Never Better

This article of the value of literacy appeared in the Education Section of Changing Times, p. 14:

http://www.changingtimes.info/images/BTS%202007.pdf

Unlocking a Promising Future

Reading is one of life’s greatest pleasures: “If we can read, we can live as many lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish.” (S. I. Hayakawa) But most importantly, being literate means being able to live one life fully—without embarrassment, without excuses, and with independence.

Currently, however, in the United States fourteen percent of American adults cannot read above the fifth grade level. They lack the skills needed to earn a basic living income. And, as one would expect, most live in poverty. The illiterate cannot fill out a job application, get a driver’s license, or even read directions on a food label or medicine bottle.

“The value of literacy goes beyond books,” says First Lady Laura Bush. “Literacy is a significant first step toward building a better life. And maternal literacy can be a significant step toward a better life for the whole family. A woman who read can provide better care for her children; she can better ensure their physical safety and their intellectual growth.”

In my own family, I have observed how a mother readily transmits the value of learning and a love for reading. Even before the births of their children, my two daughters unwittingly began laying the foundation for their success. A college education had prepared them; and in their homes, books and newspapers abound. They are as essential as food and cleaning supplies.

For the nursery—along with diapers and onesies—baby books were first acquisitions. Soft, vividly illustrated cloth books that teach how, and in what direction, pages are turned; board books for developing dexterity and ensuring safe chewing; picture books; and chapter books. With its flaps and repetitive surprises, Where Does Maizy Live? quickly became a favorite, and the small book of nursery rhymes, a constant request.

Hardly a day goes by in the children’s lives that a book is not read to them (at their insistence). Books are garnered from yard sales and from school liquidations. Trips to the library are frequent. And every holiday or special occasion is an opportunity to add to their collections. From birth on, the children have been surrounded by the opportunity to read, the encouragement to read, and positive role models.

The effectiveness of this love for reading is already apparent. When I was in the first grade, I learned to spell words so that I could read sentences like “See Spot run.” My oldest grandchild, Katie, who is in the first grade now, has a spelling list that includes words like “knock,” “stopped,” and “quest.” And she’s mastering them. With her word recognition, Katie even showed her mother how to load a new computer program.

“This is how to do it, Mommy,” Katie offered. “Go to My Computer, then Run, then . . .”

“Where did you learn that?” asked mother Kelly in amazement.

“Oh, I learned that last year, in kindergarten.” she replied nonchalantly.