The document discusses reading and writing skills. It defines reading as a process of constructing meaning through interaction between the reader's knowledge, information in the text, and the reading context. Reading is important for children as it is key to school success, developing interests, and enjoyment. It unlocks enlightenment and is a tool for learning. Teaching reading is difficult as it requires decoding symbols and comprehending meaning. Reading involves experiencing, learning, thinking, and bringing meaning to text rather than just recognizing words. It is a process where information from the text and reader's knowledge come together to make meaning. The document also discusses written text as connected discourse and how sounds can be deleted in connected speech like contractions and shortened words.