While one can’t really make a terribly intelligent comment about the wisdom of the policy without knowing what grade level is involved, the “read together” is a hint—I’d guess somewhere in the K-4 range.
And eating dinner together—i.e. have an intact family, and “play together”—i.e. interact beyond the level of electronics—is good advice as well. Being a good reader from an intact family may not be enough to get you into a Japanese high school, but it will put you on the path to be in the top quarter of U.S. high school graduates.
Unfortunately, “playing together” in 2016 most likely involves electronics, even outdoors. (Pokemon Go came to mind.)
BTW—google turns up the information that the class involved is second grade. Good for Mrs. Young.