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January 27th marks International Family Literacy Day, an opportunity to reflect on the role that families play in creating a foundation for lifelong learning and development. While the path to literacy is often shaped by early exposure and environment, there is another critical factor we must consider: our individual cognitive capacity.  

One’s capacity to read extends beyond being provided with opportunities to learn how. Underneath the skill, are cognitive processes essential to decoding, comprehension, and even pronouncing what we read. From a cognitive lens, both genetic differences and the brain’s neuroplasticity play a crucial role in literacy development. 

Genetics and Literacy Development: A Cognitive Perspective 

Cognitive functions influence how our brains develop and process information, which in turn affects our ability to learn and use language. While it is widely understood that reading and writing issues, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia, are passed down genetically, there has not yet been a widely understood reason why the same diagnosis, may have different presentations. Why, even two siblings, or a parent and child, may both have a dyslexia diagnosis, but experience very different issues.  

Their brain’s unique cognitive makeup can explain these differences.  

Struggles with literacy can take on many forms, and it can be empowering for individuals, families, and educators to gain a clear picture of the specific cognitive functions causing one’s learning issues.  

However, genetics is not destiny. Cognitive science tells us that the brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—means that literacy can improve at any age, even in adulthood. 

Neuroplasticity and Literacy at Any Age 

Neuroplasticity offers a new lens and opportunity. Even if someone struggles with reading as a child or adult, targeted training can strengthen the underlying cognitive functions required for reading—including visual memory, phonemic awareness, processing speed, and accuracy in tracking. Through consistent, sustained practice, participants in Arrowsmith report transformative impacts on their reading, writing, and communication skills, from those in their first year of school to seniors.  

This is particularly exciting because it underscores that literacy development is not fixed. Whether your child is a young learner encountering reading challenges, you are an adult seeking to improve your literacy skills, or your own parent is experiencing cognitive decline due to aging,  the application of cognitive exercises to target the functions of literacy can lead to measurable gains in learning and quality of life.  

A Call to Action for Families and Educators 

On this International Family Literacy Day, let's celebrate not just the act of reading, but the powerful cognitive mechanisms behind it. We invite you to understand that literacy is deeply connected to our brain’s adaptable nature, and empower families and educators to approach reading as a dynamic, lifelong skill—one that can be strengthened and refined at any age. 

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Tara Bonner
Post by Tara Bonner
January 27, 2025
Tara Bonner collaborates with professionals and educators worldwide, envisioning the convergence of learning and neuroscience. Tara has witnessed that cognitive programming can be a transformative force not just for struggling learners, but for all seeking to experience learning with ease and joy. She's honored to be part of these discussions and an organization that's revolutionizing education by putting the "Brain in Education."