As we ready to break for Independence Day, let us consider how literacy influenced our ability to enjoy our nation, our republic and form of government, and our Bill of Rights. First of all, how literate were the colonies? Fairly well read, for Puritan society encouraged literacy so that all could read the Scriptures. And, … Continued
Last week, we spoke of another educational crisis – lack of proficiency amongst students as regards literacy in the subjects of civics and American History. Of course, such a crisis means that in a few years only a minority will understand their First Amendment rights, one of which is the right to read. Children are … Continued
NCBLA believes the sharing of children’s literature builds many different types of literacy. Specifically, we have highlighted the need for reading and writing proficiency, of course, yet also have contributed to civics literacy efforts via both the publication of the print book Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out and the development of an associated web-based … Continued
Have you read the Bill that recently passed the House, H.R. 5 – Parental Rights Act? If not, you can do so at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5/text The Bill is now before the Senate. The sections pertinent to literacy professionals are: A parent will have the right to a list of all books and reading (instructional) materials in … Continued
In past blogs, we have discussed the need to make reading fun for children, in order to increase reading frequency and comprehension skills. During this St. Valentine’s celebration month, why not reflect upon why we “fall in love” with reading? First, reading takes one out of this world and into another. We know many of … Continued
Each year the National Endowment for the Arts awards grants to libraries, universities, and literacy centers across the nation as they prepare for a community read, known as the BIG READ. This year, funding has been received by organizations from the White Bear Center for the Arts in White Bear Lake, Minnesota (promoting The Bear … Continued
I recently ran across this fascinating analysis of reading habits across the globe (as of 2021)! Compiled by Global English Editing, it is a stunner design-wise. So much information on one page! https://geediting.com/world-reading-habits-in-2021-infographic/ What we can immediately discern from the infographic is that literacy is a complex subject! There are so many factors to consider: … Continued
Literacy professionals know it’s true. Budding readers know it’s true. Policy makers probably know it’s true (but try to ignore it for some reason). Now you will know, too! Reading is best, and does the most good, when it is nothing but fun – downright pleasure. Don’t just take my word for it – stand … Continued
Literacy professionals – librarians, reading specialists, teachers – know that reading should be seen as nothing but fun, instinctively and intrinsically! Who else out there knows? Well, here is a start. Be sure to access these support groups as you lead reading programs in YOUR community. National Children’s Book Reading Alliance – That’s us! Our … Continued
As I considered this month’s blog, I browsed back through this year’s postings and discovered many gifts (to share with you at Christmas, of course). The gifts I found are jaw-dropping and eye-popping, if we really think about them. They are all included, proven/supported, and discussed in our 2022 NCBLA blogs (so I hope you … Continued
