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I think laws are passed that bypass people in need. These are the people of which I was speaking. I think these people can be helped in many ways on top of social systems. This is a good place to start teaching the illiterate. In my opinion, help should be given to these children at very early ages (even before the age they can enroll in Head Start), right after they are born if possible. This is the time to read to them and give them the sensory input needed as a base for future reading skills. I know this will not happen in my lifetime, but I think this is a must to the goal of eradicating illiteracy.
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I totally agree that nurturing the love of reading is so important for young children. It is so important for parents to introduce reading within the home, to model it by reading themselves, and by reading to children often if not every day. Sometimes, however, children struggle with reading even when reading is an active part of home life - I'm speaking of learning disabilities specifically reading delays. Not all reading delays are a result of poor enrichment within the home. Just imagine a dyslexic child's struggle - especially if there isn't any reading encouraged within the home.
Currently, many public libraries offer programs targeted to young children (toddlers & preschool kids) that families can take advantage of. These programs are supported by tax dollars, and other public monies.
I think that it is important that society continue to support the public libraries and their programming. ditto for our public school districts. I feel that we as a society have a moral obligation to collectively reach out to all our children and offer supportive learning environments filled with enriching experiences. I see such public entites as an extension or an "in addition" to the support and warmth found within every child's home - not as a replacement of parental guidance but as an enriching addition.
Our society values reading. There are many ways to encourage and support reading. The public library near me does a fantastic job with programming for young children. I always support our library in whatever way that I can at the time because I value the services offered to everyone regardless of their financial situation.
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