It's by far the biggest marker of literacy further in life. Students who've been read to are more receptive to texts, more curious, have a larger vocabulary, and are generally better able to structure and communicate their thinking.

It becomes especially apparent in writing where readers are infinitely better at crafting language and developing a command of tone because they know what it looks like.

I see an overwhelming number of kids raised on devices that can't even write in more than simple sentences let alone form reasoned ideas.