In recent years, reports have gone out from schools showing that the proficiency level of children has fallen to its lowest since 1992. Why is this? My goal as a citizen of my community is to bring awareness to my peers, encourage them, and ultimately help the elementary school students in my local area bring these statistics up.  All across Massachusetts, the reading levels of elementary students have plummeted.  Due to this, 8th grade students do not read independently as much as they should.

While there are plenty of students and peers who do read by choice, there are still alarming numbers of them who do not see reading as an enjoyable hobby. When in elementary school, around 3rd or 4th grade, an introduction to literature is extremely important. This is a responsibility of parents and of teachers. Getting an early start on enjoyable reading, which includes finding books that children will actually choose and appreciate,  is the most crucial step. Giving a child a book that does not bring any interest to them will not help in any way to them seeing reading in a good light. 

When my mom went to work as a teacher, the first thing she would complain about to me was how her students did not have the expected reading proficiency as they should. This always made me wonder how much screens and easy access to entertainment had been made.  I personally love reading as a form of entertainment, but there's so much more to it.  Reading allows students and children to see their world from a different lens and grow smarter. Just reading 20 minutes a day can not only exercise your brain, but also give you the needed skills for daily life. 

DID YOU KNOW- the reading level data of 3rd graders in sent to prisons and jails all over the country to see how many beds they will need  in the cells. Why? This is because not reading enough or having a exceptionaly low comprehension level is linked to criminals and people who end up in jail. Also, people who read more are much more likley to have better and stronger connections with friends, family, and even strangers!

Please, sign my petition to bring reading  back to the regular routine of children of our generation and future ones!