BLeh...read this statistics......

[demon chloe]

[img]graemlins/thumbs_down.gif[/img]

61% of low-income households have no books for their children.

Only 31% of 4th graders in America read at or above proficiency

The most effective way to improve the reading achievement of children of low-income families is to increase their access to books.

<font color="#f7f7f7" size="1">[ October 02, 2002 08:53 PM: Message edited by: demon chloe ]</font>

[demon chloe]

oooOOOoOo runs and gets the statistics..


i hit enter too fast


ZOOOOM:::...

[Mystyx]

Its absolutely true....schools and librarys often have book fairs and usually large sections of used books they give away for free....and thrift shops carry them too very inexpensive..Lots of low-income families usually don't know thier options as its not something that is publized (Should be)...One of the bigger problems today in why we have such low numbers in proficiency is the parents not reading to thier kids or making books important to thier kids..parents participation is key...It makes all the difference in reading levels and comprehension and future academics in all subjects....Sorry for my passion here but I am a parent of a fantastic 9 yr old and reading is something we do everyday... Its so beneficial...OK I am done.... [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

[SHATOUSHKA]

sometimes i find statistics to be a bit biased.

i COMPLETELY agree with mystyx in that there
are so many outlets for reading materials.
i am definitely NOT knocking chloe for her
information... =)

so what if 61% of ANY class doesn't have books
for their children.

yes i know that books are very important. i collect
them so i'm definitely not one to be a killjoy.
but reading fundamentals can be achieved through
just about any form of printed material:
newspapers, pamphlets, flyers, magazines,
junk mail, take home menus... are all good ways for younger
children to grasp word combinations and phonics.
(this, i think, we'd all agree on)

i will definitely allow that books tend to
'give' more to children by way of imagination
expansion, creativity, complex thoughts (such
as past, present, and future events), and
gosh... so very much more.

again, i agree that thrift shops are a great
way to build up a small library. i visit many
in my own town, and most of the time you can
get a grocery bag of books for under $5 (here).

i'll just come out and say it...

there simply isn't a damn good reason why
our reading statistics are so low.

that's all i better say for now...
i'm getting riled up.

[Mystyx]

I agree completely...where there is a will there is away....Books are everywhere, even for low-income families..I am not rich and a single mom and we have shelves full. Its a reflection on parents, schools, teachers and society if are kids are not up to par. Kids get lost in the cracks and some parents didn't have fundamental tools enforced themselves to know its important to thier kids...regardless, school classrooms are over crowded and legislation wants to scream our kids our kids....but don't do enough for them...again I submit...part of being a parent is getting involved and doing everything possible to enable our kids to have better then we did...just having better...give them a strong foundation so they can soar...Ok I'll get off my soap box now...(humbly steps down)

[Blazey]

*Waits for Mz Third Grade Teacher to post..cuz i know she aint done yet!*..dontcha correct my spelling either..*G

*waves at Shatz and Wiqued* [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

[demon chloe]

yer right!!!!

Mz 3rd Grade Demon she ain't done *L ....shes just busy!


and would ya read the title of this thread and tell me if im looney?

[img]redface.gif[/img]

[Blazey]

I wasnt gonna say a word..*L
You can fix it yanno...guess its a lil late aint it..hehe.. [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]

[Virgo]

My mom taught me to read before school....the first books I remember are the Little House on the Praire ones and the Beverly Cleary ones....Ramona...and one of chloes favorites....Dear Mr Henshaw *G....I read Judy Blume...Ive read as long as I can remember..and got most of my books at the library

[demon chloe]

YAY!!!! VIRGO.....Henshaw ROCKS!!!!


and so does Ramona...right now...kids...like Junie B JOnes...as much as Ramona


and yeap...im stil formulating some thoughts on the whole thing....


This week our students....1 - 4...are taking the B.R.I. basic reading inventory..takes about 15 minutes....given by a reading specialist... I watched one lil first grader....zoom thru the whole list...they had to go get a 6th grade middle school list...for her to continue on...


and I have several kids in my class....who...are reading preprimer....books.... kids..who don't qualify for special support.... its sad.... I read read read to them..every single day...to them ...with them...at them.....behind them......listen ....bleh..all of it

GULP...goes and formulates more thoughts *G*