Search Results
To Listen to Audio click the Play Button [beneath each segment] which varies based on the browser you are using.
June 18, 2025
Title: Reading Can Be FUN!
Topic: Reading Success
Discussed by Deana Thayer
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
New
research suggests that the
number of parents reading to their children is at an all-time low.
Today, Deana Thayer discusses the grim report and offers some helpful tips to
keep kids engaged and loving to read for a lifetime. Deana holds a master’s
degree in education. She is a speaker, author, and parenting associate at Focus
on the Family.
Click
here to read more on this issue.
Click here for more parenting tips
and resources from Focus on the Family. You can also call 1.800.AFAMILY for free
advice.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Why do some parents dread reading to their kids? Do many kids feel the same?
Is daily story time at school declining? Deana explains why this is a dangerous
trend.
Why is the joy in reading a book declining?
Are there many benefits of reading aloud to children?
What are practical ways we can encourage kids to read? Deana has some really,
really great ideas so listen close and take notes!
Click
here to help support
Focus on the Family.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
September 6, 2023
Title: Reading is Fundamental
Topic: Reading Success
Discussed by Anne Schlafly Cori
with Eagle Forum (www.eagleforum.org)
Anne Schlafly Cori is the Chairman of Eagle Forum and the author of several
books, including “Is Our Constitution in
Jeopardy?” and “How to Speak Liberal”.
Today, Anne discusses the grim fact that more and more children in America
cannot read at their grade level – or even read at all!
Click
here to read the article on this topic from Anne Schlafly Cori.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Anne once hired an 11th grade student to work in her office. Did not being able
to read affect her ability to perform her office duties?
More and more money is being poured into public education every year; yet, we
have these grim statistics about reading and other subjects like math. Where
does the money go? Anne explains that the money doesn’t go to the teachers (like
it should be); it goes to the administrators.
A recent study found only 33% of American 4th-graders are scoring proficient or
higher on reading tests. How is this possible? Did COVID lockdowns contribute to
this problem?
Is there hope for children who cannot read? Anne admits that teaching many
children to read in a classroom setting is difficult; however, tutoring is very
helpful and urges parents to be the “tutor” with their children and read with
them every day!
Can people truly succeed in life without knowing how to read?
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
February 12, 2016
Title: Do your Kids Like to Read?
Topic: Reading Success
Discussed by Paul Batura
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
Studies show that 66% of fourth
graders in the U.S. are below the basic reading level. I bet if
you were to test them on their video game and internet skills, though, they
would surpass many older than them! How can we reverse this devastating trend?
How can parents, grandparents, and educators instill a love for reading in the
next generation?
New guest, Paul Batura, is the Vice President of Communications for Focus on
the Family. In his role, Batura is responsible for media and public
relations, internal communications, and community relations to the ministry’s
Colorado Springs neighbors. He believes that the right word offered at the right
time can transform any circumstance. He and his wife are adoptive parents of
three boys.
One thing Paul likes to say is: “Good habits are caught more than they’re
taught.” Parents, look in the mirror! Are you addicted to your screen? Do
your children see you read a book – ever? Do you read to your children every
night, or even a few times a week? It doesn’t matter how old your kids are –
read with them! Have them read to you just as much as you read to them.
We say it often on the What’s UP Radio Program – eat dinner with your kids! This
is important as well. Paul Batura says, “Kids are drawn to good stories.
They first learn what a good story is by sitting around the dinner table and
hearing their parents talk.”
Fill your house with good books. Figure out what you children like. If they like
sports, get sports books. If they like horses, get horse books. If they like
science, get science books. You don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money –
go to the library twice a month! Paul also recommends “series books”. And, of
course, read the Bible to your kids; Scripture is the most important thing to
read. If you want to get really crazy – memorize Scripture with your kids!
You can read Paul Batura’s editorial on this topic
here.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization