What impact does socio-economic status have on reading development?

The correct response highlights the significant influence that a child's socio-economic background can have on their access to literacy resources, which directly affects reading development. Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds often encounter barriers such as limited availability of books at home, fewer educational materials, and reduced access to high-quality early childhood education programs. These resources are crucial for fostering a love of reading and developing literacy skills.

Additionally, families with lower socio-economic status may not have the financial means to invest in extracurricular literacy activities or the ability to travel to libraries and literacy programs, further limiting their exposure to reading opportunities. This lack of access can lead to gaps in vocabulary development, comprehension skills, and overall reading proficiency compared to their peers from higher socio-economic backgrounds, who typically have greater access to a variety of reading materials and support. This connection underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities to enhance literacy development for all children.