Raising a Reader: Book Choice Quality vs Taste

The home environment plays a critical role in a child's oral language development. We know from research that oral language development is the foundation for learning to read and write. 
 
The conversational turns and verbal interactions parents have with their children have a far greater impact on language skills than simply reading to or with a child. Students who have quality conversations with their parents or grown-ups build their vocabulary and this, in turn, leads to stronger predictors of future reading success. 
 
The How-To will include what parents need to know about quality conversations for language development: authentic praise and encouragements v. discouragements or negations, thinking out loud, etc.

About the Speaker
Ms. Fussell grew up in the Panama Canal Zone and brings over twenty years of experience in teaching and administration to the Lower School. 
She also brings a wealth of in-house knowledge after serving as Associate Director in the preschool and kindergarten division of Dwight in New York where she collaborated with parents, faculty, and staff to ensure a rich learning environment. Prior to joining Dwight, Ms. Fussell taught elementary school at the United Nations International School (UNIS) in New York, and at international schools in Switzerland, Zimbabwe, and Guatemala. 
Ms. Fussell received leadership training at The Harvard Graduate School of Education and the New York Association of Independent School’s Emerging Leadership Institute. In addition, Ms. Fussell has been an adjunct professor in literacy at Hunter College since 2017. 
Ms. Fussell shares her passion for IB literacy education, the PYP, student engagement, and responsive learning with community members. Ms. Fussell is the Head of Lower School at Dwight School Dubai.

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