Why is literacy important? Learners need literacy in order to engage with the written word in everyday life… Being able to read and write means being able to keep up with current events, communicate effectively, and understand the issues that are shaping our world.
How do we grow into being a life-long learner?
From this life-long learner to you… reading was not easy, I had so many different challenges. Then fear and low self-confidence began to rule my perceptions. Do you remember your first book that you could read by yourself? I do! It was Father Bear Comes Home by Mercer Mayer.
As we gain understanding, we adapt and encounter many successful moments (crawling; toddling; learning to share; knowing when we passed a store or restaurant that we enjoyed). Literacy is a part of who we are, we are reading and understanding so many symbols every day (seasons changing; observations; cooking; daily life skills; facial expressions; and of course symbols (public restrooms). Reading is no different… readers make meaning from letters that have been put together, like a puzzle, to create words that will share ideas, directions, feelings, and a journey of wonder-filled adventures. Sharing those “readable” adventures and discoveries is the best of our family moments!
Family literary connections: Discuss: “What makes a good reading discovery?” Hint = the titles listed above are great reading discoveries that I have shared to many readers. These titles had a life-long impact during my summers and/or they were recommended by students for my summer reading list.