World Literacy Day September 8th 2025. 347 words

This day was created in 1966 by The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. U.N.E.S.C.O. It’s purpose is to to promote world peace and cooperation a radical idea then and more so now. This year the day is celebrating reading for education worldwide. A yearly event, sponsored by Scholastic, to promote reading aloud in one hundred countries. this year it is a two day event to promote the 60 Th year of literacy days.
In 1966, the literacy levels was under 50%. It is now reported that 86 %of person’s over age 15, can now read and write.
Recent achievements report that 36% of third graders are reading at their grade level. This is lower for populations of different ethic and cultural differences. Children with physical and cognitive disabilities are often overlooked. Sixth and eighth grades literacy levels were reported to closer to grade level.
So the educators cite the increased use of AI programs used to write assignments. Spelling and grammar can be checked and corrected with little thought or learning.
Scores show a wide diversion in some ethic and cultural populations. Students unlearning English as a second language, blindness and hearing can decrease scores on standard test. The blind and low vision populations literacy levels have been reported as low as 10 %, with older blind individuals having the highest illiteracy compared to younger populations. Students are expected to learn braille and English to read and write as a blind student.
Deaf students who learn American Sign Language, a concept centered language. They must learn English syntax and grammar to be literate. This year, the emphasis is on story telling and reading aloud. Lets hope the two day event will promote cooperation and sharing of our stories to foster understanding.
***. poem
Word Play
It starts with babbling of a baby with her mother.
Repeating listening and producing sounds shape vocalizations.
Gestures and eye contact add to the play.
Peek a Boo, and patty cake gives practice .
Rhyming and alliteration brings joy making words.
Soon word chains form communication pathways.
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