I once heard a professor speak on the subject of extinction. He spoke of cataclysmic episodes that other scientists talk about, but one thing this fellow said stuck in my mind. He said many times extinction is a gradual process of one species not doing as well as another species, and over time they simply disappear. What does this have to do with reading in America? In the following newsletters I am going to share some of our experiences of working in the field of literacy. Could a fluent, reading population really be in danger of extinction? Let's take a look.
     I travel all the time reading to kids. My mission was sparked by a couple of things. One, I like performing for kids and inspiring them to read. That is rewarding in itself, especially when you hear that you've made a difference in a child's life. Turning non-readers into readers is like getting extra hot fudge on your ice cream--very sweet and satisfying!
     The other reason that I embark on these countless journeys across America is my continual reaearch on reading interests and levels in our schools and public libraries. This has evolved into my delving into human psychology on the subject of literacy in the modern, changing world. Why do some adults understand the value of enhancing a child's interests in reading, while others are totally complacent? Why are some children avid readers while some miss out on this golden opportunity? After nine years of traveling and reading to nearly five million kids, a few things have gelled in my mind. What I have learned and experienced out in the real world has become clear enough to share with you.  
     We've all heard the occasional news reports stating high school graduates weren't able to read in such and such school somewhere. From what we have seen, this is probably true, as painful as it sounds. I recently attended a PTA conference and became acquainted with the people in the neighboring booths. One gentleman from the Crime Stoppers' booth was quite interested in our products and delighted in our mission of helping children get excited about reading and writing. He told me the one common factor with kids who get into big trouble, especially those who are involved in dangerous gang activity, is: THEY CAN'T READ. Hearing words like that certainly inspires me to work harder.

     Some parents, schools, and libraries are jumping with excitement about reading. Books are looked upon as a smart investment. One thing that is always present in these successful situations is high energy leaders that are exemplary role models. They are leaders that teach by example. The students are excited, the teachers are happy, everybody is focused on their goals.
     On the other side of that coin, I've seen the opposite in human behavior. When no value is placed on books, or no understanding for the importance of enthusiasm about reading, there is a deficiency in learning. No enthusiasm for books or children's traffic in a library equals no reading. In some homes, books are looked upon as a dead expense. No books in the home equals no reading. Therefore, the only example kids have to emulate is to not read--just do what everybody else is doing. Or not doing...
     I have witnessed parents who take tiny toddlers to a library reading show and even go so far as to buy books. What is astounding is the number of parents and children of elementary age that don't attend the programs. Perhaps the dangerous assumption is, The kids are being taught to read in school, so they don't need the library anymore. Could it be as simple as that?

     What can we do?

     Going back through my early memories as a performing author, I was complimented by an elderly couple, "We like what you're doing for the kids. Our mama and papa read to us every night after supper. That's how we learned to read." Their comment put me on the road to understanding this simple concept: Verbs make a difference. Nouns do not.

      Some of my reading rally audiences are from five hundred to a thousand students at a time. I learned quickly that if I was going to inspire or motivate children to read, it would take energy and enthusiasm. Before I go out on stage to do a show, I tell myself that I am a verb and not a noun. I have the action and energy to compete with any TV show, video game, Wii, or iPod. You can too!
     In some schools, the attention span of students is short. They are not accustomed to being read to. To create curiosity and engage them into the story, I ad-lib a sound effect or exaggerate a character voice. I turn up the enthusiasm. I do everything that I can so that the children see me having a great time with a book in my hand. I connect fun with reading every step of the way. Why? Because reading is strenuous for some. It is as difficult as a vigorous exercise. If I demonstrate how much fun reading is, a child might try it, if given the opportunity.
     No doubt the competition is fierce. TV, video games, cell phones, and the next new, exciting thing that's on its way to seize people's time and attention are here to stay. All of these things have become a way of life. How do we make reading a way of life?

      I've heard other authors lecture to kids saying, "Turn off the TV and read." Good advice, but how many people do what you tell them? People tend to do what they see someone else do.
     I've found the schools that are 'Succeeding with Reading' are the ones that have leaders setting the example--real verbs. In one school, the principal starts the day by reading to all the students over the intercom. Another school had a reading restaurant in the library--complete with decorations and costumes. The smaller children choose from a menu of books and the older students, dressed in waiter attire, read the selected books to the delighted listeners. I witnessed tremendous excitement from all of the students when it was their turn to go to the library. There is a multi-layered value here. While all the kids benefit from the experience of reading aloud and listening, it also demonstrates the best example: PEOPLE READING TO PEOPLE.

      Until next time, pick up a good book and read to someone for a few minutes!