Q&A with an Educator and Reading Expert

Editor’s Note: From time to time, we like to introduce you to local people who are impacting children’s education. Today, Corinth-area mom Katie Frost interviews a newcomer to her community in northeastern Mississippi, author Vera Clark.

Q: What is your experience as a teacher?

A: Hello! And thank you for this opportunity to share with your readers. I’ve been a teacher for a very long time. I taught second and third grade for four years in private Christian schools, and then I taught for 21 years in public schools. I earned my master’s degree in the area of special education, and used it to work in both elementary and middle schools with students with learning disabilities. I also homeschooled my children for seven years. I loved all of these experiences.

Q: Tell us about the book you authored. What is the “Ready, Set, Read: Reading Program”?

A: I created an easier plan to teach a person to read. I use simple baby steps that anyone can use, to build a solid foundation with confidence. It’s simple. First we learn the sounds of the letters; then we learn to blend three letters together to make words; then we learn to read simple sentences, with same-type word groups. We start with predictable sounds and words, the ones that are easy to learn and understand. The tricky things come later. With easy-to-follow instructions, a parent, a teacher, or anyone can teach someone to read from the very beginning all the way to adult fluency. This works successfully with children and adults.

Q: How did it come about? Why did you create it?

A: After teaching for years, and using different curriculums to teach reading, I knew that the process could be made easier for students and teachers. My grown children encouraged me to create that easier method that I had often spoken of at home. I taught all four of my children to read before they went to kindergarten. This gave them a strong start in school, giving them confidence. Learning all subjects came easier to them with that early foundation of reading, and school was enjoyable for them. I originally had parents in mind when I created this, but then teachers found it to be a very helpful supplement for them in the classroom.

Q: Who is best suited for this curriculum?

A: I think it’s best for a beginner to use “Ready, Set, Read” in order to lay the strongest foundation possible. If you have a student who struggles with reading, then I recommend they start over with this program, and help them lay a new foundation. If they are already reading some, but not well, then starting over will be super easy for a while, but you will find the weaknesses and fill in the gaps.

Q: If someone needs additional support, may they contact you to work with their students?

A: I’m not teaching any more, but I love the occasional conversation with parents and teachers. I’d love to offer some helpful advice and get through any teaching or learning barriers. Just send me an email, and I’ll see what I can do: [email protected]

Katie Frost is a Boy Mom of two beautiful boys, and lives in Corinth with the rockstar love of her life, Dave Frost. Together they parent and live crazy-artist lives. She’s an actress, blogger/author/playwright and singer/songwriter. Katie is passionate about cultivating a beautiful family life – one in which everyone can live out their dreams and thrive.