Today I talked with a friend and fellow mentor about the need for teaching children how to read. It reinforced something we both know to be true: reading is not optional. It is foundational. Without it, children are asked to navigate school—and life—without the tools they need to succeed.

As mentors, we see firsthand how reading gaps show up in confidence, classroom participation, and self-belief. Literacy isn’t just an academic skill—it’s a lifeline.

We shared both our victories—moments when we’ve watched children learn to read proficiently and begin to truly enjoy it. We also shared our less victorious moments, the times when our efforts didn’t lead to the outcomes we hoped for. Those moments stay with you.

Without attempting to place blame, we found ourselves asking hard questions:
How can a child be in middle school and not be able to read?
How can an eighth grader be reading at a third-grade level?

At one point, the conversation even turned to retirement. But our deep compassion for the needs of children—children we know, mentor, and care about—made one thing clear: retirement will not be anytime soon for us.

And we’re really okay with that.

Picture credit: ClayBanks@Unsplash.com 

Of course, we didn’t come up with a solution in one phone call. But that’s where you come in.

Please comment and let us know what you think. What can we, as a community, do to increase the reading levels of our children?

Your input matters. We thank you in advance.