Utah's Plan to Get Kids Reading: Parents Hold the Key

Utah is trying to tackle a big issue: kids not reading well. The focus isn't just on schools. Parents have a huge role to play, especially before kids start school. Gov. Spencer Cox talked about this in Ogden. He said kids who don't read, talk, or have fun experiences at home start school behind. It's not just about the words. It's about how kids' brains grow and how they feel about learning. Some kids hear millions of words by age 3. Others hear way fewer. This isn't just a numbers game. It's about the connections kids make with their parents and how their brains develop.So, how can we help parents? Programs like Weber State University's Family Literacy Program are doing great things. They teach parents why reading every day is important. They also give parents one-on-one help and connect families to places like libraries and museums. The program has helped families get more involved, cut down on screen time, and improve kids' early reading skills. But we need to do more. Teaching parents about reading should be a big part of Utah's plan. It's not just about what schools do. It's about supporting families at home. Helping parents now can make a difference for years to come. Gov. Cox and the state Legislature should focus on helping families with young kids. After all, the most important school a child attends is the one on their parent's lap.