Editorial
Enhancing children’s literacy and numeracy skills
The foundation of education at the basic level is the to pay attention to the development of our literacy and numeracy skills.
The need for the development of such skills is necessary to ensure that right from the basic level, children of school-going age are adequately prepared to develop their reading as well as mathematical skills.
Literacy skills include the development of children’s aptitude test towards the development of word formation and reading skills. Such reading skills are what result in high-level competence in the ability of people to read and write satisfactorily.
Many of our children are unable to read very well because right from the beginning many of them are not introduced to reading and literacy skills.
Usually, children who develop their skills at an early stage regarding reading are able to perform creditably well when given the chance to develop their creative skills in reading.
As has been stated already, apart from reading or literacy skills, there is the need for children to develop their creative skills in numeracy and basic calculations.
The development of such numeracy skills is what helps the children to be quantitative-oriented, meaning that it helps them to go about their calculations with ease. If quantitative and numeracy skills are encouraged, it helps the children to embrace mathematics as they climb in the educational ladder.
Thus, both numeracy and literacy skills serve as foundation block upon which reading and comprehension as well as mathematics skills can be developed and used in reading and calculations as students go through the educational system.
These days, it is easy to come across many people who have finished school at various levels yet are not able to express themselves well in the official language of instructions: English Language.
In the same way, some of them have developed phobia or fear for mathematics simply because right from the beginning their literacy and numeracy skills had not been developed in the way expected.
If the country’s educational system is to be given a sound foundation for rapid socio-economic development, then we need to pay greater attention to the foundations that help to build up fundamental skills in literacy and numeracy.
Indeed, all academic work and professions as well as acquisition of knowledge in schools are greatly linked to the foundations acquired with regard to the development of our mathematical and reading skills.
The implication of this is that, we need to lay a good foundation for children of school-going age, so that the skills they develop in these areas will be used in enhancing their reading abilities.
The Spectator is aware that the Ministry of Education is working hard to bring reforms in the educational sector. We welcome such bold and necessary measures, so that children in our educational institutions will be able to perform better as far as acquisition of academic and professional knowledge, critical thinking skills and creativity in general are concerned.
We wish the educational sector well and encourage all educationists, students and academic institutions to do their best and collaborate with one another in the interest of the nation.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
