Pediatricians, Common Core and the Meaning of “Pushing” Early Childhood Literacy
Be careful using the word “push” when it comes to reading. There is always the fear that Common Core State Standards are behind it.
A recent Memphis Commercial Appeal had an Op Ed entitled “Pediatricians Push Early Childhood Literacy.” They were referring to the American Association of Pediatricians (AAP) recommendation that pediatricians should remind parents to read, talk, sing, and play, et cetera, to prepare their very young children to read. Of course, the first three years of development are important.
Actually, every year of development is important, and if your child still isn’t fluently reading in third grade, please do not give up. There is always hope. Children in Finland don’t start school until third grade if you want some perspective. They have one of the best educational systems in the world.
But this article jumped out at me because of the word push. Push can be defined as “exerting force.” Or it could be “vigorous effort.” Vigorous rhymes with “rigorous” and…well you know what I am getting at.
To be honest, the CA article itself winds up being more about encouraging parents to read picture books and even says, “Above all, they [parents] should make sure that reading together is an enjoyable experience.” So maybe it was entirely the problem of the paper and a poorly conceived title. Still, I couldn’t get the word push out of my noggin.
And then I see the banner they are rolling out to hang outside the pediatrician’s office Pediatricians, Common Core and the Meaning of “Pushing” Early Childhood Literacy: