The Debate About Third Grade Reading Levels

In the past couple of years , there have been several articles that have brought up the fact that the reading levels among elementary school children is low.  Actually, there are some states that have passed laws stating that a child can not go on to fourth grade until they have mastered the reading level of third grade. Some educators argue that holding back a child would be more harmful then helpful.   Reading skills and preschool was  among the topic of President Obama's 2013  State of the Union address.  The president was hoping to get bipartisan support to help children  in low income areas the opportunity for preschool education which may enable them to get a head start in the right direction.  In 2015, the debate is far from over.  One thing remains clear, when separating the emotions from the rhetoric,  everyone can agree that strong reading skills are necessary for a success in every area of life  Where the debate get's muddled, is how can educators, librarians, parents and even politicians find the perfect answer to this complex problem?

Studies have shown that students who are not reading at their grade level or lower are four times less likely to graduate from high school (http://www.aecf.org/resources/double-jeopardy/).  Consider what that means for a moment.  It's harder to get a job without a high school diploma.  Chances are these students will be living at poverty level.  What is the percentage of high school drop outs who are incarcerated?  In a 2009 study by Northwestern University it is a staggering 63%.   In this day and time in America, this is just not acceptable.

If all indicators,  statistical as well as anecdotal data, point to Third grade level reading skills as the tipping point of success or failure for students, why is there still a debate on how to handle the problem?

Simple.  From educators to parents, school boards and public officials, everyone has an answer but few realize the common sense solution.  The only proven way to encourage and improve reading skills if it is promoted in the home.  This can not be legislated.  It can only be promoted and encouraged from professionals to parents.   From the very beginning, parents should be reminded that reading to a child is beneficial on so many levels.  From emotional,  quality time spent with a child interacting with them,  to the cerebral when tiny minds are absorbing new ideas, words and imaginative worlds.  It is priceless.  In many homes,  reading is not encouraged either because there are no books or the adults in the house do not read for pleasure.   In June of 2014 the American Academy of Pediatrics jumped on the bandwagon of urging parents to read to their babies from day one.  It's an important step forward in helping to bring reading levels up for all children.  Let's not forget that the public library has many ways to promote reading.

One of the best books about how reading aloud impacts a child was written by Mem Fox, notable children's authors. In her book,  Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, (which is a quick read), Ms. Fox demonstrates with passion and humor how reading aloud to a child helps them want to learn to read themselves.  How it stimulus the emotional and intellectual part of learning paving the path to lifelong readers.   If parents are too busy to read Ms. Fox's book, then at least they should be given the statistics that were given earlier in hopes that it will encourage them to at least change  habits at home.  For example, set aside fifteen minutes a day to read with the child.  Find ways to participate in library programs such as story times, or other children programs that encourage early reading.  Many of these programs are on Saturdays or evenings to accommodate busy work schedules.  In a nut shell, educate and encourage the parents so that there is no excuse not to read to children.

Is a person who is illiterate as an adult out of luck when it comes to learning this skill?  Not at all.  It's never to late to learn to read.   That discussion will be saved for next week's post.

Inspiring Children With A Dream -- Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.  inspired a nation to look within themselves and consider ways to change. As in, changing the way we  look at the world.  Changing the way we looked at each other .  Most of all changing the way we looked at ourselves.    His famous speech "I have a dream" still challenges us today to reach for the ideals of finding the goodness in all races.   In our collective memories of the man, there are images of a peaceful, strong leader who wanted nothing more than to see that everyone  in the America would be treated equally and fairly.  His words reminds every person, old and young alike, that the dream of every parent is the same regardless of race or culture.  Every parent wants their chid to grow up in a world where they can prosper and grow according to their character and talent.  That every child could find their passion and pursue the American dream.

There are many books for children about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but one that stands out as unique is written by his son Martin Luther King III.  It's simply titled,  My Daddy : Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..   This perspective is not only thought provoking for children but also for adults.   This intimate portrait gives a glimpse into the family life of this great legend.  It cause the reader to ponder on what it must have been like for a small young boy to see his father arrested for speaking his mind?  What was it like to watch the news reports about his father's work?  What it is like to remember his father now.   It's a somber look but also touching.  Mr. King describes these memories an eloquent style  that is similar to his father.  This book is  a tribute to his larger than life father but it seemingly bursts with  pride and love that this son still has for his dad.  The family man, who did great things for his country with the hope that he was making the world a better place for his children.

Librarians might shy away from a story time with a Martin Luther King Jr. theme.  For that matter, parents may find it a little awkward to read books about this legend.   In reality there many titles that fit well with this theme that there is no need to worry if there is a "perfect" book to be found.  Everything from preschool biography titles to Mr. King's personal view of his father.  Each have a unique viewpoint that will capture a young audience's attention.  As demonstrated in the photo at the top of this post,  the title list does not have to solely rely on biography titles.   Titles such as One by Kathryn Otoshi works well with it's inspiring message that One person does and can make a difference.

As a nation, it is good to remember and honor our heroes.    This is a good opportunity to teach the young ones about the men and women who have contributed to our country's rich history.   There's no better way to introduce children to heroes than by reading books written about them.  Let's face it, every child should have the opportunity to be inspired  by the words, "I have a dream.... "  It's never too early, it's never to late either.

Censoring Ourselves? The Charlie Hebdo Lesson

The events in Paris surrounding the Charlie Hebdo slayings has  caused many to rethink and challenge the idea of whether it is better to remain silent then to draw, write or say something that may spark an angry outburst from certain groups or organizations.   Charlie Hebbo's depiction of the Prophet Mohamad was deemed offensive by two Muslim men.  They took it upon themselves to be judge and executioner of those in and around the publisher's office, whether these individuals were directly involved in the cartoon publishing, it didn't matter.  The objective of these men was to have revenge on anyone who crossed their path because they were offended.  It won thought or remorse the pleas were ignored.  What does this violent act have to do with libraries?  More than one can imagine.   Especially when considering  "offensive" materials in a library's collection.  Should libraries remove books that may be too controversial or spark rage? Should libraries subscribe to publications like Charlie Hebdo?   These questions can be viewed as complex with no right answers.  That might be true if librarians didn't believe in the ideals of Intellectual Freedom.  Thankfully, the profession has been on the forefront of Intellectual freedom and hopefully will stay the course.

Now is not the time to ban books, burn magazine or destroy cartons because they have a view of the world that is different than our own.  It is also not the time to kowtow to a specific group who is easily offended and threatens violence in retaliation for printing materials that are offensive.  In recent history, there have been no incidences of Christians, Buddhists, or even Atheists who have killed in the name of being offended.  They voice their objections.  They may even ask for the removal of "offensive" material but they don't respond with violence.   In the past, librarians who promoted Intellectual Freedom and protected the "freedom to read"in their libraries,  felt their biggest threat would come from groups with the Religious Right, but reality is setting in that the true enemy to Intellectual Freedom is political correctness.

Christopher Hitchens is not a stranger to controversy for his written works and debates.  When reading this statement attributed to him, one has to admit his observation is spot on.    “I'm very depressed how in this country you can be told "That's offensive" as though those two words constitute an argument.”  Anyone who is reasonable will agree with that statement.  However, not everyone is reasonable, especially one with a semi-automatic weapons. However, this is exactly what political correctness has done to debate in our country and around the world.  If words are spoken that are offensive or pictures are drawn that inflame emotions the knee jerk reactions is to quickly denounce the publication and censor it.  Really?   What was the response when protests were made against Harry Potter books based on the theory that the spells were "real" and satanic?  Librarians and educators alike defended the work stating that it encouraged children to read.  To censor the book was  considered radical.  Agreed it is radical. It's just as radical to censor books and magazines due to their satirical expression.  Isn't satire suppose to make people think?  To show readers a view of   absurdity and reality at the same time?   Librarians in every library, small or large, public or private, should not be afraid to continue to defend their patron's  right to read.   Not only that  but political correctness should be tossed out on it's ear to allow for honest,  thoughtful debate about the issues.

Censor ourselves at this time?  Nope. Not now. Not ever.   The freedom to read is too important to lose because if it is lost, all freedoms are lost.   Come to think of it... libraries will be lost too.

Inspiring Thoughts For The New Year

The new year is always the perfect time for a brand new start.  Countless memes shared on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and other social media sites have a common theme: the new year is the first page of a 365 page book with your story.  What an inspiring thought.  What will this year's story be for Librarian At Large?  Hopefully, it will be one that mirrors the American Library Associations' President's initiative  "Libraries Change Lives."  This vision is from ALA's Presdient Barbara Stripling of transforming libraries, empowering individuals and transforming communities.  Libraries are at a unique point where they can be the center of the community providing the leadership to forge through an era formed by the digital world.

In 2013, this initiative began with asking the question of how libraries have changed the lives of the patrons they serve in their community.   Each story is unique and inspiring on it's own but when they are viewed together they all sing the same song.  Libraries do matter because they offered a place to go after school,  programs to help find jobs, and books to explore  fictional worlds and debate ideas that were important to their lives.  Most importantly, the libraries in every community offered the opportunity to make one's life better.  In tangible ways, the library made a unique impact that could not be filled by other institutions in the community.   The library stands alone as the one place where anyone, regardless of background in education, culture or economics,  can use the resources that are available.   On the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LibrariesChangedMyLife, there are inspirational stories that demonstrate this unique impact.  

As libraries transform to fit the needs of the 21st century patron,  librarians have found that the skills needed to navigate the labyrinth of information has become a little more cumbersome. Thus, librarians had to transform to  in order to help patrons adapt to the ever changing landscape of digital information.  If for nothing else, to keep patrons from going into information overload and grasping at any information, even if it doesn't fit their needs or answer the questions they had.   This is truly the age where information is power.  All the more reason why public libraries should remain open in urban settings where opportunities are minimal but the possibilities become endless once the community is empowered to grow and learn.   The Ferguson Municipal Library is one such example of a empowering a community.

Every profession, every person should be inspired to look within to transform their own lives to make life a little better, brighter.  than it was last year.  Little things as simple as a thank you card can change an attitude or build a better relationship   The stories of how libraries have changed lives are the "everyday" type of change that are unnoticeable at first but over time it is as bright as a candle in a dark room.  Everyone sees it.  With Librarian At Large, perhaps that means more story times in hospital settings with children,  more workshops for adults who need to hone their job hunting skills or more author luncheons to introduce wonderful writers to new readers.   It just seems all the ore worth it when realizing that what we do can have a positive impact in someone's life.  When given that opportunity, how can it be turned away?  Quit simply it can't