Wake-up call for parents of Primary School children

In Sri Lanka, the intense focus on the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, in primary school, has led many parents and schools to prioritise test preparation over helping children develop their foundational skills.

- BY HASANTHA KURUPPU

Although academic success is important, focusing too much on exam scores often comes at the expense of one of the most essential skills a child must acquire in the early years, the ability to read fluently with understanding.

Reading is not just a subject taught in classrooms but it is the gateway to all future learning. A child who reads well can access knowledge in every subject, think critically, and learn independently. Without this skill, students may memorise facts to pass examinations, but they struggle to understand texts in Science, History, or Mathematics. They miss out on the joy of learning and the ability to grow as confident thinkers. As children move beyond primary school, the consequences of poor reading skills become more serious. Many continue to fall behind, not because they lack intelligence, but because they never received the right support to become strong readers. Over time, this results in lower literacy rates and a less skilled workforce, affecting both individuals and the national development.

This article explains how reading skills are built, why they matter more than examination scores, and how parents can play a key role in supporting their child's reading journey.

Reading Builds Your Child's Future

Reading is one of the most important skills your child can learn. It is the base for all other learning: Mathematics, Science, History, and even digital literacy. Children who read well do better in school, find good jobs and earn more money in the future. Reading also helps them make good decisions about their health and take part in society (World Bank 2021).