Date:   2/5/2013
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title:  Presenting to some and Re-introducing to others… Reading!

 

No matter how much I try to understand it, for the life of me I cannot comprehend why people refuse to read.  For starters, people generally have the wrong idea about reading entirely.  Many assume that reading is reduced to a boring book, or novel or… that it is a task that consumes too much of your time.  Nothing could be further from the truth.   If you have time to browse Facebook, watch ESPN or play XBOX then you do have time to read.   I often engage both my friends and co-workers about their interest in reading.  Every chance I get I pester them about the need to read on a consistent basis.  I am constantly pointing out real-life examples of how reading does impact life.   By now, I am certain that I am getting on their last nerves but nonetheless, my message is delivering a punch!  Many of them are beginning to read more often or at least acknowledge the importance of reading regularly.

For those who do not know my friend, please allow me to introduce you to – READING!    Reading and I have been long acquainted since the early childhood days, and reading has continued to prove invaluable throughout my entire life.   As a small child, reading helped me to understand the workings of the world.  I learned what the meanings of words were, became familiar with history and found my creativity all through reading.   I even learned how to play board games through reading the words on the boards or the directions.  My passion for writing further enhanced my relationship with reading during elementary education. I cannot thank reading enough for helping to prepare me for my studies!  Some of the other kids found reading to be a bore, and would rather spend time hanging out with friends or doing other leisurely activities.  While this was understandable, I guess reading was my preferred friend.  Reading has kept me company and some would suggest it has helped earn me the title of ‘nerd.’   Reading by the way has also helped to earn me good grades in secondary post-secondary education. 

Reading is becoming even more invaluable during my adult life.  It has helped me to obtain gainful employment by researching the company – (yes this helps tremendously during the interview process).  I have also learned how to cook some very interesting recipes, train for a 5K marathon, and heighten my sex life all through the benefit of reading!   Reading is something that every person regardless of background, financial status or creed can do.  The only thing needed to read is literacy (knowing how to read) and having an interest to do so.   I personally believe the main reason why most do not read in the first place is because they do not have a sincere interest for it.  Only if they would open their minds and realize that reading doesn’t have to be a boring activity.   Reading like anything else can be a great friend.   There is not one single activity in the life of children or adults that is not elevated through reading.   Don’t believe me?  Dare yourself to sacrifice one hour of social activity, television and radio for the sake of reading.   Take time to read a story to your children or an elderly relative.  Notice how reading will become your friend too!  

Date: January 18, 2013
Writer’s Name: Reginald A Ward
Title: Reading is Power


In today’s world reading is very essential. Especially for the African American communities, we have come a long way and we have ways to go. In slavery times African-Americans weren’t allowed to attempt to pick up a book and learn. Not in today’s time; we have the right to read and won’t even attend school. Our ancestors had to fight for the very rights that we foolishly take for granted and don’t take advantage of in today’s era.


How can you expect to go anywhere in life if you cannot even read?  Why is it that children in today’s world don’t care about their education? I ask myself these types of questions all the time. The answer can be blamed on the parents. Once you instill the importance of an education into children from toddler to teenage years you will see a big difference. It is how you bring up a child, how you raise them that affects their future.



I was just having this exact conversation with this 15 yr. old boy from Chicago. He told me and his brother he didn’t like to read and didn’t want to read. I explained to him if you don’t want to read then you don’t want to go anywhere in life. Reading is so important; reading sets the standards for so many things in life. How can you possibly sign legal documentation, know your directions, count your money or know if you are getting cheated? If you do not pick up a book and read; knowledge is power.



Knowledge is power and reading unlocks so many doors. How can I succeed if I do not read? You have to want knowledge so bad you have to get to the point of reading just to build yourself up. I personally read to gain knowledge all the time. I want to know what information is out there that I have yet to find. There is so much knowledge out there that we haven’t even tapped into because we as a people refuse to read.



There is a need to read and a need to educate one’s self. I don’t care if you have your masters or doctoral degree, there is always going to be something that you haven’t read yet. That is why it is very important to continue to seek knowledge until you stop breathing. If knowledge is power then sad to say some people on this earth have no power, because they lack knowledge.



We must all continue to want to grow; we must all continue to read to improve ourselves. How can any of us expect to grow or go any further when we are not seeking to succeed in life by reading? Knowledge is power; power is what takes you higher. We should all be seeking to go further in life. Without reading, we basically just fail. Without trying to even better yourself we basically fail. Without reading it is impossible to go anywhere or do anything in life. No matter what, continue to seek knowledge; continue to read.

01/07/13
Felecia Williams
Title: Say It loud; I read and I’m proud!


Have you ever heard that old saying; “if you don’t use it, you lose it’? 
This also applies to reading. We begin molding our children into reading at an early age by giving them books before they learn to read or vocalize the alphabet correctly. It’s a reaction from our subconscious telling us that they must learn to read A.S.A.P! Throughout the years some people continue to read all their life, while others dread just the thought of having to read at all.

Literally, to read is to comprehend. It is a system of written symbols combined into words that are used for communication. Reading at any age can be beneficial in several ways: education, information, and entertainment purposes are just a few. Reading can simply satisfy whatever one’s passion or needs may
be.

There is nothing like getting in a nice quiet area and opening up to millions of
possibilities. Talking the time to read can enhance your reading level, vocabulary and even aide as a refresher course for spelling and grammar. Newspapers, magazines, e-books, website articles, and books of all sorts, can set the stage for our minds to delve into whatever our hearts desire or jobs require.

Illiteracy is a problem among children and adults alike. It is mainly due to the lack of
time learning the fundamentals necessary for this life tool. Everywhere around us are words or phrases giving directions, warnings and advertisements. During school years reading is an everyday requirement; from text books to research for a term paper or written instructions on the blackboard. Children are encouraged to become avid readers so to prepare them for their future. While as adults we find ourselves obliged to read material for work or at home such as contracts and news.

Reading is important at any level in life and should not become a dreaded task; it can
be and in fact is a form of enjoyment. Some literature is accompanied by photographs or art. Some instruct on how to perform a specific task, while
others tell of a fictitious story. A good novel always keeps me wanting to read on, while people like my grandfather and co-worker prefer the daily paper. Comics offer a fun read in the Sunday paper, right before reading bible passages in Sunday morning service. Even at bedtime a story for the little ones always puts them to sleep within 5 to 10 minutes. Looking back as a child I remember the book shelf right above my bed, I would fall fast asleep while trying to retain as much material as I could for the book report due the next morning.

Now I find myself reading everything I can, anywhere I can. So, if you have not sat
down and read in a while, try it for yourself. Pick up a book that catches your interest and put aside some time; indulge yourself and enjoy the possibilities. Read to your loved ones and encourage them to turn off the television, computer and game system. Insist that they put down that phone and stop texting and pick up a book and R.E.A.D!

November 24, 2012
Charlotte Marshall Templeman
To Read or not To Read
   

Reading as we all know is imperative on many levels. It broadens your horizons, allows you to use your imagination, increases your vocabulary, introduces you to worlds unknown and most importantly reading educates you. When growing up as a child we were introduced to many types of books by teachers and our parents. In school we read such classics as Moby Dick, A Tale of Two Cities, Romeo and Juliet and Beowulf. Even before reading those books my love of reading was born out of my parents reading to me as a child. Being a creative writing major in high school and an English major in college, I was right at home reading and learning about all types of literature and genres. I enjoyed reading along with my classmates, but for some, after the assignment was over so was the reading.  

Today we have many initiatives to get children and teens interested in reading because it has been shown that many of our children are not reading on their respective grade levels. In many schools there are programs like the 100 book challenge where children read a number of different books and as they progress toward reaching the 100 mark they are given gifts. The program works extremely well and there are more children reading. However, as our children grow into teenagers we see a lot of them with no interest in reading certain books, especially ones that are assigned by teachers in schools. More often we see them reading other books, mainly urban literature. There has been a debate about if the urban lit books are suitable for them to read because of its content. So, to read or not to read is the question.
   
Books by African Americans telling it like it is have been around for many years.  During the Harlem Renaissance authors such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston and Arna Bontemps wrote about the political and social changes that affected African Americans at the time. They also wrote about the struggles that we endured as well. Besides writers such as those mentioned we also had writers who were more blatant and hardcore in their delivery of storytelling. Their stories showed the realism of the ghetto and its bad elements. Donald Goines was such a writer of books that portrayed the life of the ghetto and where he came from. Books such as Black Gangster which told the story of a teenager who becomes the king of Detroit’s organized crime and Dopefiend, the story of two affluent middle class African Americans who go from being respected to becoming full time addicts gives the reader a raw look into the realities of the ghetto. Goines who was influenced by another urban lit writer Iceberg Slim, author of Trick Baby and Pimp made an everlasting impact on not just African American literature but American literature. Although their stories depicted the darkness and harshness of the ghetto, they were still written with proper English dialect when needed. This showed their ability to write well written books that could be read by others besides African Americans. 
   
There are many urban lit authors today who are remaining true in their writings such as Goines and Iceberg Slim. Their stories are honest, real and supposedly reflect the inner city life. A substantial amount of African American teenagers can relate to their books because of the environment which they are growing up. Since the books are more relatable to them it draws their attention more to read. So is this a good thing or bad thing? With literacy being a major issue in our country I personally feel that if we can get teenagers reading then it is half the battle.  

Although some may think that urban lit books glorify violence, crime, and sex that may be true. However, we cannot assume that all urban lit books are that way. Most of them are well written with a message that shows the consequences of living a certain way. Yes, there are some urban lit books that only portray negative images, are badly written and have no message which the reader can take away from the story, but that can be true of other genres as well. If teenagers develop a love of reading from reading urban lit books, then as teachers, parents and mentors we can introduce them to other types of literature because the gateway has been opened. Having a dialogue about the books and why they find them interesting also gets them in tuned with public speaking and expressing their creative thoughts.  So to answer the question to read or not to read, my answer is to read, read, read.

Date:  October 29, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title:  It’s Not Just a Cliché’: Reading is Fundamental!

Reading is a community survival tool important for all of us at every stage in our lives.   Many overlook the importance of reading, and are instead comfortable using technology as the main informational source.  There is no secret why tablets, IPHONES, and the tech industry are very profitable – all provide quick, easy and popular tools for accessing information.   Who has time to read when they can get everything they need using a trendy toy?    

This is the age of technology and the television has also become a modern teacher of sorts.  We are spoiled by the visual images we see, rushing to watch so and so’s new reality TV show.  We are even obsessive in taping our favorite programs. I recall the days when “regular” television was free. Now, cable has become the new normal, causing regular T.V. to become a thing of the past. Consider all of the money we waste these days simply to be entertained versus what we invest in knowledge. Many adults haven’t visited a bookstore or read a book outside of college in years.   

But, the majority of Americans own and watch television regularly in their homes.  Something is wrong with this picture because reading impacts everything that we do.  A regular habit of reading not only provides information, but it also enhances communication skills.   Listen intently to the ideas and words used by others.    You can often tell if someone is regularly engaged in literacy, just by the tone of their conversation.  Adults who read are able to explore new concepts or ideas. These critical thinking tools help to further our individual purpose, business goals and even spiritual needs.  

Reading helps to stimulate the imagination in both adults and kids.  Through a consistent habit of reading, we are able to experience the world using creative measures.   It is especially important to cultivate the benefits of literacy to the youth early on in life.  Parents are encouraged to read to their children often, even while in the womb, to create an unbreakable parental bond.   School aged kids are likely to develop strong reading habits when they see adults around them engaged in these activities.  Reading also makes room for a child to increase vocabulary skill sets.   With a thorough understanding of words, a child is able to decipher information easier leading to a positive school experience.  

Both adults and children alike benefit from enriched skills through reading. Knowledge is indeed power!   Reading is about so much more than curling up with a good book.  Reading is essentially gathering information. Everyone should take time to read the ingredients in the foods they eat.  We all should take time to research common and unfamiliar words, to learn the true root of its meaning.   People of all backgrounds, ages and beliefs will benefit from reading warning labels, street signs, directions, and instructions.  Reading is a link to valuable information that we might otherwise overlook.   Reading is fundamental on every level.  Reading is indeed power!

Date: 10/29/2012
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: Read to Vote: Vote to Read

On Friday October 26, 2012, it was stated in BET’s special: Second Coming, a two part series highlighting President Obama’s presidency, his current campaign and people’s outlook on his performance that in 2008, for the first time in history the number of African-Americans exercising their right to vote was comparable to that of white Americans.  The presidential election of 2012 is just as important, if not more crucial - not only because we are to elect the leader of the free world but, because there is so much a stake in local governments that will impact citizens directly.

After attending several informationals and debate parties relevant to the presidential and local election in less than two weeks away, it has become clearer and clearer to many individuals the importance of reading as an adult citizen living in a democracy. It is our duty as citizens to vote but this task is difficult to complete when one cannot or refuses to read.

Detroit’s ballot alone is four pages long filled with 18 proposals, some more intense than others. While many people think they will be taking the easy way out by voting a straight ticket, saving themselves the time of reading the ballot, they could really be putting themselves, as well as their fellow citizens in grave jeopardy as it relates to day-to-day life. Voting is our time to let our voices be heard, but we cannot effectively make an informed decision if we don’t take the time to read and study what is being put before us.

I have had some but not many of my peers ask me about the proposals and where to find them before visiting the polls, while others seem to be very nonchalant as if they don’t realize what is at stake here. After the elections when we begin to feel the raft or benefit from what was in fact voted in, will not be the time to complain. Before we head out to the polls, we should all be encouraged to read the proposals that we will be faced with on November 6, 2012. Not only will it save us some time at the polls but it will serve to makes us informed decision makers as we make our selection on our ballots.


Reading is not a punishment it is a skill as well as a blessing! After this election, we could possibly lose many liberties we have become accustomed to. After all, something as simple as reading we take for granted has not always been allowed, particularly for Black people and the poor.  Yes, the political jargon can be very boring and complex to read, but this is why I am persistent in encouraging people in my community as well as outside of my direct community to know before they go to the polls so that the agony and pain of reading is lessoned. If you know someone who has a difficult time reading, cannot see well or is just plain illiterate, encourage them to get educated on what to expect before going to the polls on Tuesday. In most cases the ballot and proposals can be viewed prior to Election Day. Read it to them and yes, you may have to accompany them to the polls. It is a small price to pay considering that we are all in this together as we all will be affected if we don’t all exercise the right to vote.

Date: 10/22/12
Writer’s Name: Allison Martin
Title: Broaden Your Horizons by Picking up a Book!

Have you ever heard the phrase “reading is fundamental?   It’s commonly used in the classroom throughout grade school but many fail to take it seriously.  For children, reading is the primary vehicle used to reinforce information learned in educational settings.  Some individuals seem to think that once they have finished grade school (and even college), reading is no longer an activity they must engage in unless it is a pre-requisite for a job or involves some sort of gossip/drama.  This is very sad but true.  Reading is actually essential at all stages of any individual’s life for various reasons.

First and foremost, there is so much going on around us each and every day that we need to stay abreast of current events and how they may impact us.  Turning on the news may seem to be the perfect medium of delivery but it’s never a bad idea to dig deeper.   For example, if there is a widespread virus or epidemic that can potentially effect the community in which you reside, it doesn’t hurt to research the possible warning signs (or symptoms) to look for, preventative measures that can be taken, and potential long-term effects.  Of course, the newscaster or subject-matter expert may provide an in-depth analysis but we should be educated enough to form our own opinion.  Therefore, obtaining various perspectives and facts from print sources is necessary.

If you’re an individual who has no interest in current events, you may be thinking voluntary reading isn’t for you.  This is definitely not the case!  Unless you have no aspirations to enhance your knowledge in preparation for a career or in general, some reading will also be needed on your end.  The most successful employees, executives, and entrepreneurs have taken the steps needed to expand their knowledge-base, enhance their level of productivity, and take actions needed to reach the next level.  Part of this process was done through examining and analyzing career-oriented literature.  Perhaps they read a few (or many) books on leadership or the key elements needed to thrive in their respective industries?  Either way, reading of some sort was needed to accomplish this objective.

Have you ever been engaged in a conversation with someone and an unknown topic arose?  This is certainly not out of the norm in many instances.  When this happens to me, I always head over to the Internet to learn more so I won’t be in the dark just in case the topic surfaces again.  In other instances, I may just want to broaden my knowledge base regarding something that sparked my interest.

Generally speaking, too many complain about their inability to better themselves and progress in life due to a lack of knowledge.  However, few actually take initiative to seek out educational resources.  Reading is the perfect way to broaden your horizons and become more knowledgeable in any area your heart desires.  There are tons of magazines, newspapers, books, electronic sources (via the Internet), and libraries filled with material waiting to be studied.  Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons out of a dislike for reading.  Instead, find a topic that sparks your interest and start there.  Cheers to a happy reading journey…..

Date: August 20, 2012

Writer’s Name: Tyeisha Downer

Title: The Importance of Reading


Ever had one of those days where you wish that you could travel to another time zone or get lost in a fantasy were all dreams come true? You will find yourself daydreaming and totally gone from the real world only to get tapped on your shoulder for someone to tell you to come back to earth. Then your daydream turns into reality and you feel like it’s nowhere to escape. Well if it hasn’t happened to you let me be the first to bear witness and testify that it has definitely happened to me.

My outlet when I was a child was to write poetry to elevate my mind and make sense of my thoughts. It was therapeutic for me and once I got a pen in my hand, I entered a distant land where no one knew where it was located other than me.

I find it hard to believe that once upon a time African Americans were beaten just because they were trying to teach themselves to read. How could one of God’s most precious gifts be forbidden long ago? Our ancestors protested, went to prison, and were often mistreated by being whipped and in some cases sentenced to death, and nowadays you can’t even get a lot of African Americans to crack open a book and read what’s written inside. The days and times have changed and a lot of us would rather watch a reality drama filled television series verses read a great book of poems, self -help books or even a great non-fiction or fictional tale. What a shame! The one thing that was once forbidden that our ancestors fought for is now available to us.

There once was a cruel saying that was once told to me that ‘if you ever wanted to hide something top secret in what’s going on in the world place it in a book and African Americans surely wouldn’t have a clue.’ It hurt me to hear that some people thought that way. So what better way to prove them wrong other than to start making a change in the world today? Let’s do something a little different and prove the stereotypes wrong. Pick up a pamphlet, a magazine, or anything and read something. Take the time to get lost in the words that are created by many great journalists and authors.

 
You may even find yourself escaping to a different time zone and finding relaxation through the words that are inscribed in books or magazines. We have to realize that the mind is a terrible thing to waste and realize that reading is fundamental. Let’s not let our ancestors’ efforts in opening up the doors for us to educate ourselves go in vain. There is far too much to learn, far too many places for us to travel.



Every now and again it’s ok to get lost in your own imagination. The answers to a lot of questions that reflect in our everyday life are in the content of books. Think about it and remember that the mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Date: August 10, 2012

Writer’s Name: Tamyara Brown

Title: Twenty Minutes a Day! Let’s read!





I was an eleven-year-old girl looking for a place to find peace; a place where I could sit quietly and do what I loved the most -- Read! The library was my sanctuary and a place I could call home; it helped me to escape from the realities of the harsh circumstances I lived and endured. In all honesty I could have chosen so many other places to go. I lived in the heart of NYC but it was the library that gave me a safe place to go.

I walked into those library doors and that first step changed my life. All I could think is what a beautiful place. The warm feeling inside of me was like no other as I held that library card that was issued to me and being able to get the books I wanted. I don't know why but the first book I picked up was ‘Little House on the Pairie’ by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I can remember being lost in her world and couldn’t wait to do it all over again. The love affair increased when I picked up the book that I related to -- ‘The Color Purple’ by Alice Walker. I read that book in one night and it gave me the belief that my life could and would change for the better.

Reading has saved my life and has become a part of my everyday habit. You will always find me with a book or a magazine; and nowadays my kindle is open to a great read. Reading has allowed my mind to travel to far lands, experiencing different cultures and behaviors. I have learned about my heritage and history by reading about the Harlem renaissance to rich essence of African folklore from Nigeria.

I want to take full credit for the love of reading but it was my mother who fostered in me to need read twenty minutes a day. I couldn’t walk out the door without reading. My mother instilled in me that reading would save my life which when I was younger I didn’t understand. Now as an adult I fully understand the power to read a job application, medical information, contracts and instructions. I can remember her reading to me at the age of four and me never wanting her to say “ The End.” I am grateful for my mother instilling in me the love of reading.

As a mother today I enforce the rule of reading twenty minutes a day and in the summer reading a total of seven books. I began reading to my children in the womb and on their first birthday I gave them the gift of their first book. As parents, passing on the love of reading is not only fundamental but also a necessity. We all are familiar with children who simply can’t read and that process begins at home. Enforcing the twenty-minute rule to read should be a part of a child’s everyday habit. My children now thank me for love of reading.

 

Date:  August 6, 2012
Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title: Reading is Fundamental


Reading is fundamental.  This statement speaks volumes as it should be coupled with the ability to comprehend what you read.  The evolution of learning began with the teaching of reading, writing and arithmetic.  The application of writing and arithmetic is not possible without one being able to read.  Reading is a necessity regardless to what school of learning, profession or entertainment one chooses.

Over the years the method of learning to read has changed.  I can remember the alphabet drills, the Dick and Jane readers, flash cards, etc. that taught children at a young age how to pronounce, spell and use letters to communicate.  A child was able to form a word using its phonetic spelling.  Phonics was taught through drills that emphasized prefixes, suffixes, long and short vowels.  Teaching these basic skills, the student was able to sound out (speaking aloud) words both long and short.  Phonics was coupled with the use of a dictionary which would give not only the description but how the word would be broken down into syllables.  The definition and pronunciation of the word allowed the reader to comprehend what was to be read in a sentence.

In the early stages of learning one may ‘sight read’.  This type of learning is often used when teaching preschool children.  Books or sentences used for this purpose most often have pictures of the word to be read.  The picture with the word allows the early reader to recognize the word using memory and sight.  This method also helps them to speak and spell the larger words which may otherwise be pronounced and spelled wrong, (e.g. alligator, refrigerator).  Early readers use their memory when seeing the word without the picture.

Using the flash cards without the pictures is often the next step.  Repetitive spelling and usage in sentences is reinforced with a spelling list.  Words selected from stories are a part of the drill.  The student can then identify the word in a sentence and begin to comprehend what has happened or may happen in the story.  Most often during this stage the young reader may still want to interpret the picture avoiding the words they may not be familiar with.  The teacher or parent should incorporate the use of the dictionary for pronunciation and definition when a word is unfamiliar to the reader. This habit will strengthen one’s reading and comprehension skills.  

As the reader becomes confident, the use of the picture books can be replaced with chapter books.  For elementary learners, they can now move on and apply the spelling list in sentences they create.  The ability to write complete sentences and apply new words builds a skill that is necessary in later years of learning.  Book reports, essays and other writings often give credence to the student’s level of reading, comprehension, as well as their ability to write. The English language has been said to be the most difficult language to learn.  Words that sound the same may not be spelled the same or have the same definition, (e.g. there, their; blue, blew).  There are also words that take on a different definition when used in a sentence, (e.g.  John turned at the stop sign; John didn’t know where to sign the document).  Grammar comes into play when comprehending these sentences. The understanding of a noun, pronoun, verb, adverb, adjective and its usage is imperative to be able to read, comprehend and write.  

As the student moves forward, beyond elementary education, the need to read becomes evident.  This skill is one that will always be needed to function daily.  Written communication is used in every facet of life.  The reading and the comprehension of the written word goes well beyond sight reading; its value is incomparable.  Reading is fundamental and as minute as it may seem it has been the success and failure of many.



The inability to read hinders intellectual elevation, materialistic gains, and in years gone by it helped manipulate generations of slaves and immigrants.  Contracts, laws, higher education, employment, housing, loans and list goes on; without one being able to read they fall victim to scams and theft.  

Reading, writing and arithmetic….. the three fundamental learnings taught daily are often overlooked as imperative and have given way to the usage of modern technology.  Text messaging, e-mails, and other ways of electronic communication have created another language, and a different method of comprehension.  The use of complete sentences coupled with shortening the spelling of words (e.g. bff – best friend forever, rofl- rolling on the floor laughing) has become the norm.  Those who have the know-how have replaced the basic skill of writing with this new form of written communication.  Reading and comprehending these communications has caused a stir in teaching.  There have been complaints regarding students who now write as they text with broken sentences and/or letter abbreviations.  

Avid readers have not abandoned their “good books” especially now that e-books have emerged.  The e-books put a novel or text book in a written format that can be used on a kindle, note pad, nook, Sony reader and other e-readers.  The enjoyment one feels when reading is second to none.  Some have described it as a method of escape, a fulfillment of fantasy, or a pleasurable journey.  

However, if one has never learned to enjoy reading or never learned the basic skills, they may assume this form of word usage is the “new grammar” and is accepted.  This creates a broken language both spoken and written.  I often cringe as I listen to discussions promoting this “new grammar” as part of the learning cycle.  Our children are now being taught without the use of phonics, which has been taken out of most reading classes.  They utilize computer learning and although they have learned this created new form communication, they still have to learn how to read.  There’s no way around it……. Reading is fundamental.

Consider this scenario…..

Coworkers often read the memos as posted by the Personnel Department for job promotions and incidental notifications.  Richard and Larry work in the same department and have become close friends.  Larry has confided in Richard that he should have stayed in school. Reading was his most difficult subject and now as an adult he reads very little and if he can get by he prefers not to read at all. Richard has carried Larry, doing most of the posted readings for him.  He explains the postings and what message they are conveying.  Richard takes a two week vacation and a memo comes out asking employees to fill out information for transfers.  It also states that these forms should be done by the end of the shift to be considered for the new positions.  Richard has completed his form prior to his vacation.  Larry neglects to read the board and receives a layoff notice the week of Richard’s return.  Not knowing what it is, he gives it to Richard to read and explain.  Richard is upset with himself.  There is nothing he can do now to help his friend.  Larry was laid off the same day the transfers were approved.  Larry doesn’t blame Richard but he has lost his job and faces new perils in seeking employment.  The outcome has caused him to accept his loses and he signs up for a reading course so he can get his GED.  Reading is fundamental.