When the Department of Education’s Every-Child-A-Reader Program (ECARP) was conceived and implemented nationwide in 2004, the department’s good impression in the eyes of the public has been boosted up, reaffirming the integrity of the DepEd personnel to handle satisfactorily the duties and responsibilities that people entrusted them.

        This is because ECARP has been regarded by DepEd not just a mere program but an advocacy that must be taken seriously and be accorded with remarkable results. The program, according to every DepEd personnel, is a key reform initiative considering that reading is an indispensable tool for learning.

        True enough, DepEd has been taking appropriate and major actions and projects if only to support and see that ECARP as a working and a breathing advocacy effectively ensuring every elementary pupil learns to read by Grade 3.

        Among those supporting projects was the Search for Outstanding Reading Teachers (SORT) wherein the Department awarded P150,000 to the winners for their noteworthy contribution in improving reading efficiency among elementary students.

        The search named three national finalists who were awarded cash incentives of P75,000 for the Grand National winner, P50,000 for the first runner-up and P25,000 for the second runner-up.

        Everybody in the community needs to believe that the program is indeed an advocacy because everybody in the community should take part in this major undertaking for the young ones who are regarded as the future of the civilization.

        One of the most influential and effective educators of the children are their parents who live, learn and grow up with them.

        There are simple and happy ways that can make parents effective in helping their young ones to get into reading and develop a reading habit. Consider this:

• You are your child’s greatest role model. Demonstrate your own love of reading by spending quiet time in which your child observes you reading to yourself. Show your child how reading and writing help you get things done every day.

• Encourage your child’s effort to talk with you. Make connections. Tell them stories or poems, and describe the world around them to expose them to words. Name things.

• Try to read aloud to your children for 30 minutes daily beginning when they are infants. Ask caring adults to be your children’s daily reader when you are unavailable.

• Have your child’s eyesight and hearing tested early and annually. If you suspect your child may have a disability, seek help.

• Seek out child care providers who spend time talking with and reading to your child, who make trips to the library and who designate a special reading area for children.

• Ask your child’s teacher for an assessment of your child’s reading level, an explanation of the approach the teacher is taking to develop reading and literacy skills, and ways in which you can bolster your child’s literacy skills at home.

• Limit the amount and kind of television show/program your children watch. Seek out educational television or videos.

• Set up a special place for reading and writing in your home. A well-lit reading corner filled with lots of good books can become a child’s favourite place.

• Visit the public library often to spark your child’s interest in books. Help your children obtain their own library cards and pick out their own books.

• If your own reading skills are limited, consider joining a family literacy program. Ask a librarian for picture books that you can share with your child by talking about the pictures. Tell family stories or favourite folktales to your children.

• Consider giving books or magazines to children as presents or as a recognition of special achievements. Special occasions, such as birthdays or holidays, can be perfect opportunity to give a child a new book.

• Connect your children with their grandparents. Encourage them to read books together, talk about growing up, tell stories, and sing songs from their generation.