Dear Sir,

You report Becky Ausenda commenting “… highlighted research showing that early language and literacy experiences significantly influence overall student outcomes”.

Having had 59 years experiences dealing with all aspects of optometry, I have encountered and dealt with many children and their learning problems.

Before addressing those problems, parents need to accept the early responsibility of educating their children. It starts from the time the child is born, even though the baby does not comprehend, talking to and reading while cuddling the child is so important.

I read to my three sons and my four grandchildren and by the time they were two years old if I changed the story, they corrected me — by the time they were three, they were able to read basic words and by the time they went to school, they were reading. (One grandson had read all of the Harry Potter books before the age of seven.)

Start off reading for just a few minutes before bed every evening, expanding to at least ten minutes as the children get older. Both parents need to do this. This exercise creates a bond between the child and parent.

If reading at the correct distance, the child will not experience eye fatigue and discomfort. Should the child get “down” on the book, eye fatigue sets in, it will be put aside. The correct distance for both reading and writing is the Harmon distance.

To determine this distance, place the closed fist under the chin and the elbow on the book or writing surface. I challenge anyone to go into a classroom and more than 60 per cent of the pupils will have both elbows on the desk and their heads will be a few inches (if that) from the paper.

Once the child has acquired these reading skills, all of the other subjects can be learned readily.

As one of my teachers told me many years ago, once the basics are acquired, the rest comes easily.

Parents have to take their responsibility and a child’s greatest teachers are their parents. I have had many parents tell me they do not have the time but my answer was “you must make the time” otherwise your child will lose out.

ANTONY SIESE

Paget