Convenience Big Store: How a Houston Tik Toker helped me teach my children to read better

What I learned about teaching my children to read from Houston literacy coach Spencer Russell

Reading is fundamental.

It's why I'm spending a good portion of this newsletter discussing my interview with Spencer Russell, founder of Toddlers Can Read, which provides parents with the tools to teach their children to read.

I spoke with the former kindergarten teacher turned social-media education influencer a few weeks ago for my column. I was one of those parents who bought every book any parent recommended on how they got their kids to read. I read to my children daily.

Still, I was missing something crucial in my efforts. Teaching a child to read is not like teaching a child to talk. That's one mistake many parents make.

I watched Russell's videos, and with each one, I felt a bit more confident in my ability to help my children become better readers. That's why he does what he does.

This week, I was in conversation with Russell for a Houston Chronicle virtual event. Click here to watch the video.

If you have young children, grandchildren or work with children, I urge you to watch this. Let me know what you think.

Do you have a story to share or know of one that needs to be told? Share it with us here.

Joy Sewing, Columnist

Joy.Sewing@houstonchronicle.com

Worth your time

Former kindergarten teacher Spencer Russell, 34, who developed program gaining popularity called Toddlers Can Read, has a lesson with Essa Suleman, 4, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Houston .

Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio, Staff Photographer

Houston TikToker's reading lessons for toddlers answer many parents' prayer

If teaching your child to read was simple, Spencer Russell wouldn't have more than 1 million followers on TikTok and 1.5 million on Instagram.

Russell, a former Houston kindergarten and first-grade teacher, founded Toddlers Can Read to help parents. He's also a dad who wanted to give his son an early start and began teaching him to read at 18 months old.

For parents like me, Russell's social-media videos are the answers to a thousand late-night prayers. Many of us need a lifeline to help our kids read well.

Click here to read my column.

Question of the Week

Why do you think so many children are struggling with reading across the nation? Reply directly to this email and tell me your thoughts.

Mailbag

About my interview with Toddlers Can Read founder Spencer Russell for a Houston Chronicle virtual event:

"This is the best program I have ever watched on reading, well worth the hour. If the Chronicle wants to help the public with "Readers become Leaders," or whatever the slogan is or was, live community forums, especially in economically disadvantaged areas of Houston, featuring this speaker could significantly help to make a difference in so many aspects of education. ... Even if parents don't believe they have enough time to incorporate this into their day, we must convince them that 5 minutes every day can be the difference in their child's success." - Kay York, speech pathologist and retired educator