Throughout my career, I have observed one truth consistently: the most capable writers and critical thinkers are regular readers. They don't simply read the words on a page; they question, interpret and actively engage with the text as they read. Reading is not merely the ability to 'bark at print' (Ewing); reading is thinking. Writing, in turn, provides a way of clarifying and refining that thinking, whether a student is writing an English essay or explaining a scientific concept. And therein lies one of the fundamental challenges in education today: declining reading rates, resulting in significant difficulties with comprehension. When students struggle to read critically, they inevitably struggle to think deeply and communicate their ideas effectively. The challenge is not simply to teach students to read, but to encourage them to become readers. - Mel
