April 7, 2004

     “I often visit elementary schools in our district so that I can read to the students.  Usually, I bring the ‘House Mouse, Senate Mouse,’ a wonderful story that often gives children their first glimpse of government.  But it is not just teaching about Congress that I enjoy.  The real reward is helping them to develop a life long love of reading.”

 

     “Reading is fundamental.  That’s more than just a slogan for a non-profit group.  It is a reality.  Without adequate literacy skills, kids are more likely to drop out of high school, more likely to be juvenile delinquents, and more likely to remain in a cycle of poverty.  Forty-three percent of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty; 17 percent receive food stamps, and 70 percent have no job or only a part-time job.”

 

     “But the good news is that 90 – 95 percent of children who are ‘at risk’ for reading failure will become fluent readers if they are identified early and given proper intervention.  That is why it is so critical that parents read to their kids.  Good literacy skills start at home, and the evidence proves that children who are read to at home have improved language skills, creativity, social relations, and initiative.”  

 

     “Unfortunately, in a time of television, video games, and other distractions, it is too easy to let reading to the kids slide.  But reading to your child gives you a rare opportunity to bond with your child, learn his or her interests, promote his or her education, and more simply, to have fun.  And your children will undoubtedly enjoy it.  Chances are your child will ask you to read his or her favorite book again.”