Big Kids Read Too: A Student's Perspective

When considering the concept of literacy, much emphasis is placed on early literacy and middle grades learners.  Of course this is with good reason because so many crucial skills and habits that influence adult literacy are developed during the formative years before a child turns 10.  Still, I'm excited to announce that big kids read too.  Many high school students live for a good book.  With e-readers being a way of life they often do not even have to resort to a flashlight under the covers that I remember so well.

I spoke to one of these young adult readers, my cousin Destiny.  She enjoys reading drama, mystery and horror books.  If a book really grabs her, she can read for hours, losing track of time.  Reading for pleasure is wonderful but what about required reading and being engaged academically?  Many high school students, avid readers or not, bore easily and will likely "check out" during a lecture about the merit of Shakespeare's work.

Destiny shared some outstanding ideas that will make a difference:

• Put on skits. Allow students to create skits that mirror their lives and connect to the text they are reading. Students will have fun while learning.  The skits can range from game shows, talk shows and even public service announcements.
• Add a visual component. Watching a movie may not be the best activity but adding movie clips or including related videos, interviews or news segments can increase student interest while also adding some real-world relevance.
• Make the discussion powerful.  Discussing a book can be dry if students are not engaged. Create powerful discussions that involve students by allowing them to write the questions, choose the question types or explore alternative ways to assess their knowledge.  Allow them to express how they learn best!

For younger kids who struggle with reading, Destiny suggests that they use their imagination and read different books until they decide what types they enjoy most.  Reading in groups is also helpful for young readers.  I appreciate Destiny's insight and wish her a successful senior year. Make us proud Destiny and Happy Reading!

My First Book: Welcome to Chase Shadows

I am so excited to announce the publication of my first book, Welcome to Chase Shadows.  Available on createspace.com & on amazon.com NOW, this collection of short stories is perfect for 3rd-6th grade readers.  Special thanks to my super-talented illustrator, Charles Hauser Jr. for his dedicated approach to his craft. He really brought the characters to life!

Here is brief description of the book:


Welcome to Chase Shadows gives you the opportunity to join firsthand in the lives of three siblings as they try to navigate the difficult task of growing up today.  Being thrust into a new social and school environment as a result of relocating can be hard enough, but add to this volatile mix bullying, childhood obesity and other issues kids are facing, and it can be a difficult road to navigate.  This realistic and honest portrayal highlights the issues kids are facing today, but also provides them with thoughtful and workable solutions that will encourage the young reader to think through the issues and come up with positive solutions.  Check out Jason, Janice, Stacy and the rest of the Chase Shadows bunch as they discover the true meaning of friendship and fun!

Note to teachers: Critical thinking and conflict resolution are absent from many curriculums today, so Chase Shadows fills in the gaps and is a great companion  piece for any text, book series or reading program. Excellent for character education and teaching writing.

I hope you will purchase a copy for every young person in your life and perhaps for the teachers you know as well.  No need to wait in line for this outstanding read!  It's available on createspace.com and on amazon.com now.  Just search Welcome to Chase Shadows.  Thank you in advance and Happy Reading!

Connecting the Dots

I've read and written a great deal about the importance of teaching literacy, especially early literacy.  There is no shortage of research in this area but what matters most in regards to impacting the literacy rates of our local communities?  How can we connect the dots and truly make a difference?

Simple questions yet we are addressing a severely complex issue.  Here are simple facts:

• Literacy - the ability to read and write - is essential to fully developing a sense of well-being and citizenship
• It's estimated that nearly 40% of the U.S. 4th graders do not achieve basic levels of reading proficiency.
• Students in low-income families perform significantly lower than their middle-income peers
• 75% of Americans who receive food assistance perform at the lowest 2 levels of literacy
• Reports show that literacy directly costs the healthcare industry over $70 million every year.
• 1 in 4 children in America grow up without learning to read proficiently

These are dire statistics.  As a servant leader, I am moved to think and act forwardly to impact the travesty of having so many children and adults who can not read or write proficiently.  Here are three ways that we can begin to connect the dots:

• Ensure that all young people have access to books.  Many children in poverty have no books at home and the number of families living in poverty is growing.  Donate your gently used books or purchase new books for schools or literacy centers.
• Become a Reading Buddy.  Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain literacy skills.  Reading also stimulates the imagination and improves vocabulary.
• Include writing in every reading experience.  Even a short journaling exercise will enhance understanding and improve writing skills.  Parents, teachers and volunteers to can do this.  There is a definite connection between reading and writing!

As students begin heading back to school, it's great time to get involved and learn how you can impact the literacy levels in your community.  There is certainly much work to be done!  Happy Reading!