You're probably all hearing this a lot, but it's that time of the year again: back to school. Yep, early to mid August, when kids wake up to the break of dawn, struggle to get out of bed, and sometimes end up going back to sleep because they dread taking one step further out the door. Everyone’s got all their supplies ready, their backpacks zipped and prepared, and then they’re all headed out. A new school year also means new changes for many, from new clothes and shoes to a new pair of glasses, and even a new haircut.

With the upcoming school year, a barber in Iowa, Courtney Holmes, gave free haircuts to children who read books to him on Saturday during a Back to School Bash in Dubuque, Iowa. Holmes found a great way to support and encourage.

The St. Mark Youth Enrichment Organization donated books and grade-level reading coordinator, Caitlin Daniels assisted those that struggled with reading while he or she was getting a haircut. I’ll admit it, even I had trouble with reading comprehension in the very early years of my elementary school because after moving permanently from India, I had to adjust with the shift in language(s), everyday slang, and literature. I struggled as I assimilated myself into the English subject requirements.

Moreover, living in the digital age has further contributed to the decline in reading as it can pose distractions. It can also account for children getting even lazier. And although it is more feasible to have a whole library stored on your Kindle, it’s probably better for your eyes if you read more from the actual hard-copy book.

In May 2014, Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization in San Francisco, conducted research that demonstrated that the daily reading fell from childhood to teenage years. According to the study, the percentage of kids aged 6- to 8-year-old that read on a daily basis dropped from 38 percent to 24 percent when they reached 15 to 17 years of age, according to Yahoo News.

In 1984, 70 percent of 13-year-olds and 64 percent of 17-year-olds were weekly readers, but by 2014 the percentages had dropped to 53 percent and 40 percent, respectively, according to the report (Yahoo News).

In fact, according to some poll studies and research, even the president’s speech, or the State of the Union Address, has undergone a reduction in literacy rates and verbosity throughout the years. That’s (probably) saying something. Sure, back then, it was all about the eloquence of writing, penmanship, and much more formality.

But now, I feel as though we may be slipping on at least some of our sophistication.

This is quite alarming as reading comprehension and literacy rates are dwindling, especially in a fully developed country that has all the resources available to them. Although our education system is remarkable, it’s also up to the parents to help their kids perform their best in school and help them reach their full potential. Because reading is at the core of every subject.

Overall, the barber implemented such a wonderful idea in his community. This can surely help the youngsters become more engaged in their academics and enhance their learning abilities. Such a small form of benevolence can potentially go a long way.

http://news.yahoo.com/why-iowa-barber-gives-free-haircuts-195509986.html