In Slovakia as in many other countries the incidence of reading is declining. Similarly the incidence of parents reading aloud to their young children is declining leaving increasing numbers of children inadequately prepared to start school. A proof to this statement is poor sale of books for children and increased number of children with learning difficulties.

At a first glance there is no relationship between these two findings, but that is just the first glance. It has been proven that a child who reads with her/his parents since early age, is able to achieve optimal psychological development, has better results at school and, what's more important, does better also later in an employment. World statistics in literacy field speak a clear language: children in families where reading is daily on the program are independent, better prepared for learning, they read more, they like reading because they regard it as something they like and enjoy. It is closely followed by the ability to master a language (also foreign), writing, arithmetics and other life skills. People lead to reading since early age study easier and longer, get more certificates, are longer employed and do not have existential problems. By the way: in the early 1980, there has been a long-term sociological research conducted in Virginia's penitentiaries. One of the data received told that 80% of inmates were illiterate.

Doctors' research confirms that reading can be done also with children of the very early age as they start to recognize the world around them. The children gradually develop emotional relationship to their loved ones, "inhale" their physical proximity, joyful atmosphere and love. It is through reading that parents can enable the children to feel the story, discover an unbelievable world, form their system of values. When the parent is busy during the child's early age period, it has negative impact on the child's development. Did you know that mothers talk with their children 9 minutes a day and fathers only 7 minutes? And the communication often consists of orders for the child: go and eat, wash your hands, clean this mess in your room....

Orava Association has chosen to speak to teachers in all types and levels of schools, librarians, free time centers and publishers all around Slovakia to spread awareness about these facts. The results are information materials available to parents, teachers, programs for libraries supporting reading aloud and so on.