Does Censorship Affect

Literacy?

Organized Book Drive and Held Small Reading Groups With Students

Renee Rose

I chose my topic because I have always

thought that a love of reading contributes to a better ability to comprehend and learn. Literacy is important to function in everyday life.

I believe the decreased interest in reading in the world today is in direct correlation with a lack of reading material that interests students.

Why I Chose My Topic

Books = most frequently banned

materials. What is book censorship?• Challenge: attempt to remove or

restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group.

• Banning: complete removal of these materials.

What is Book Censorship?

Most common reasons for banning: Offensive language Sexual content Political grounds Religious beliefs Violence

Why Are Books Banned?

From 1990- 2000, 6,000+ challenges were made. In 2001, Harry Potter was the most challenged

book. Books recently challenged and/or banned

include:• The Perks of Being a Wallflower• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time• The Catcher in the Rye

Censorship

2/3 of students that cannot read proficiently

by the end of the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare

According to UNICEF, "Nearly a billion people worldwide are unable to read a book or sign their names and two thirds of them are women.”

Statistics

In the United States, an estimated 30 million

people over the age of 16 read no better than the average elementary school child.

The ability to read and write is the basis for all other education.

Without literacy skills, today’s adults will struggle to take part in the world around them and fail to reach their full potential as parents, community members, and employees.

Why is Literacy Important?

Finding new information Finding new and reliable sources. Time management. Forming a question to research.

Obstacles in Research

My interest in my topic gave me a

better understanding of the statistics. Learned skills in time management. Developed writing skills. Learned research skills. Passed my paper!

Success in Research

My research was related to my topic in that it

focused on literacy and encouraged literacy in students. I used my product to state the importance of literacy to an audience.

Link Between Research and Product

My Product

Organization Time management Planning skills Working closely with new people The importance of literacy

What This Project Taught Me

Branching out of my comfort zone Gained some confidence in my communication

skills I work more efficiently on projects concerning

topics that I am passionate about Reaffirmed my belief in the harm that

censorship can cause with its effect on literacy

What I Learned About Myself

College• Learned how to better manage time for college.• Learned how to research and develop a paper.• Learned how to organize and stay organized. Career• I want to be a child psychiatrist and my project offered a lot

of experience working with children.• Learned better communication skills which is really important

for the job field I want to enter.

Benefits for the Future

Yes, this project was worthwhile. • It taught me organization and planning. • It gave me experience working with other

people and forced me out of my comfort zone which is something very valuable as it will be used in everyday life.

Was It Worthwhile?

Thank You For Your Time

Do you have any questions?