Rachel and I are committed to reading. One of our greatest joys as parents is reading to our sons, and listening to them read on their own. At bedtime, our children choose a book for us to read. We read the book to them, and then they take turns reading the book to us. Reading is one of the ways that we can spend quality time with our children.

Now we're working to share our family's love of reading with students all across South Carolina. Every week during legislative session, I invite a class of students to my office and read to them. I've also read to children in schools, libraries and child development centers throughout our state. These students are excited to hear me read them a story. Once I've finished reading, these children can't wait to read a book on their own. This excitement for reading helps students to do better in other subjects as well.

My wife Rachel shares this commitment to reading with her "Reading with Rachel" program. Once a month, Rachel reads to young students at the Governor's Mansion. She also takes "Reading with Rachel" on the road. Rachel visits schools all across the state, reading to students and presenting media centers with copies of the "Reading with Rachel" Book of the Month.

In South Carolina, we're working together to make sure that every child can read independently by the third grade. In 1999, we established the Governor's Institute of Reading. Last December, we held a statewide reading summit to examine the best practices in reading and share these teaching methods with teachers and parents all over South Carolina. During the 2000-2001 academic year, the Institute of Reading will allocate $50,000 grants to 30 school districts in order to implement reading initiatives.

However, promoting better reading is more than just the responsibility of government. It requires a personal commitment from each of us. I've challenged every student to read 20 books this year. Students who meet this challenge will be named to the Governor's Reading Honor Roll. Students already earn a presidential certificate for physical fitness. Now they can win recognition for reading fitness as well.

Reading allows parents to spend more quality time with their children. Good reading skills improve student performance in all subject areas. Reading sparks the imagination and opens the door to a world of opportunities and rewards. The most important learning tool a child can have is a library card.

Related Information:
Reading with Rachel
Focus on Reading