In some words, Parents are children’s first teachers. What does this mean to you? Do you know an article that supports this idea?

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/childs-first-teacher

I believe that parents have the wonderful opportunity and play a significant role in creating a foundation for their child’s academic success.

Communication ‐ Help your child develop language skills through storytelling, songs, and reading to them.
Print rich environment ‐ Use everyday routines and surroundings to promote a print rich environment.
Books ‐ Build your child’s home library with age appropriate books that include pictures, shapes, colors, words, etc.

Parent support and interaction are really important when it comes to reading literacy. How does this process work and why are parents so important in this area?

It is important for parents to demonstrate good reading habits for their child. Parents can adopt a consistent habit of reading with their child on a regular basis. With input from their child, pick a time of day that works for their family. This can:

1. strengthen bonds between parent and child
2. help children view reading as a positive, pleasurable activity
3. encourage critical thinking, and encourages them to persist
4. support fluency and comprehension
5. build literacy skills

What are three to five tips you can share for parents to enhance their children’s reading literacy? Do you know and scholarly or practice-oriented literature to support these tips?

1. Read to your child on a regular basis.
2. Help your child build reading stamina.
   Building Stamina for Struggling Readers and Writers
   Paula Bourque Educational Leadership ASCD Educational Leadership February 2017 Volume 74 Number 5
3. Nurture cultural identity through literature.
   https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED480339.pdf#page=37

What more can parents learn by attending your literacy workshop on March 7, 2021 at 6 pm EST?

I encourage parents to answer the questions in the workbook that will be accessible. The workbook can help parents examine their current practice. Also, it will help reinforce practices that are already work. Ideally, parents will determine which practices need to be improved.

You are an author of Middle Grade Novels, correct? Can you tell us how parents can use your novels or any MG novel to promote literacy in their middle school children, say 10‐12 years old?

Parents may use my Lizzie B. Hayes chapter book series to help children:

1. Gain a historical perspective about the civil rights era through the eyes of a child.
2. Examine and appreciate characters in order to make connections with them.
3. Understand family dynamics, process the events in their lives, and notice how families overcome challenges.

MG literature can help 10‐12‐year old readers gain a deeper understanding of friendship, social interactions, and gain a wider understanding of the world at large.

Where can people purchase your books?

PRINT COPIES
My website: kpcarterwrites.com

E-BOOK
Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, Kobo

Any other comments?

Throughout my 35 years of working in education, I worked with hundreds of parents and children. My life has been dedicated to supporting the literacy needs of children and helping them become competent, confident readers. I have always been part of supporting parents and helping parents support their child’s reading.