Introduction
Early literacy and numeracy are the cornerstones of a community that can read, count, and thrive. To celebrate the importance of reading, we had the pleasure of speaking to Ms Reatile Mopeli, an inspirational young lady who wears many hats, including being a legal practitioner and an author. Her recent publication titled “Who Can Touch My Special Parts?”, is an educational book for children that allows them to celebrate their uniqueness while teaching them to know when behaviours from others are unacceptable, especially when their bodies are touched inappropriately. The book is a powerful tool for promoting strong values of respect, while teaching children acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, including safeguarding their boundaries through the support of a caring adult.
We asked Ms Mopeli to share her insights on reading. She shared the following:
Ms Mopeli: “Reading from a young age is one of the most powerful gifts we can give a child, as it gears them for academic success and builds much-needed confidence as they progress in their schooling. It also encourages curiosity and lifelong learning. Reading additionally helps children develop language, expand their vocabulary and strengthen comprehension skills, which, in our South African context, is of critical importance considering recent statistics which provide that approximately 80 % of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Starting early with reading can help prevent the persistence of such statistics.
I believe this conversation cannot exist without the inclusion of parents and guardians. Many of our schools are overcrowded, with limited resources and overwhelmed educators who simply cannot give each child the full attention they deserve. This is where parents and guardians step in. Being in close proximity to your child means you are in the best position to learn how your child learns best and you are able to gauge the assistant your child needs. I’ve seen this with my siblings and cousins, and how attentive and involved they are with their children and in their learning/reading. Our involvement really does make a huge, life-long.
As we reflect on Ms Reatile’s insights, we are encouraged to hear that parents and caregivers have an important role in creating a culture of reading and a foundation for early literacy!
Reatile Mopeli
Ms Reatile’s can be contacted through different social media handles. Her book is available to purchase on:https://www.takealot.com/who-can-touch-my-special-parts/PLID100559589
