Understanding and promoting childhood literacy
When literacy studies refer to "non-proficient readers", they're referring to readers that range anywhere from illiterate to only having basic reading skills. Some of these children can read words and sentences, however they:
Children entering kindergarten without basic literacy skills are 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out. Children who are still non-proficient by 3rd grade begin to fall futher behind their peers each year as reading is no longer explicitly taught & learning begins to depend on their ability to read independently. These children then become 4 times more likely to drop out.
The cycle of illiteracy continues in homes where low literacy adults are less likely to share reading with their children.
of high school dropouts are non-proficient readers
of juveniles in court system
are functionally illiterate
of US 3rd graders are non-proficient readers
of low literacy adults live in poverty
First, we must understand that reading is not instinctive. Our brains must be taught extra steps to turn symbols into meaningful communication. Reading must be fostered in children through modeling and guidance.
Strategies and resources for promoting literacy at home...
I hope that you can now share with others the importance and simplicity of promoting literacy at home. If this becomes common knowledge, hopefully we can all help to fight illiteracy.