“Unlocking the Potential: How Access to Books Empowers Education”

September 2019 — Marla Fernandez

Three weeks ago, my son and I embarked on a trip to Florida to support my nephews as they received their confirmation and took communion for the first time. It was also a much-needed bonding time for us, especially after a challenging year of homeschooling that left me emotionally drained.

This trip served as both a mini getaway and a family reunion as we arrived in Miami. We checked into our Coral Gables hotel, and to my surprise, even for a 2-star hotel, the service was quite good. I initially thought, “This is going to be a nightmare!” But it turned out to be a pleasant experience. The rooms were clean, the guest service was friendly, and I found myself back in my childhood neighborhood.

Being in my old neighborhood brought back memories, some of which relate to the stark difference between what affluent kids have and what impoverished kids lack – positive academic role models.

Growing up in Miami, my brothers and I were considered affluent kids until my parents divorced when I was around 7 years old. Things changed, and we found ourselves in public school. Third grade was tough; adjusting to a new school and making new friends wasn’t easy. To make matters worse, my grandmother decided I should have a boyish haircut, which led to me getting teased and laughed at. I even earned the nickname “coconut head.” While I loved school and learning, that year was incredibly challenging for me.

Academic challenges often begin in primary and secondary school and, when left unaddressed, can lead to remediation at the postsecondary level.

Time passed, and fourth grade started. I fought not to be placed in third grade again; I really didn’t want to repeat a year. When I saw my name back in third grade, I protested. I told my teacher that I was told I had passed. I pushed myself hard and tried to learn. However, one day during a reading and writing class, we were supposed to learn how to find the main idea. I asked a teacher helper how to find the main idea when it’s not explicitly stated but implied or inferred. They didn’t have an answer. This made me question the value of my education. I thought, “If you don’t know and can’t guide and help, what’s the point of going to school?”

There are several factors that contribute to low-income students entering college with poor math and reading skills. Here are some of them:

1. No access to books: Fortunately, I had some exposure to books like Highlights magazines, encyclopedias, and the Sweet Pickles book series. We even had Disney audio books on records. I was lucky because many low-income kids aren’t exposed to books.

2. Language barriers: I didn’t have a language barrier as I learned both English and Spanish simultaneously. However, for some kids, English can be a challenging language to learn, with its 185 different letter combinations.

3. Lack of stability: Our home life became tumultuous after my parents’ divorce, affecting my learning. Luckily, we had supportive grandparents to guide and inspire us.

4. First-generation students: Being a first-generation student can be challenging, but my grandfather, despite having only a fifth-grade education, instilled the value of education in me.

So, what does this story have to do with what affluent kids have and what’s the $5 alternative? Well, when you’re present in your kids’ lives, share stories, read to them, and pass on wisdom, you’re giving them an educational advantage. You’re giving them “education status.”

In homes where education isn’t a priority, high standards need to be set from birth, including language skills, exposure, reading expectations, and a love of learning. Exposure to books, after-school programs, summer learning, volunteering, and positive role models are crucial for all students.

Affluent kids have access to books at home, and you can provide your kids with that advantage through the “5 B’s of reading”:

1. Baskets: Place books in baskets, making them easily accessible and encouraging your kids to read.

2. Bathroom: Encourage reading by placing a basket of books in the bathroom.

3. Breakfast Table: Put books on the breakfast table; children tend to read cereal boxes if they’re placed there.

4. Bedside: Bedtime reading can help your child wind down and enjoy a book before sleep.

5. Backseat: Keep books in the backseat of your car for your children to read while traveling.

If you’ve checked it out, I’d love to hear from you. Which of the “5 B’s of Reading” do you find your kids picking up a book from the most?

You can also reply just to say “hey” or share something interesting about yourself because I love getting to know my readers.

Want to give your kids the advantage that affluent kids have, the kind that pays off in both confidence and success? Raise readers who have their noses in books and out of trouble? Build a home library that gets your kids excited to read?

Check out my handbook on things I wish I had known before I homeschooled. It shows you how to teach your kids to read and the steps for them to become proficient readers.

See you later alligator. And remember the “5 B’s of Reading!”

XO, Marla