Description
Literacy—the ability to read and write—is arguably the single most important factor in determining a person’s career arc. For those who can read and write, the range of possible vocations is vast—even highly skilled, high-paying careers are within reach. For those who cannot, the options are extremely limited—even unskilled minimum-wage jobs can be difficult to obtain.
Children are typically taught to read beginning in pre-school and Kindergarten. Education experts [1] say first graders should be able to read at least 150 high-frequency words [2] by the end of the year.
From ages 7-9, children’s reading fluency improves and they can read without assistance. By ages 9-15, children begin to acquire ideas from what they’re reading, and as adults, these [former] children should be able to comprehend long and complex text without assistance. [3]
In terms of literacy rate (percentage of the population over age 15 that can read and write), the U.S. ranks 137th out of 194 nations with a literacy rate of 79% in 2023. The average American is thought to be literate at the level of a 7th-8th grade student. Unfortunately, one in four children in the U.S. grows up without learning how to read. [4]
Being literate involves much more than just being able to read and write. A child’s intellectual and emotional growth can be irreparably harmed by illiteracy, which also frequently inhibits one’s ability to lead a fulfilling and successful adult life.
Fight illiteracy and support both adult and children’s literacy in your community. Find out about diversity in children’s literature and Multicultural Children’s Book Day here.
Notes
[1] What Should A First Grader Know?
[2] What are high-frequency words?
[3] Literacy Development in Children
[4] Literacy Statistics in the U.S. for 2023 – Prosperity for America
World Atlas – Literacy Statistics
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