Maya Payne Smart, an esteemed early literacy advocate and parent educator, is making waves in the educational community with her commitment to closing the reading achievement gap. Smart has more than 10 years of experience researching the processes by which children learn to read. By doing so, they have established themselves as a credible intermediary for both parents and educators. Her recent book, “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child,” published by Avery/Penguin Random House, provides practical strategies for parents to support their children’s literacy development.
Smart’s work highlights the crucial role that early literacy plays in a child’s lifelong success. She is a tireless advocate for children’s literacy, reminding everyone that reading is not only for bedtime. Instead, it can be integrated throughout all aspects of the day to increase student achievement. “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child,” she states, offers actionable steps for parents looking to foster a love for reading in their children.
A Milwaukee-born, Wisconsin-based instructor in tandem with Marquette University, Smart has spent her life’s work snooping out what practices make literacy go. She is convinced that access to a wide variety of reading materials can profoundly enhance a child’s educational journey. Smart recommends parents use an *average* of 14 different types of materials. This kind of exposure will get their kids used to seeing letters and words. This diversity not only captures the imaginations of young readers but creates a sense of wonder and inquiry about the world beyond them.
Smart encourages parents to get creative with the materials they’re using. Take for example her push to use common household items like egg cartons to help kids learn their letters. With the participatory approach of this hands-on activity, children learn through an interactive experience transforming learning into a fun and exciting journey.
Smart suggests using a fingertip to draw letters in the air. This easy approach supports your kids understand number identification. She champions these high-leverage, low-cost “raise-a-reader” moves to turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences.
Parents will be able to read Smart’s advice on her website, MayaSmart.com, where she’ll be offering invaluable resources and counsel to help nurture children’s early literacy. Furthermore, her active presence on Instagram provides a platform for real-time engagement with parents seeking guidance in their educational journeys.
By integrating literacy into daily routines and utilizing diverse materials, Smart believes parents can significantly influence their children’s reading abilities. In her opinion, stimulating interest in reading at an early age ignites dialogue, encourages imagination, and helps to form a bedrock for lifelong learning.