By Frances Bryce, January 23, 2020 — My great joy in my life has been different from my professional research in the study of enzymes and how one affects the other in the cells.
The difference between the scientific field and the second career, as a Parent Educator, included encouraging parents to be an active parent educator since their influence is constantly. One of the things that is and was important to impart is reading to the child at an early age. As part of the program, a book is given to the child at each visit and reading to the child.
Whenever I read to a child, I am reminded of one of my elementary teachers, Mrs. Mary Whitmer. She read to the third-grade class each Friday afternoon. She made each story come alive, [as] we sat on rugs on the floor. I was wherever the story led me. She changed the voices of each character and often included us in the story.
I now belong to a group of Reading Buddies from an elementary school — third grade. Volunteers have a one-on-one relationship with a child or some have two children. They read to us and then we often read to them. I remember my teacher each time I read from a page. I hope some of the children I read to get the wonderful experience that Mrs. Whitmer generated in me. I never forget what reading can do. Informing, but just the joy from reading.
Children mimic the parent’s behavior. If they see them reading, they will have a love of reading also.