Editorial: Literacy is a superpower

Literacy is part of our everyday routine, from reading signs, maps, and books to writing down our plans and reminders. At a young age, you might have been confused about a few words in the instructions of a worksheet or unable to spell some on the test. With limited literacy skills, you couldn’t write a simple birthday card to a friend or complete the rest of the worksheet. This goes to show the importance of literacy and why this issue is focusing on it.

Deciphering words can seem like the superpower we all possess. The ability to write and read allows us to communicate and share ideas. Instead of having to remember each fact or story, we can write books and books of knowledge. Then people around the world can access them to continue to learn from each other.  Without this ability, it places people behind since they are unable to help themselves to the knowledge that would allow them to learn even more.

Through reading, one can learn about other people’s perspectives on the world. Instead of being closed-minded towards other ideas, the power of words lets us step into someone else’s shoes to feel what they’re feeling. This is a great way to advocate for and bring awareness to social issues around the world.

In dedication to your ability to read and write, remember to stimulate your brain by making some time in your day to read a good book. You can also check out a library’s catalog to find a book to pick up or an e-book to read to support them during National Library Week. Looking for more information? Read about some book recommendations and what popular movies were actually books first here on The Signal.