Parent involvement is essential in helping children succeed in school. It not only enhances academic performance, but it also has a positive influence on student attitude and behavior. Reading ability improves significantly when parents and children read together at home.
We have the privilege of working with many parents and caregivers through our programs and will be spotlighting some of them throughout the year. Meet Elexis, the mother of a student in our Reading Intervention program at Walnut Bend Elementary.
Tell us a little bit about yourself-hobbies, your life, family, etc. What would you like people to know about you?
My name is Elexsis Williams, and I’m originally from Richmond, TX. At this time, I’m attending college and majoring in nursing. I’m married, and we have two children together. A few of my favorite hobbies are traveling and doing DIYs (It could be anything).
Do you like to read? If so, what’s your favorite book?
As a kid, I loved to read Dr. Seuss’s books, and as I got older, Junie B Jones was one of my favorites. I had a teacher who would read Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. She would have us bring flashlights, and we would sit in the dark with our flashlights while she read. Later I found my favorite books to read are either poetry or non-fiction. One of my favorites is Women Who Run with the Wolves.
What has been or would be the most helpful for you to address your child’s reading gaps?
The communication between the interventionists at Literacy Now and my husband and I has been really helpful. This has helped us teach our daughter new techniques while reading at home.
How do you want your child’s future to look?
I want my child to see her future and be confident that she can take it on. She’s so smart and kind-hearted and even funny. She helps me cook a lot because she told me she wants to be a chef, and I believe that she’ll be a chef one day. She’s overcome obstacles with you guys, and I know when she’s older, she will always have the same grit she has now.
What would you like to see more of in your community?
I’d like to see more book stores and libraries. Recently on Westheimer, there was a Barnes and Noble that shut down, and now it’s a gun shop, which doesn’t surprise me but is disappointing.
What can we do in the future to help set up your child for success in their reading growth?
You guys do a lot, and I think it’s amazing. I hope you can grow and help a lot more children who struggle with reading.
Thank you, Elexis, for partnering with us to help your child succeed!
