Connecting the Dots

I've read and written a great deal about the importance of teaching literacy, especially early literacy.  There is no shortage of research in this area but what matters most in regards to impacting the literacy rates of our local communities?  How can we connect the dots and truly make a difference?

Simple questions yet we are addressing a severely complex issue.  Here are simple facts:

• Literacy - the ability to read and write - is essential to fully developing a sense of well-being and citizenship
• It's estimated that nearly 40% of the U.S. 4th graders do not achieve basic levels of reading proficiency.
• Students in low-income families perform significantly lower than their middle-income peers
• 75% of Americans who receive food assistance perform at the lowest 2 levels of literacy
• Reports show that literacy directly costs the healthcare industry over $70 million every year.
• 1 in 4 children in America grow up without learning to read proficiently

These are dire statistics.  As a servant leader, I am moved to think and act forwardly to impact the travesty of having so many children and adults who can not read or write proficiently.  Here are three ways that we can begin to connect the dots:

• Ensure that all young people have access to books.  Many children in poverty have no books at home and the number of families living in poverty is growing.  Donate your gently used books or purchase new books for schools or literacy centers.
• Become a Reading Buddy.  Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain literacy skills.  Reading also stimulates the imagination and improves vocabulary.
• Include writing in every reading experience.  Even a short journaling exercise will enhance understanding and improve writing skills.  Parents, teachers and volunteers to can do this.  There is a definite connection between reading and writing!

As students begin heading back to school, it's great time to get involved and learn how you can impact the literacy levels in your community.  There is certainly much work to be done!  Happy Reading!