When I was four years old, I was made to stand in the corner for a time-out. While I was bored and waiting for my release, I noticed my mother making a bunch of squiggles on some paper in neat lines.
“Why are you doing that?” Because when I scribbled on paper, I would get scolded.
“Because when I “write” something Grandma knows what I’m saying,” Mom answered firmly.
I thought she meant that Grandma would get that information “real time” by some kind of telepathy aided by the squiggles. My first thoughts were: “Uh oh! She’s telling Grandma I’m being naughty.”
My very next thoughts were: “Magic! I want to learn how to do that!”
Since then, I have learned so many things thanks to being a voracious reader. Being that kind of reader taught me how to be discriminating on what the author is saying, and whether they took the time to learn before spouting, too.
Yes, dear Peeps, reading is AWESOME! Even if it isn’t REALLY magical – it still seems like it is, y’know?
Say What You Need to Say, BUT Say It With Kindness if not Love 
Amen!!! Reading opens so many doors – so many worlds! Literacy is feared by those who would subjugate others. I think that is why there is such a push to close inner city schools and to gut the public school system of free education for all….
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I sincerely hope that wouldn’t be the goal for cutting programs. Literacy is how we can be self-taught!
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