Interview with Reading Specialist Alethea Eason
Educator Shares Thoughts on Teaching Literacy
Dec 4, 2008
For over twenty years, reading specialist Alethea Eason has been teaching phonemic awareness, English Language Learning, front loading concepts and vocabulary, and writing instruction to students from kindergarten to the sixth grade. Suite 101 caught up with her for an email interview on December 1, 2008 and learned about the insights Eason gained from her involvement in reading specialist education.
Problems Kids Face With Learning How to Read
Suite101: What are some of the issues teachers and reading specialists deal with today?
Eason: I believe teachers are doing a terrific job teaching the language arts, but there are many factors getting in their way. Large classes, lack of time to plan, and impossible demands of what must be taught contribute to classrooms that aren’t stellar learning places. There isn’t enough time in a school day to teach everything required.
Getting children’s attention is a huge factor now, and having them stay with you during a lesson is more challenging than ever. I don’t know if it’s the media they’re exposed to, environmental factors, or the fact that families are not as intact as they used to be. I grew up watching a lot of TV, yet I was a reader. I don’t believe any one of these factors causes a lack of interest, but all of them put together as a whole is creating a crisis.
Ways to Help Young Readers Love Books
Suite101: How can reading specialists, teachers, and parents encourage reluctant readers to enjoy books?
Eason: I’ve rarely found a child who does not like to read if his or her parents read. Kids I’ve taught whose parents believe in education and the value of books end up becoming successful readers, even most kids with learning disabilities.
Kids need to be read to as preschoolers to develop vocabulary and a love of language. I’m amazed at how many kindergartners have never heard any Mother Goose. As the kids grow older, they still benefit from being read aloud to.
Suite101: What do you find kids like to read?
Eason: Kids love to laugh, and they like to learn about the world as they read. Most kids who become good readers go through at least one series of books like The Magic Tree House Books [Random House 2008] and then on to more challenging books like Harry Potter [Scholastic 2006].
For some children, though, you’ve got to hook them with nonfiction. I’ve seen a lot of kids who found reading difficult or boring become readers by participating in the Read Naturally program. The program allows kids to challenge themselves in terms of their reading speed, accuracy, and comprehension while giving them interesting stories to read that builds their background knowledge of the world.
Educational Resources for Teachers and Reading Specialists
Suite101: What teaching aids have you found most effective as a reading specialist?
Eason: Every teacher should take courses from Anita Archer and learn how to teach vocabulary and writing effectively, even teachers in secondary school who teach subjects other than reading or English. Phonics for Readers [Curriculum Associates 2002] and Rewards [Sopris West Educational Services 2000] are excellent tools to teach kids who have difficulty with decoding and using context. REWARDS Plus [Sopris West 2005] extends these skills and is great for classroom use as the material is linked with social studies and science.
I believe most primary teachers are aware of the Starfall website, an excellent place for emergent readers and writers full of engaging and interactive activities, but parents need to know about it as well. Kids as young as two or three can begin to play with it, but it will still entertain a lot of seven or eight year olds.
The Future of Reading Education
Having written a middle school chapter book, Hungry [HarperCollins 2007] which is a favorite of many reluctant readers, Eason realizes that, despite all the hurdles faced by teachers, children are still becoming enthusiastic readers. She encourages teachers, parents, and reading specialists to constantly promote literacy in their classrooms and foster a love for reading for the next generation.
Learn about other resources that can aid child literacy at Book PALS Brings SAG Actors into Classrooms and Book PALS Aids Child Literacy with Pencil PALS.
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