Dr. Asher and Karen Sherman keep books in their car for their grandchildren, ages 3 and 5. The grandparents also read to them before bedtime.
Some of their favorite outings? Local libraries for storytime. At home, electronic devices are turned off when the Shermans help their grandchildren practice handwriting and sound out phonics.
The Shermans’ investment into their grandchildren is just what panelists suggested at “The Right To Read,” an event hosted in January at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. LeVar Burton, the famed host of PBS’ “Reading Rainbow,” served as executive producer of the film of the same name.
The 2023 documentary (watch for free on YouTube) follows Kareem Weaver, a veteran teacher and NAACP activist working to bring science-of-reading-based literacy instruction to Oakland public school classrooms. It also highlights two Black families with young children, showing how adults can support and model literacy behaviors for their young children.
Along the way, the documentary highlights the failures of the now-discredited “whole language” literacy instructional method. Though 48 states now require science-of-reading-based approaches, change doesn’t occur overnight for young learners.
After the screening, a panel of local experts continued discussions: LaMonica Davis (principal at Helen Arnold Community Learning Center), Shelley Houser (director of the Center for Literacy at the University of Akron), Pam Kennedy (an early literacy specialist on the State Support Team for Region 8), David James (executive director of the Summit Education Initiative) and moderator Pamela Hickson Stevenson (executive director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library).
How are Summit County kids doing when it comes to literacy?
Seventy-seven percent of white children enrolled as fourth graders in Akron Public Schools are proficient, while just 43% of Black and 47% of Hispanic children are. Reading proficiency for disabled students (26%) and students experiencing homelessness (29%) is also low.
James, who previously served as the superintendent of Akron Public Schools (2008-2021), added that county-wide reading proficiency decreases over time, with only 51% of 8th graders enjoying a level of proficiency.
“There is a lot of work to do,” James acknowledged, “and I know that the teachers see this.”
Can LeBron James help reading?
Ava Waters, a third grader at Resnick Community Learning Center, didn’t mention reading as one of her favorite school subjects. Gym and art earned those accolades.
Could sports and colorful illustrations help her embrace reading?
After all, Waters, 8, ranks “We are Family,” a New York Times bestseller co-authored by LeBron James, as her favorite book. Her mother, Jasmina Waters, is the director of the Office of Academic and Retention Support at the University of Akron. They attended the library event.
Samantha Poole, the aunt of a 9-year-old boy, agreed that the deciding factor in life success is the ability to read.
Poole said she grew up in the library and learned to read by age three — reading came easy for her.
Her biggest concern now? Some of today’s children don’t know there is a library, or where to find one.
Candace Tell, meanwhile, the parent of an adult child, worries that today’s children who cannot read will suffer throughout their lives.
How are kids in Akron taught to read?
Davis, the Helen Arnold CLC principal, explained that all schools in Akron Public Schools use science-based methods for literacy instruction, consistent with Ohio law. In July 2023, Gov. Mike Dewine signed into law House Bill 33, which requires public schools to teach a science-of-reading-based literacy curriculum. The state budget provides funding for curriculum and materials as well as professional development for teachers and administrators.
Houser, of the University of Akron’s Center for Literacy, underscored the importance of literacy in everyday life.
“If you don’t know how to read,” Houser said, “you can’t get things accomplished.”
Candice Love, a volunteer with the Summit Educational Initiative, is also involved in her children’s reading journey, from asking them what they like to read to discussing books afterward.
“Just read something!” said Love, a mother of six children – ranging in age from 9 to 19 — at Firestone CLC, Litchfield CLC and Case CLC.
“Read anything that interests you. Limit screen time.”
It’s her job at Akron’s main library to read to babies
It’s important, said Elizabeth Stefanov of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, not to wait until children enter elementary school to introduce them to letters, words and books. Grownups can introduce toddlers to the alphabet through toys, books and games that help young brains connect sounds to letters, letters to words, and words to information.
“Early literacy is the most important step in teaching children to love, enjoy, embrace, and desire the skill of reading far before reaching school age,” said Stefanov, a librarian with the Teen Division.
Stefanov believes there is no wrong way for parents, grandparents, caregivers and babysitters to introduce children to reading. On Wednesdays at the main library, she reads during Baby Time, an active story time for newborns to toddlers.
The event combines music, stories and play to engage the youngest learners. Parents or caregivers must be present.
Preschool Story Time takes place on Thursdays.
Akron public school principal: ‘Have faith in us’
In her closing remarks, Davis assured the audience that Akron’s teachers and administrators are doing their best for children.
“Have faith in us; trust us,” Davis said. “Know that we all make mistakes; know that we’re all in this together.”
