What is this? Is this picking up a book and reading it? Is it writing a 7-page essay on the history of volcanoes? Maybe reading and writing is being a book critic? Yes, it can be. Yes, going to school is probably the most common use of reading and writing. Yet, what we don't think about is that being literate can mean being able to use the navigation on your phone to go to the zoo. Being literate can be going to the store to pick up ingredients for your special cookie sundaes. Being literate means being able to live in this world successfully. .
I grew up in California, where as a child I loved my dolls and books. My mom was very involved in my education, and although we didn't have much money, she did everything she could to make sure I got the education I deserved and needed. I went to a private Montessori school where the classes were integrated and I was in 2nd grade reading at a 5th grade level. I didn't know any different. I was just going to school and learning and reading what my teachers put in front of me. I was reenacting Lewis and Clark at recess with my friends. I was going to the library with my mom after school to pick out five books (that was my limit). I was having my books signed by my favorite author, Wendelin Van Draanen where I was her biggest fan and read all of her books, multiple times. Wendelin Van Draanen was special to me growing up. Her books were actually based from my hometown, where she was from. The high school Sammy Keyes was in, was right down the street from my house. I remember she signed my favorite book Enjoy this in your hometown, Cassandra with a winky face next to it. This was so exciting for me, I had found my favorite author from my hometown and she personally signed my book. I now could relate on a whole different level to her books, which really kept me engaged in her books, as well for others. I enjoyed going to school at such a young age. Reading was a hobby for me that brought excitement to my small hometown life, and writing was something I enjoyed very much so.