In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy shared a heartwarming insight into his family’s life: he and his wife, Sudha Murthy, dedicated over three and a half hours every evening to reading with their children during their school years. This dedicated time spent together reading, known as co-reading, is a powerful tool that can significantly benefit students.
Co-reading involves parents and children reading together, creating a supportive and interactive learning environment. This shared activity fosters a love for reading and intellectual curiosity, leading to numerous benefits.
The Power of Co-Reading: Benefits for Students
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Enhanced Literacy Skills:
Co-reading exposes children to new vocabulary and concepts, enhancing their language comprehension and fluency.*
Increased Bonding and Support:
Reading together strengthens the parent-child bond, providing emotional support and encouragement, making children feel more confident in their abilities and more engaged in their studies.*
Improved Academic Performance:
Studies consistently show that children who read with their parents regularly tend to perform better academically. Co-reading not only improves reading skills but also fosters a love for learning and curiosity.*
Development of Critical Thinking:
Discussing the content of books during co-reading sessions encourages children to think critically and analytically. This helps them to ask questions, make predictions, and understand different perspectives, all crucial skills for academic success.*
Establishing a Routine:
Consistent co-reading establishes a productive routine, teaching children the importance of discipline and time management, setting a positive example for their own study habits.
The Role of Parents in Academic Success
Parental involvement in education plays a crucial role in a student’s academic success and overall development. When parents actively engage in their child’s learning, whether through helping with homework, attending school events, or encouraging academic curiosity, it boosts the child’s motivation, confidence, and performance. Research consistently shows that students with involved parents tend to have better grades, improved behavior, and stronger social skills.
The Murthy Family’s Story
The Murthy children’s academic achievements stand as a testament to the power of co-reading. Their daughter, Akshata Murthy, holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and French from Claremont McKenna College, an MBA from Stanford University, and a diploma in clothes manufacturing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Their son, Rohan Murthy, earned a degree in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in the same field from Harvard University. Their academic success, alongside their parents’ dedication to co-reading, suggests a strong connection between parental involvement and children’s educational outcomes.
Narayana Murthy’s sharing of this family practice highlights the importance of parental involvement in education and the profound impact it can have on a child’s academic journey. It serves as a reminder that even small acts of engagement, like co-reading, can make a significant difference in a child’s life.
