To find out what it means to be literate, students in Miss Preston's (later Mrs. Moran) fourth/fifth grade class at Harrison Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa interviewed a favorite aunt, a hospital volunteer, a cook, some of their teachers, two United States Senators, and some visiting teachers.

My Aunt Penni was born in Iowa. She grew up with my mom. She is now married and has two children, almost teenagers, named David and Austin.

Q. What do you think it means to be literate?

A. "The opportunity for unlimited knowledge."

-- Information collected by Matt

Sharron McElmeel was named Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year, in 1987. Her book reviews have appeared in national and local periodicals and newspapers. She has lived in Iowa all of her life.

Q. What do you think it means to be literate?

A. "To be literate means to be able to read and write well enough to do whatever a person wants to do in today's world. A person must be able to read and write well enough to have the job she/he wants to have, do the things she/he wants to do, and have the information the person needs to enjoy life."

-- Information collected by Erin

Jeannette Moody-Port is a volunteer at St. Luke's hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attends college and sometimes helps to take care of Nick when his mom is at work. Jeannette also writes. Two of Jeannette's poems will be published by a publisher in Maryland.

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "Literacy means knowing how to read. Literacy comes from the word literature which has to do with books."

-- Information collected by Nick

Jan Pope is the head cook at Harrison Elementary School. She is in charge of several other cafeteria workers. They make wonderful food. One of Mrs. Pope's children is going to be a teacher.

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "To be literate you would be able to read a book or newspaper. You would be able to write letters or notes."

-- Information collected by Ashley and Matt

Joann Blum is a fourth grade teacher at Lewis Central in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She loves teaching and her favorite subjects are math and social studies.

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "To be literate means to be able to read, learn, and respond to each other verbally and in written words."

-- Information collected by Daniel

Linda Cooper is a kindergarten teacher with the Lewis Central Community Schools. She says, "I enjoyed my visit to Harrison Elementary School especially my time with Daniel in Miss Preston's room."

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "To me, to be literate means that I can read and communicate well enough to continue to be a life-long learner."

-- Information collected by Daniel

Grace Zimmerman started teaching in country schools where she taught all of the grades. She taught from the year 1947 and taught for 31 years. Most of her teaching years were at Midland Schools in Wyoming, Iowa. She is Rachel's grandmother.

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "To be literate means to be able to interpret the printed word, not merely reading the word, but to understand the author's intent and to be able to judge the material as to whether or not it is biased information. For example, in reading the newspaper, to be able to discern the difference in factual information and when someone is editorializing or creating sensationalism. To be literate also means being able to write to express your own feelings in such a way that others understand what you are trying to say."

-- Information collected by Rachel

Charles E. Grassley became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974. He became part of the Senate in 1980. He has represented Iowa in congress over twenty years.

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "According to Webster's New World Dictionary, literacy is defined as the ability to read and write. We begin developing these skills when we are very young and they are continuously being built upon throughout our lifetime."

-- Information collected by Erin

Tom Harkin has been a senator representing Iowans for a long time. He is a Democrat. He is on the agriculture, appropriations, small business, and labor and human resources committee in the United States Senate.

Q. What does it mean to be literate?

A. "The dictionary tells us that being literate is having the ability to read and write. But it also means more than just that. Being literate means being informed and educated in our changing world. These days, it means not just being able to read a book, but also knowing how to use a computer. Literacy is a key to success in life. Being literate unlocks the doors to new worlds and new opportunities."

-- Information collected by Erin

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