Search Results for: blog literacy series statistics on literacy

Literacy Links

Who can argue that literacy is one of the greatest blessings we have, one of the most important skills we need to learn, a gift that we give ourselves and to our children, and that helping someone else learn to read one of the most satisfactory experiences we can ever have? The written word is an astonishing thing. You can become educated and entertained with a book, you can learn new skills, escape to another place, receive spiritual enlightenment, find friendship when you’re lonely — I can think of no other medium that can give us all these things. As … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: Programs and Projects that Support Literacy

We all know how important literacy is, and we know that there are programs available to help us with our individual needs, but how do we find them? I ran an Internet search for “literacy programs” last night and was pleased and inspired by what I found – page after page of resources. I’d like to share some of them with you. First is the Literacy Directory. When you click on this link, you’ll see a form. Just click on your town and state, and the directory will connect you with literacy programs right in your area. It just doesn’t … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: So, Just What Is Literacy, Anyway?

If you’re looking for an answer to the question, “What is literacy?” you’re going to get different answers depending on who you’re talking to. The National Council of Teachers of English have a list of communicative competencies that they use to define literacy, and they have placed visual representation on that list, which would include being able to draw a picture of what you’ve just read. (I would really stink at that – I don’t draw.) In Scotland, they broaden the definition to include math, verbally expressing opinions, solve problems, and handle information. And yet in other areas, literacy is … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: A Changing Definition, A Greater Need for Comprehension

Just what exactly is the definition of literacy? Traditionally, it has been considered to be the ability to read, write, and use language. However, as time has passed, that definition has changed to encompass a more well-rounded understanding of language, to communicate and to comprehend. UNESCO said: “Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society.” … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: Statistics on Literacy

To start off our series on literacy, I would like to share with you some statistics gathered from the National Institute of Literacy. The United Nations declared a decade of literacy beginning in 2003, and they are reporting that significant strides are being made in the right direction, with nearly 4 billion literate persons worldwide, but at the same time, that leaves 781 million illiterate adults around the world, and about 64% of those are women. Let’s take a look at more of these statistics, paraphrased for easier consumption: • 34% of the world’s illiterate adults live in India. • … Continue reading →

Literacy Series – An Introduction

Ever since I first came on to Families.com as a Media Reviews blogger in August of 2006, my main emphasis has been on literacy. I believe it is so crucial to our civilization, our education, and any progress we ever hope to make as a people. As I choose books to review for Families.com, I look for books that will aid us in that quest for personal betterment, whether it be educationally or spiritually, or often for clean entertainment. As I continue to pursue this quest, I will be posting blogs about literacy itself. I have found many fascinating statistics … Continue reading →

Patrick Swayze’s Battle with Cancer

The bad news: The “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” star has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The good news: According to Patrick Swayze’s doctor, the actor “has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far.” It’s not everyday that a celeb’s doctor releases a statement to the media, but apparently some news outlets have been erroneously reporting that Swayze was given a year to live while others noted that the actor has been hit with serious side effects and was bedridden. All of which is untrue, according to Swayze’s physician. In fact … Continue reading →

All About Bookadventure.org

This month, I had said I was going to devote blogs to literacy. . .and then new stories happened, and movies about great educators came up, and well. . .I forgot. But I was recently reminded to pick it up again and so I decided to devote my first blog on literacy to my favorite incentive offering reading site: bookadventure.org How It Works Your child’s teacher (or you) sign up for an account and then children sign up for their own accounts under their teacher’s (or your name). They read books and take quizzes. They have to get a certain … Continue reading →