Literacy 101: Oprah Winfrey film highlights National Family Literacy Month

November 2, 8:42 PMEducation ExaminerDonna Gundle-Krieg

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The National Center for Family Literacy has many programs during National Family Literacy Month.
Photo from the National Center for Family Literacy

One-third of all fourth graders in this country cannot read at grade level, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.

This is a serious problem. Reading is the foundation of all education, and those who can't read have increased risk of committing crimes, living in poverty and/or being subject to many other social ills.

November is National Family Literacy Month, and there are many programs underway to promote reading, according to the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL).

First of all, a movie with an all-star cast will be touting the NCFL and the family literacy message.

“Precious is about an illiterate teen mother living a life of despair until a teacher helps her transform her life through education and encouragement,” according to the promotional information.  

This movie will be in theatres starting November 6th, and is produced by Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey and distributed by Lionsgate Films.  It is based on the novel Push by Sapphire.

In addition, 60 Minutes contributor Byron Pitts is taking his own powerful message of overcoming illiteracy to the internet to discuss his new book, Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges.

This book chronicles Pitts’ rise to fame after overcoming illiteracy and a stuttering problem with the support of his mother, a college roommate, and educators. Click here to hear the compelling story in Pitts' own words.

Children’s books are also being promoted by BetterWorldBooks , which is sponsoring a category of children’s books containing more than 100,000 books that will be priced four for $10 with free shipping.

Another new initiative this holiday season is the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, which is being sponsored by the NCFL, the UPS Store, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

“This program will offer our nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively,” according to the NCFL newsletter.

Finally, the NCFL has teamed up with Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Verizon Foundation to create the OurStory online program, which includes literacy activities connecting books to online projects and exhibits at national museums.

“This innovative partnership with an iconic national institution will bring the Smithsonian’s treasures right into the homes of families across the country,” said Emily Kirkpatrick, vice president of NCFL.

“We are providing families with free, fun learning experiences that build literacy skills around the backdrop of history.”

The NCFL’s 2010 conference will be held April 11-13, 2010, in San Antonio. 

For more information, see:

National Center for Family Literacy

Creating a Literate Nation

Literacy Rate Doubles to 95% with New Program

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