise. Compliments go along way.
Teach your child a lullaby or a nursery rhyme. Teach them to dance or to sing a song. All of these activities will give them the self confidence and reassurance that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Parents should encourage their children to recognize shapes and colors, tell stories, follow directions, and solve logical problems. Teach your child their ABC’s, their colors and how to count. Press them in a fun and loving way to out perform themselves each time they recite to you. Reward their initiative and encourage them to read aloud to you.
The U.S. Department of Education recently issued a report that concluded that children do better academically when their fathers are involved in their schools. Both parents are needed to contribute to the educational efforts of their children. As fathers we often rely on our children’s mothers to be most influential in the arena of early childhood education. Studies show that the father’s role is equally important.
There is no question that our children are able. Rather, the question is, "are they prepared?" It doesn’t take a lot of money and formal education to give children a rich experience at home. Home is where they can get a head start.
-The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings represents the 7th Congressional District of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives.