July 12, 2025Admin

Reading to Learn: Why Literacy Is the Foundation for All Subjects

Reading to Learn: Why Literacy Is the Foundation for All Subjects

Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write. It’s the key that unlocks all other learning. From the moment a child first recognizes a word in a picture book, to the day a high school senior deciphers complex science texts, literacy is the backbone of education. According to Martha S. Butler in The Long Reach of Literacy, “Literacy skills are needed in every subject, even mathematics. As educators, collaborating with other teachers across all subject areas is critical to creating a common language that students will recognize from one subject to the next.”

How Literacy Impacts All Other Learning

The journey to reading proficiency starts long before a child ever enters kindergarten. Early exposure to books, storytelling, songs, and even conversation helps build the vital brain connections necessary for language development. Children who grow up in language-rich environments, where books are read aloud, words are explored, and curiosity is encouraged, are better prepared for reading in school.

Research shows that children who enter kindergarten with strong early literacy skills are more likely to become proficient readers by third grade. (Visit Reading Rockets to see the report from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). And reading proficiently by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. Why? Up to that point, children are “learning to read.” However, after third grade, they must “read to learn.” Without solid reading skills, students begin to fall behind, and not just in English class, but in math, science, social studies, and more.

A student cannot complete a word problem in math, for example, if they cannot read what the question is asking. They cannot understand lab instructions in science if they cannot decode the text in a biology book. They cannot fully participate in history discussions if they struggle to interpret primary sources.

In The Impact of Reading Comprehension on Learning, experts note that, “… literacy is arguably the most important competence to teach. A student who can master reading comprehension will not only have high chances of becoming an avid reader and cultured person but also be a higher-achieving professional in nearly all areas of knowledge. As Elizabeth Escar notes in her article for Iris, “Reading comprehension is the foundation for all other academic skills. It helps children build vocabulary, learn about the world, and understand complex concepts.”

Literacy also empowers students to think critically, analyze information, draw conclusions, and express themselves clearly. It is, quite simply, the foundation on which all other academic skills are built. As reading becomes more advanced, so too does the student’s ability to navigate the increasingly complex demands of schoolwork, standardized testing, and higher education.

Reading to Learn: Why Literacy Is the Foundation for All Subjects

Literacy and Lifelong Success

Beyond school, literacy is essential for navigating everyday life. Reading instructions, filling out forms, writing emails, understanding health information, following the news are all tasks that require strong literacy skills. Adults with low literacy levels face significant challenges in employment, healthcare, and civic participation.

The economic correlation is striking. According to ProLiteracy, adults with low literacy are more likely to be unemployed or earn significantly less than their more literate peers.

Literacy also correlates with improved mental health, higher levels of community involvement, and greater self-confidence.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Given its importance, strong literacy skills must be nurtured from the very beginning. Parents and caregivers can support literacy development at home by reading aloud daily, talking with children about the world around them, and modeling a love of reading. Choosing books that match a child’s interests and reading level can spark enthusiasm and build confidence. (Click here for a list of tips to encourage reading, even by the reluctant reader.)

For children who fall behind, early intervention is critical. If a student is not reading at grade level by the end of third grade, it becomes increasingly difficult to catch up.

And the statistics are alarming.

“According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 32 percent of our nation’s fourth graders can read proficiently, on average. Students in marginalized communities are disproportionally impacted by a lack of literacy support and resources, resulting in only 19 percent of students who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch, 17 percent of Black students, and 21 percent of Hispanic students being able to read proficiently by the fourth grade (as reported by 2022 NAEP results). These numbers have decreased since 2019 due to learning loss caused by pandemic-related school closures. Once students start to fall behind in reading, they tend to fall faster and further behind their peers with each year.”

Reading to Learn: Why Literacy Is the Foundation for All Subjects

Literacy is a Lifelong Journey

Of course, while much of the focus is placed on early childhood literacy, it’s important to remember that literacy is a lifelong journey. Middle school and high school students benefit from continued support in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and writing skills. Encouraging students to explore new genres, engage in meaningful discussions about texts, and write for real-world purposes helps them grow as learners and thinkers.

Adult literacy is another critical piece of the puzzle. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 21% of adults in the U.S. read below a fifth-grade level. Supporting adult literacy through GED programs, ESL classes, workplace education, and library initiatives is essential for building stronger families and communities. (Click here for more literacy statistics, 2024-2025.)

Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write. It’s the key that unlocks all other learning. From the moment a child first recognizes a word in a picture book, to the day a high school senior deciphers complex science texts, literacy is the backbone of education. According to Martha S. Butler in The Long Reach of Literacy, “Literacy skills are needed in every subject, even mathematics. As educators, collaborating with other teachers across all subject areas is critical to creating a common language that students will recognize from one subject to the next.” How Literacy Impacts All Other Learning The journey to reading proficiency starts long before a child ever enters kindergarten. Early exposure to books, storytelling, songs, and even conversation helps build the vital brain connections necessary for language development. Children who grow up in language-rich environments, where books are read aloud, words are explored, and curiosity is encouraged, are better prepared for reading in school. Research shows that children who enter kindergarten with strong early literacy skills are more likely to become proficient readers by third grade. (Visit Reading Rockets to see the report from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). And reading proficiently by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. Why? Up to that point, children are “learning to read.” However, after third grade, they must “read to learn.” Without solid reading skills, students begin to fall behind, and not just in English class, but in math, science, social studies, and more. A student cannot complete a word problem in math, for example, if they cannot read what the question is asking. They cannot understand lab instructions in science if they cannot decode the text in a biology book. They cannot fully participate in history discussions if they struggle to interpret primary sources. In The Impact of Reading Comprehension on Learning, experts note that, “… literacy is arguably the most important competence to teach. A student who can master reading comprehension will not only have high chances of becoming an avid reader and cultured person but also be a higher-achieving professional in nearly all areas of knowledge. As Elizabeth Escar notes in her article for Iris, “Reading comprehension is the foundation for all other academic skills. It helps children build vocabulary, learn about the world, and understand complex concepts.” Literacy also empowers students to think critically, analyze information, draw conclusions, and express themselves clearly. It is, quite simply, the foundation on which all other academic skills are built. As reading becomes more advanced, so too does the student’s ability to navigate the increasingly complex demands of schoolwork, standardized testing, and higher education. Literacy and Lifelong Success Beyond school, literacy is essential for navigating everyday life. Reading instructions, filling out forms, writing emails, understanding health information, following the news are all tasks that require strong literacy skills. Adults with low literacy levels face significant challenges in employment, healthcare, and civic participation. The economic correlation is striking. According to ProLiteracy, adults with low literacy are more likely to be unemployed or earn significantly less than their more literate peers. Literacy also correlates with improved mental health, higher levels of community involvement, and greater self-confidence. The Importance of Early Intervention Given its importance, strong literacy skills must be nurtured from the very beginning. Parents and caregivers can support literacy development at home by reading aloud daily, talking with children about the world around them, and modeling a love of reading. Choosing books that match a child’s interests and reading level can spark enthusiasm and build confidence. (Click here for a list of tips to encourage reading, even by the reluctant reader.) For children who fall behind, early intervention is critical. If a student is not reading at grade level by the end of third grade, it becomes increasingly difficult to catch up. And the statistics are alarming. “According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 32 percent of our nation’s fourth graders can read proficiently, on average. Students in marginalized communities are disproportionally impacted by a lack of literacy support and resources, resulting in only 19 percent of students who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch, 17 percent of Black students, and 21 percent of Hispanic students being able to read proficiently by the fourth grade (as reported by 2022 NAEP results). These numbers have decreased since 2019 due to learning loss caused by pandemic-related school closures. Once students start to fall behind in reading, they tend to fall faster and further behind their peers with each year.” Literacy is a Lifelong Journey Of course, while much of the focus is placed on early childhood literacy, it’s important to remember that literacy is a lifelong journey. Middle school and high school students benefit from continued support in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and writing skills. Encouraging students to explore new genres, engage in meaningful discussions about texts, and write for real-world purposes helps them grow as learners and thinkers. Adult literacy is another critical piece of the puzzle. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 21% of adults in the U.S. read below a fifth-grade level. Supporting adult literacy through GED programs, ESL classes, workplace education, and library initiatives is essential for building stronger families and communities. (Click here for more literacy statistics, 2024-2025.) How to Improve Literacy in Your Community and Beyond Literacy doesn’t just open doors… it builds bridges. Reading connects people of all ages to new ideas, opportunities, and ways of understanding the world. When communities invest in literacy, they invest in a more informed, equitable, and ultimately, successful society. Whether you’re a parent reading bedtime stories, a teacher guiding reluctant readers, a librarian providing resources, a policymaker creating funding, or simply a concerned citizen, your work matters!

How to Improve Literacy in Your Community and Beyond

Literacy doesn’t just open doors… it builds bridges. Reading connects people of all ages to new ideas, opportunities, and ways of understanding the world. When communities invest in literacy, they invest in a more informed, equitable, and ultimately, successful society.

Whether you’re a parent reading bedtime stories, a teacher guiding reluctant readers, a librarian providing resources, a policymaker creating funding, or simply a concerned citizen, your work matters!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002 and dedicated to educating the next generation, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab above.

Read now, because success won’t wait!

Leave a comment