Aliteracy facts for kids
Aliteracy is when someone knows how to read but just isn't interested in doing it. It's like having a superpower but choosing not to use it! Teachers and school librarians are working hard to help young people get excited about reading.
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Why Reading is Super Important
Reading is a powerful skill that helps you learn, grow, and understand the world around you. But sometimes, people who can read choose not to.
The Reading Challenge
Back in 1991, a writer named Stratford P. Sherman wrote an article in Fortune magazine about how important it was for people in America to read more. He pointed out that many Americans weren't spending much time reading. A study by John P. Robinson, a professor at the University of Maryland, showed that the average American spent only about 24 minutes reading each day. That's not a lot of time!
He also mentioned that fewer newspapers were being sold, and that a lot of books bought from stores like Barnes & Noble might never even be opened. It seems many people found it easier to just turn on the TV instead of picking up a book.
Reading Helps You Think
Sherman's article also talked about how important good communication is in business. He said that reading helps people in charge of companies, like Richard Mahoney from Monsanto, connect different ideas and understand how things fit together.
Think about it: books, magazines, and articles can give you so much information using just a few words and symbols. They are easy to carry around, you can read them at your own speed, and they share a lot of deep information that you can use right away.
Reading for Your Future
Many companies understand how important reading is. For example, Motorola planned to spend a lot of money to teach its workers reading and other basic skills. Ford Motor Company had already helped thousands of its workers with similar programs. This shows that reading isn't just for school; it's a key skill for jobs and success in life.
Parents and Reading
One of the biggest ways to help kids do well in school is when their parents spend time reading to them. This simple act can make a huge difference! However, the article mentioned that not enough parents were doing this, which made the future outlook for reading habits seem "not bright." This means it's even more important for everyone to encourage reading.
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