F - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Today, while most American families still own a Bible, few remain motivated to read it. In fact, some 42 million adult Americans cannot even read well enough to fill out an application, decipher a food label, or tell a simple story to a child. Another 50 million are limited to a 4th or 5th grade reading level. In fact, literacy experts estimate that 92 million adults lack a sufficient foundation of basic reading skills to function successfully in society.
Educators agree that reading is the foundation for success in education.
One reading program used in more than two-thirds of the states is designed to encourage children to read at school and for recreation. Some states have declared the whole month of March as Reading Month, while others celebrate Reading Month in February or April. Such special reading programs are promoted by schools and local governments and are often sponsored by businesses, publishers, libraries, or other organizations dedicated to education and literacy. Last year, the lieutenant governor of Michigan took reading education on the road. Over the 31 days of Michigan's Reading Month, he visited more than 31 elementary schools and talked to over 100 classes.