This week I had the opportunity to travel to Boston to attend a conference for Reading Horizons. While I was there I was able to walk the red brick Freedom Trail. As I strolled past sites such as, the Old Granary Burial Ground, Paul Revere’s house, USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument I reflected on the United States Declaration of Independence and how these monuments are a reflection of where it all began.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Some would say that literacy could be added to that list. In order reach one’s potential in their life, that includes liberty and happiness the ability to be a fluent reader and comprehend text is vital. When I think about what a huge part being able to read plays in a person’s life, it puts literacy in perspective. You wouldn’t be reading this post right now. I think in my own life, the ability to read well has allowed me to pursue an education, a career and more importantly freedom to choose what I want to do in life.
While in Boston I had the opportunity to visit with The Harvard Bridge to Learning and Literacy. The Harvard Bridge program’s mission is to provide service to employees at Harvard with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their current positions, meet their career goals and prosper in their personal lives. Jon Antonellis, one of the lead instructors for the Harvard Bridge Program, become acquainted with Reading Horizons years ago and has used it with some of there adult ESL learners. Since the release of Reading Horizons v5 he wanted his staff to be trained in how to best use the new computer software for literacy improvement at their facility. While I was there I was impressed with how the Bridge program facilitates people to reach their potential and ultimately improve literacy skills. The instructors were all excited to have new tools, especially for their ESL students. It is so important that there are people who teach reading who truly care about the success of their students.
Share your thoughts below about how literacy has impacted your life or the life of someone you know.