Articles for Teachers and Parents: Simply put, environment is
the total impact of conditions, influences, and surroundings on
children. It’s not the only factor, but there’s no doubt that
children who are read to, whose parents are involved in their
education, and who grow up in homes where reading is valued do
better in school. Readers tend to be more adventuresome and
curious, and exhibit greater respect for their peers, teachers,
and themselves. The collection of articles in this section takes
on an essential part of children’s reading development—creating
literacy-rich environments. The emphasis is on the home
environment, including building a family library that includes
books, magazines, and materials for every age group. There is
also information on where to set up a library, how to set it up,
and where to find great deals on new and used books.