SECOND-, THIRD-GRADERS TALK ABOUT READING

Second-graders, like Ross Brannock, understand why learning to read is so important, and he practices his reading skills every day at home and at Clippard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau.

"You have to know how to read so you won't go the wrong way on streets," Brannock explained. "You might be going to Wal-Mart and turn up at Kid's World."

Well, Brannock said, maybe that mistake wouldn't be so bad, but you get the idea. Reading is important.

"If you can't read, when you grow up you won't be able to get a job," he said.

Brannock learned to read a little early. Most youngsters hone their book skills in the first grade. He started reading in kindergarten. "I just decided it was time to start reading," he explained. "I like books about machines and nature. I really like chapter books."

His classmate, Alison Yuen, said it's important to be a good reader so she doesn't have to ask anyone for help, even with the hard words. And being a good reader helps her to be a better speller.

Yuen likes to read stories about "Animorphs," children who get super-animal powers from aliens. Not only do the "Animorphs" have great adventures, the books have chapters, a big plus for second-graders.

More experienced readers, from Clippard's third grade, explained that books are important in school and in life.

"If you can't read, you'll never make it to the next grade," said Tyler Brandt. "You'll flunk reading, and all your friends will laugh at you."

Besides, said Erica Hendrix, "Reading is fun. I like to read all sorts of books, fiction stories and stories about cats and dogs."

Brandt added that he likes to read about sports, dinosaurs, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

The third-graders agreed that reading is a very grown-up skill and a skill grown-ups need, especially parents.

"You will want to read stories to your kids," Brandt said. "I always read to my little sister."

Hendrix added, "You have to read everything, directions on papers so you know what to do, magazines, and newspapers. It would be horrible not to be able to read."

Hendrix has launched her own one-person literacy campaign among her friends.

She explained that a first-grade friend who doesn't yet know how to read questioned if reading was worth the effort.

"Just wait until you get into the middle of the year," Hendrix advised. "You'll think it's really fun. And your teacher and your parents will be proud that you know how to read, and so will you."