Read together, lead together

I interviewed Elise Washington to gain new insights into how families can inspire children to learn, grow, and lead. Elise Washington is known as Wonder Teacher Washington because for years she has possessed abilities beyond those of ordinary teachers. Her superpowers as a Reading Specialist, author, and innovator have allowed her to shine bright in District 16 (Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, N.Y.) for over 25 years. She has used her superpowers to help all students and families tap into their own superpowers despite their socioeconomic status. As Wonder Teacher Washington, she wants all children to have access to quality educational experiences, that will help them to build a more just and inclusive society. Wonder Teacher Washington wants children to experience a mind opened by WONDER rather than one that is closed by BELIEF.

 

Washington: Family reading has numerous benefits, both for individuals and for the overall community. For children, exposure to books and reading from a young age is connected to improved language and cognitive and social development, as well as to higher levels of overall academic achievement. Research also shows that children who grow up in homes where reading is valued and encouraged are more likely to become lifelong readers. With all the benefits that reading brings, such as increased vocabulary, creativity, and empathy, one cannot go wrong. 

Family literacy programs can provide opportunities for families to build their own literacy skills, which can in turn support their children’s learning and literacy development. Family literacy programs may also provide access to resources and support networks that can help with challenges such as navigating the educational system or finding employment. 

 

Washington: Families can promote learning in many ways, including:  

• Setting up a routine: Establish a daily routine for healthy eating, sleeping, and homework time. 

• Promoting literacy: Read to your child, read yourself, and point out things in your child’s environment to talk about. 

• Encouraging conversation: Ask open-ended questions, engage your child in conversation, and listen to them as they learn to communicate. 

• Limiting screen time: Monitor and limit how much time your child spends on TV, gaming, social media, and computers. 

• Expressing expectations: Let your child know that you expect them to do their homework and that you think education is important. 

• Participating in school: Attend parent-teacher conferences, Back-To-School events, and Open House. You can also participate in decisions that affect your child’s education by joining the PTA (Parent-teacher association).

• Playing together: Take the time to play with your child.  

• Bonding: Spend time together as a family. 

 

Washington: Some of my major goals include continuing the efforts of closing the achievement gaps, especially amongst our youngest learners, supporting families of children with special needs, and strengthening connections with educators new and seasoned. I love filling up the Little Free Library I had installed in 2021 in front of my school building, as well sharing my advocacy journey as the mom of a special needs child through my book “Tika Speaks.” 

Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner seeks to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach.