
Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

Literacy Leaders
Spring 2013
The Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
www.kyreading.org
KRA Mission
The Kentucky Reading
Association is a professional
organization of educators
and individuals actively engaged
in the development of
literacy throughout the
Commonwealth. KRA’s mission
is to be a voice for literacy.
We are committed to
encouraging lifelong reading for
pleasure and learning, providing
information related to literacy,
increasing opportunities for
professional growth, and
promoting research-based
instructional practices.
See more examples of March
Madness as Kentucky Literacy
Celebration Week swept
throughout the Commonwealth!
KRA Pre sid en t ’s M e ss a ge
Dear KRA Members:
First of all, I want to applaud the efforts made by so many of you to support
the 3rd Annual Kentucky Literacy Celebration week that occurred March 4-8.
As a partner organization of the Collaborative Center for Literacy
Development (CCLD), it was vital that KRA members share their knowledge
and love of literacy during this special celebration. As you will see when
reading this newsletter, we can be proud of our not only our widespread
contributions but also of the efforts made by members to publicize these
events so that our mission to be a voice for literacy is accomplished. KRA is
truly an instrumental organization in building the “Bridges to Literacy” that
this event promoted.
Now, we move from one literacy celebration to the next, June will be National Audiobook
Month. In 2008, The Association of American Publishers launched a campaign, entitled “Get
Caught Listening,” that is designed to increase the visibility, awareness, and popularity of
audiobooks. I encourage each of you to visit their website at www.getcaughtreading.org/
listening/ for ideas of ways to speak about audio, including social media outlets such as
Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and other websites. Our responsibility requires us to be a voice
for each of the multiple lenses of literacy!
In closing, I want to acknowledge that many changes have taken place since my initial
involvement with the Kentucky Reading Association, upon arrival in Kentucky, in 2007. I
realize that the changes I’ve seen don’t begin to compare with those seen by those of you
who have been members of our long-standing organization for many more years. In fact, this
coming year will mark the 50th anniversary of KRA! With our golden anniversary in sight, it
is a perfect time for us to not only reflect upon the past, but to also look to the future with
clear goals aimed at providing the best experience for our members in today’s times. To
achieve this goal, the KRA Executive Board has scheduled a leadership retreat in late May.
We invited Rayann Mitchell, our Leadership Development Associate from the International
Reading Association, to join us for guidance and inspiration. It has been said that, “Although
50 years have passed, some aspects . . . never change. They just become stronger through
the smiles and tears“ (unknown). We will keep you posted on the lessons learned from
conversations shared at this retreat.
Enjoy our beautiful spring!
Diana Porter
Eastern Kentucky University
KRA President 2012-2013
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

In this issue of Literacy Leaders
Click
on the graphic to get to the KRA
Facebook page.
KRA on Twitter:
twitter.com/KyReadingAssoc or
tweet @KyReadingAssoc
KRA Bulletin Board
3
Word Nerds
4
African American Read-in
5
Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week
7
Mini-Grant Report from Andrea Richardson
12
KRA Close-Up: Bonnie Lash Freeman
14
KRJ: Call for Manuscripts
16
KRA Annual Conference Moments
17
Wanted: KRJ Editor & Board
18
Spotlight on Local Councils
19
Kentucky Reading Association Board 2012-2013
KRA Executive Board Members
President: Diana Porter: [email protected]
Immediate Past President/Parliamentarian: Cindy Parker: [email protected]
President-Elect/Conference Chair: Robin Hebert: [email protected]
Vice President: Laurie Henry: [email protected]
Recording Secretary: Heather Brooks: [email protected]
Treasurer: Angie Madden: [email protected]
KRA State Coordinator: Laura Crafton: [email protected]
Membership Co-Directors: Keith Lyons: [email protected] and Thelma Hawkins: [email protected]
Literacy Leaders Newsletter Editor: Roxanne Spencer: [email protected]
Kentucky Reading Journal Co-editors: Lucile Maples: [email protected] and Cassie Zippay: [email protected]
KRA General Board Members
Rebecca Woosley: [email protected]
Tadayuki Suzuki: [email protected]
Angela Ballinger: [email protected]
Colleen Walker: [email protected]
Christina Grace: [email protected]
Tiffany Wheeler: [email protected]
Peggy Stirsman: [email protected]
Brenda Overturf: [email protected]
Larry Murphy: [email protected]
Synthia Shelby: [email protected].
Southeast Regional Professional Development Associate:
Rayann Mitchell: Leadership Development Associate: [email protected]
Literacy Partner from the National Center for Family Literacy (one-year rotation):
Bonnie Lash Freeman: [email protected]
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
2

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

KRA Bulletin Board
N e w s & Vi e w s f r o m t h e K R A B o a r d
From the Desk of Laura Crafton
KRA State Coordinator
L
ike Pete the Cat, who continued to love his shoes—white, red, blue, or
mud—this school year has been full of possibilities* as local councils
have worked to promote and follow the mission of the Kentucky Reading
Association. Their voices have been heard as they have sponsored family
literacy nights, hosted young writer’s celebrations, partnered with
community organizations, and advocated literacy issues. To echo a popular
phrase: It’s all good!
With great pride we commend the following councils for staying the course and attaining honor
council for 2013: Bluegrass, Greater Louisville, Lake Cumberland, Jesse Stuart, Pennyrile, Murray, and
Western Kentucky. Attaining honor council is no easy feat! We appreciate the hard work and the
sacrifice of time as well as energy that is required. Evidence of your efforts are noted and felt
throughout the state.
If you are one of those that has given such service, I commend you. If you have not yet had the
opportunity to meet with your local council and make a contribution, I invite you to become involved.
We need you!
It is difficult to believe that we are nearing the end of another council year. It is time to elect new local
council officers for the 2013-2014 year. Join your local council in being a stronger voice for literacy.
Consider how you can help make a difference. 
*See Fall 2012 Literacy Leaders’ State Coordinator’s Letter.
New Issue of the Kentucky Reading Journal Is Available Online
We are pleased to announce that the Fall 2012/Spring 2013 issue of the Kentucky Reading
Journal is now available for viewing. This issue, “Championing Diversity: Meeting the Needs of
Learners in Kentucky Classrooms,” can be viewed here: bit.ly/URzUPh
We would like to thank all of the contributing authors for their submissions, their hard work,
and their dedication to providing only the best reading instruction for all of our Kentucky
learners.
Thank you,
Lucy Maples, Co-editor
Kentucky Reading Journal
Western Kentucky University
[email protected]
Cassie Zippay, Co-editor
Kentucky Reading Journal
Western Kentucky University
[email protected]
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
3

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

KRA Members Seek to Create Word Nerds
by Brenda Overturf
Left to right: Leslie Montgomery, Margot Holmes Smith,
and Brenda Overturf.
V
ocabulary development
is often said to be the
key to reading
comprehension and student
achievement. KRA members
Brenda Overturf, Leslie
Montgomery, and Margot
Holmes Smith believe that! They
have published a new book from
Stenhouse, entitled Word Nerds:
Teaching All Students to Learn
and Love Vocabulary. Brenda is a
past president of KRA, and
Leslie and Margot teach at
Atkinson Academy for
Excellence in Teaching and
Learning in Louisville.
Word Nerds tells the story of
how Leslie and Margot teach
vocabulary intentionally and
strategically to their diverse
elementary students. Based on
vocabulary research and
connected to the Common Core
Standards, Margot and Leslie
implement a five-part plan that
includes introducing the words
through context; adding
synonyms and antonyms; active
practice through reading, art,
Leslie and Margot
win Gheens
Innovation Award
for Vocabulary
Instruction .
drama, writing, games, or
technology; celebrating the
words; and assessment. Along
the way, Leslie and Margot
create communities of word
learning where students can
build word confidence and
increase achievement.
Brenda worked with Margot
and Leslie to help enhance the
plan. When other teachers
began asking Leslie and Margot
to share their method of
teaching vocabulary, the trio
decided to write a book. “It was
really a work of the heart,”
stated Brenda. “It took three
years of planning, refining,
observation, writing, and
refining some more. But what
resulted was a book that takes
the reader through the entire
vocabulary instruction process,
plus examples of student work,
assessments, and photos of
strategies in action.”
Word Nerds is available from
the Stenhouse website
(www.stenhouse.com).
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
4

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

African American Read-in Brings out the Community
by Vicky Layne
Engelhard Elementary, Louisville
Mikkaka Hardaway engages participants at the
African American Read-in
T
he Greater
Louisville Reading
Council celebrated Black
History Month by hosting its
first annual African American
Read-in on February 9, 2013.
Educators, library patrons,
and members of the
Louisville community set
aside time on a Saturday
afternoon to pay homage to
the contributions of African
Americans and their vast
impact on literature.
Attendees participated in a
variety of literacy activities.
The main branch of the
Louisville Free Public Library,
4th and York Streets,
provided several books
written by and about African
Americans that were put on
display along with other
artifacts that represent the
rich, artistic tradition of
African Americans.
Bonnie Lash Freeman,
educator with the National
Center for Family Literacy,
shared a presentation with
parents and caregivers about
dialogic talk, or how to
engage children in
conversations about the
books they are reading. “It’s
very important to challenge
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
young readers to not only
enjoy picture books, but to
dig deep into the
meaning intended by the
author,” says Freeman.
“Parents, guardians and
friends can do that by asking
questions and encouraging
children to express what
they are thinking about their
reading.” Each person
received a copy of the
instructional strategy PEER
(Prompt, Evaluate, Expand,
Repeat) as a reminder of
how to conduct a reading
session.
(continued page 6)
5

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

African American Read-in Brings out the Community (cont’d)
African American Read-in sign-in table. Above right: Honoring the late Dr. J. Blaine Hudson, former
Dean of the University of Louisville College of Arts and Sciences.
Storyteller and former Blue
Apple Player, Mikkaka
Hardaway, performed a dazzling
rendition of Anansi, the Spider.
After imploring guests to
“become seven years old
again,” she returned the crowd
to a long ago time when stories
were orally passed from
generation to generation.
The interactive production
captivated the audience as Ms.
Hardaway used imagination and
voice to bring the clever
trickster to life.
Attendees also shared poems,
stories and thoughts about
famous African Americans from
books provided by the library.
Books by local authors Synthia
Shelby (PRAISE: In My Pocket!)
and Kimberly Mucker-Johnson
(Bitter Sweetness) were given
away as door prizes to a few
lucky readers.
The afternoon also included a
quiet tribute to honor the life
and legacy of Dr. Blaine
Hudson, former Dean of the
University of Louisville College
of Arts and Sciences. Dr.
Hudson was a lifelong
supporter of education as he
championed the cause of
equitable opportunities for
minorities in Kentucky public
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
schools and institutions of
higher learning.
The Greater Louisville
Reading council officers: Synthia
Shelby (President), Kimberly
Johnson (Vice-President),
Mikkaka Hardaway
(Membership Chair), and Tonya
Trumbo (Secretary) seek to
promote reading education and
become a “Voice for Literacy”
in Louisville as well as the state
of Kentucky. For more
information on joining the
Greater Louisville Reading
Council, please contact Mikkaka
Hardaway at
[email protected].
6

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week
Around the Commonwealth
Kickoff to Celebrate Literacy: First Lady Jane Beshear Visits
Western Kentucky University!
Above (l to r): Roxanne Spencer, WKU education librarian; Dr. Sam Evans, Dean of College of Education and
Behavioral Sciences; Prof. Connie Foster, Dean of University Libraries; and Dr. Brian Coutts, Head, Library Public
Services; greet First Lady Jane Beshear at the entrance to the Educational Resources Center (ERC). Above right:
Roxanne presents Mrs. Beshear with the ubiquitous WKU gift, the red towel.
Mrs. Beshear sits in on a library resources instruction session for LTCY 320 students at the ERC.
F
irst Lady Jane Beshear traveled
the Commonwealth to see how
K-12 schools, colleges,
universities, and communities were
creating “Bridges to Literacy” in honor
of Kentucky Literacy Celebration
Week 2013. Her first stop on the tour
was on Monday, March 4th. She
arrived in Bowling Green at 9:00 a.m.,
where she visited the Educational
Resources Center (ERC), a campus
branch of Western Kentucky
University Libraries, housed in the
new College of Education and
Behavioral Sciences building, named
for WKU president Dr. Gary A.
Ransdell. At the ERC, Mrs. Beshear
was presented with a traditional WKU
gift, the red towel (www.wku.edu/
athletictraditions/redtowel.php), WKU
Libraries’ t-shirts, and WKU Center
for Literacy materials. Mrs. Beshear
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
then attended a short library
resources instruction session, taught
by ERC librarian Roxanne Spencer,
with literacy education students in
Prof. Kristy Cartwright’s class. Mrs.
Beshear’s next stop in Bowling Green
was the Housing Authority, where she
visited the Learning Center. She then
went on to Hopkins County for more
celebratory events. 
7

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
Next Stop on the KLCW Tour:
Hopkins County Schools!

www.kyreading.org

KLCW:
Around the
Commonwealth
by Lori Harrison, Hopkins County Schools
Above: Author Theo Baker visits
elementary and middle schools.
Left: First Lady Jane Beshear
officiates at the ribbon-cutting
ceremony for “birdhouse
libraries” in Hopkins County.
Above: Young readers get into the spirit of reading!
H
opkins County Literacy Celebration,
organized through a community
committee with Hopkins County
Schools as a lead partner, proved to be a
great success.
The week kicked off Monday, March 4,
with a visit from Kentucky First Lady Jane
Beshear. She took part in a ribbon cutting
for the “birdhouse libraries,” visited
Madisonville Community College’s Adult
Centers for Educational Excellence and had
lunch at the Board of Education.
The Birdhouse Libraries, created by
Madisonville North Hopkins and Hopkins
County Central agriculture and art students
as well as community volunteers, will be
placed throughout the county this spring.
The first location is open for business at
Madisonville-Hopkins County Chamber of
Commerce.
The “Ask Me” button project offered
students tickets for free books. The book
drive promoted by the Gifted and Talented
programs in the schools received an
overwhelming response. A successful book
drive was also conducted by GE, and
Scholastic Books and Heinemann Inc.
donated to the project. Additional book
giveaways were also planned.
Authors Lin Oliver and her son, Theo
Baker, visited the elementary and middle
schools on March 7-8, offering interactive
sessions on developing story ideas. They also
spoke on “Creating a Richer Quality of Life
Through Community Literacy” at the
Chamber of Commerce Hot Topic
Luncheon that week. This luncheon was
sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce,
Hopkins County Schools, Madisonville
Community College and Murray State
University – Madisonville Campus. About
120 people, including community leaders,
attended.
HCCHS freshman Kaitlyn Moore-Napier
and MNHHS sophomore Ashley Marks won
the high school Short-Story Contest
sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
As a prize, each received a hand-written
critique of their story by a published author.
One was from Tracy Barrett, and the other
from Ellen Hopkins.
Schools sponsored special learning
activities throughout the week, to put
additional emphasis on reading and writing.
These included “Breakfast and Books,” a Dr.
Seuss Family Reading Night, Clifford’s
Birthday Party, Junie B. Jones Read Aloud
and more.
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
The week culminated with the annual
Young Authors Festival on March 9, which
included a reading “flash mob.” More than
700 students in kindergarten through 8th
grade entered a piece of creative writing in
the Young Authors Festival. Awards were
presented, and each student who attended
was given an autographed book by the
visiting authors.
The committee included representatives
from Pennyrile Reading Council, Hopkins
County Schools, MCC, Murray State
University, Hopkins County-Madisonville
Public Library, Chamber of Commerce,
Hopkins County Extension, Baptist Health –
Madisonville, MultiCare – Owensboro
Medical Health System, GE and other local
businesses.
“We hope this is just the beginning of the
entire Hopkins County community working
together to promote the importance of
literacy,” said committee chairwoman Peggy
Stirsman, Kentucky Reading Association
Board Member and District Reading
Specialist for Hopkins County Schools. “We
look forward to making this an annual event
for Hopkins County, just as it has become
for the state of Kentucky.”
8

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
A Little March Madness Along the Way:
Lake Cumberland Reading Council Collaborations

www.kyreading.org

KLCW:
Around the
Commonwealth
March Madness for Literacy!
This year’s Kentucky Literacy Celebration
Week theme “Bridges to Literacy” inspired
local Lake Cumberland Reading Council
members to collaborate with local school
systems. Each school celebrated with various
reading activities throughout the week of
March 4th. Participants were involved in the
following ways:
 Guest readers
 Visits from The Cat in the Hat and
Thing 1 and Thing 2
 Family Literacy Night with the theme of
Dr. Seuss
 Mini Reading Competitions
 Take Home Reading Activities to support
school/home connection
 Dr. Seuss ShoeBox Parade
 Lunch with The Cat in the Hat
The variety of reading activities spotlighted the
importance of parental involvement and how
their influence can empower a child’s reading
ability. Many of these reading ideas were
generated from attending the Kentucky Reading
Association Annual Conference that was held in
Lexington in the fall.
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
Lake Cumberland Reading
Council collaborations bring joy
of literacy to area schools.
9

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
A Whirlwind Tour of Literacy Projects @
Eastern Kentucky University!
First Lady Beshear answers EKU literacy students’ questions.
K
entucky First Lady Jane
Beshear visited Eastern
Kentucky University (EKU)
on March 7th from 11:00 a.m. –
12:00 noon as part of the third
annual Kentucky Literacy Celebration
Week. Mrs. Beshear joined with the
Collaborative Center for Literacy
Development (CCLD) to celebrate
literacy across Kentucky. Literacy
faculty at EKU eagerly highlighted a
few of the institution’s many
accomplishments. For the first part
of Mrs. Beshear’s visit, the faculty
chose to actively involve the First
Lady in reading aloud to second
graders from Model Elementary. She
read a book that was one of the titles
chosen for the 2013 Children’s
Choice Award. Since Model
Elementary students were involved in
selecting the books for this award,
they were familiar with the title. The
First Lady noted that, while it is
enjoyable for children to discover
new titles, they always welcome the
rereading of favorites. Once the First
Lady had finished reading the book,
additional EKU faculty continued the
read aloud by sharing one of their
personal favorites with the secondgraders.
Mrs. Beshear was then whisked off
to the Noel Center Discovery
Classroom, where she answered

www.kyreading.org

KLCW:
Around the
Commonwealth
Collaborative literacy projects displayed in the Grand Reading Room.
questions that were prepared by
students in two of the ELE/EME 445
Foundation in Reading courses. The
students’ questions spanned several
topics, ranging from Kentucky’s rank
in literacy scores across the nation to
the English Language Learner (ELL)
strategies witnessed in classrooms by
the First Lady when traveling the
state. Mrs. Beshear offered a wealth
of information in a very limited time.
The visit to EKU culminated in the
Grand Reading Room where literacy
faculty and students showcased their
efforts. These included the Kentucky
Writing Project (KWP), a digital
story project that was completed in
collaboration with the Kentucky
Horse Park entitled "Horse Tales,"
digital projects reflecting Kentucky
Bluegrass Award books that were
part of a collaborative project with
Madison Middle School, and
completed projects from the
elementary and the middle grades
language arts methods courses. The
theme of the Kentucky Literacy
Celebration Week: Bridges to
Literacy was exemplified in the
numerous connections that appeared
across the day's activities, through
both integration and collaboration.
EKU literacy faculty and students
applaud this celebration and look
forward to a fourth annual event. 
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
Mrs. Beshear reads aloud to second-graders from
Model Elementary.
The First Lady noted that, while it
is enjoyable for children to discover
new titles, they always welcome
the rereading of favorites.
10

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
21st-Century Literacy Celebrations
@ Wayne County High School

www.kyreading.org

KLCW:
Around the
Commonwealth
by Carol Ford, Library Media Specialist
Wayne County High School students enjoy
quality reading in various subjects
—and forms—during
Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week!
W
ayne County High School
Students are well aware of the
demands of 21st Century
Learners, Workers, and Citizens. Efforts to
promote awareness about the importance
of literacy for success in college, careers,
and life in general are ongoing in all
classrooms all throughout the year. Library
Media Specialist Carol Ford welcomed the
opportunity to orchestrate additional
events for the 2013 Kentucky Literacy
Celebration Week.
The events kicked off with a large
percentage of the whole school
participating in Renaissance Learning’s,
“Read the Most from Coast to Coast.”
Students worked to read fiction and nonfiction selections from the library and take
Accelerated Reader tests on those
selections on March 1, the day designated
by Renaissance Learning as the recordbreaking day. On that day, Wayne County
High School students took 286 tests, for a
total of 6,497,055 words read from those
books alone! They helped break last year’s
record of 3,581,992 tests by setting a new
2013 record of 4,409,622 tests taken. The
students were excited to know that they
helped set this new national record and
many read books from new genres that
they otherwise wouldn’t have read without
this additional incentive. Renaissance
Learning’s Accelerated Reader and STAR
programs are two of the tools teachers at
Wayne County High School use in teaching
and measuring literacy goals.
Mrs. Ford also works diligently with the
faculty in her building to promote literacy
across the curriculum in all content areas.
As a 15 year veteran educator, a former
English teacher, now Library Media
Specialist, and also a Reading and Writing
Specialist, literacy is her passion. She works
to fill her library with selections that
promote literacy across the curriculum and
especially literacy standards in the
Common Core. She also works to
promote selections that entertain,
enlighten, and encourage reading for all
ages, interests, and ability levels.
Mrs. Ford highlighted the week with
offering selections of content area books to
all subject areas. “I want to be a helper and
highlighter of the many resources offered
in all content areas from our media center.
Both digital and print resources play an
integral role in being literate in the 21st
century. Anytime I can highlight resources
of interest in content areas and help bridge
student learning to new heights, I welcome
that opportunity,” stated Ford. Many
classes welcomed the opportunity to
promote literacy in their content area,
teaching literacy skills and utilizing books
and media to highlight core concepts and
integral literacy strategies.
Wayne County High School students
and staff frequently utilize the library media
center and its many resources. Students
are active readers for pleasure,
entertainment, and of course for their
assigned
reading
during
KRA’s mission
is work.
to be aThis
voiceweek
for literacy.
Kentucky Literacy Celebration, English
classes highlighted the poetic and
persuasive selections available in the library
as part of Mrs. Ford’s sponsored OREO
Challenge. Classes were challenged to
complete a lesson created by Ford about
Persuasive and Poetic Devices that
centered on the Oreo commercial which
aired during the Super Bowl. Among other
things listed in the challenge were full class
participation in the Read the Most from
Coast to Coast record breaking event, no
one having overdue books, and creating
literacy related slogans, jingles, and
commercials.
Poetry selections were the focus of the
week in the library’s window displays that
rotate frequently and highlight new material
and special interests to the student body at
Wayne County High School. Ford routinely
advertises the many events, happenings,
and resources in the school’s media center
through her webpage and monthly
newsletters made available to staff and
students. She is an active promoter of the
use of the Kentucky Virtual Library and its
many databases. “As WCHS works to
realize our vision of college, career, and
citizenship readiness for all students, we
recognize that literacy is the cornerstone
of each. I am extremely proud of the
efforts of Mrs. Ford and the rest of our
faculty to promote literacy for all
students,” stated Wayne County High
School Principal Brian Dishman. 
11

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

New Teacher Conference Mini-Grant 2012: Andrea Richardson Reports
Project Completion and Appraisal
T
he Kentucky Reading Association
Annual Conference was a wonderful
opportunity for me to further my studies in
teaching literacy and gain new
understanding in applying research-based
reading strategies in my classroom. I was
fortunate enough to attend
many valuable breakout
sessions, workshops, and
even an author’s luncheon.
Some of my favorites were
in large general sessions
including Laura Robb’s
Writing to Improve
Reading Comprehension
Pre-Conference Institute,
Ruth Culham’s When
Giants Unite: The 4Ws of
Writing Meet the Common
Core State Standards, and
Linda Hoyt’s Igniting the
Power of Informational
Writing. Others that were
also beneficial were in
breakout sessions where I
attended a workshop that incorporated
using picture books to teach the 6 Traits of
Writing, dove into the mechanics of reading
and the brain, dissected Kentucky’s System
of Interventions, shared creative methods
for teaching comprehension strategies, and
connected various reading and writing
concepts to the Common Core Standards. My
experience was invaluable, and I sincerely
appreciate being awarded the opportunity
to participate in this year’s conference.
As a third grade teacher, I was able to use
many aspects of the KRA Conference in my
classroom. Almost immediately after
returning I added picture books and mini
lessons to my writing instruction where I
had already begun to embed the 6 Traits.
Through read-alouds, games, guided writing,
and example texts, I was able to better
communicate to my
students the meaning of
each writing trait, how
other authors use them,
and ultimately how they
could use them.
Other sessions left me
reflecting upon my reading
instruction in general and
taught me to consider the
function of a students’
brain while learning to
read. I will never forget
the acronym POSSuM,
which names the
processes incorporated in
the reading circuit.
Phonological as the
foundation, Orthographic as the decoder,
Semantic as the meaning maker, Syntactic
that structures sentences, and
Morphological as the word parts and
patterns.
Speaking of acronyms, I learned a new one
in a different breakout session, KSI,
Kentucky System of Intervention. We looked
at the school requirements of KSI and RtI
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
(continued page 13)
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
Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org
New Teacher Conference Mini-Grant 2012: Andrea Richardson Reports
and how they work to close
the achievement gaps using
evidence-based instruction,
assessment, progress
monitoring, tiered services,
and family involvement.
Using this knowledge in my
classroom and sharing it with
team members and other
colleagues we have enhanced
our intervention systems
and have begun
work to incorporate
writing interventions
in the near future.
One other aspect of
the conference that has
greatly benefited my
teaching was the plethora of
lesson ideas that were
presented at the conference. I
have used Linda Hoyt’s
method of teaching
summarization in nonfiction
texts and her suggestion of
shared reading responses.
Her list of possible writing
products for different
purposes has been useful in
attempting to create new and
meaningful writing
assignments in all areas. Her
session also allowed me to
reflect on what she
considered the primary
problems in writing (clarity,
spelling, punctuation,
grammar, conciseness, and
accuracy) and how I could
better incorporate explicit
instruction in these areas. I
have used Helen Long’s
suggested books
More Parts for
idioms
and
Eats, Shoots
and Leaves: Why
Commas Really Do Make
a Difference for commas, as
well as her word web for
multiple-meaning words. I
appreciated her reminder of
the importance of speaking,
which prompted me to
include more opportunities
for speaking and listening in
my literacy block. I also
incorporated opportunities
for sharing reading
responses, presenting book
projects, partner reading, and
using cooperative learning in
practicing reading strategies.

(cont’d)
by Laura Robb’s session on
thinking outside-of-the-box
when dealing with the abrupt
requirement to implement
the new Common Core
Standards that oftentimes are
overwhelming. She
encouraged us to focus on the
love of reading regardless of
ability level and standardized
testing. In my classroom I
have begun to celebrate all
reading successes big,
small, in the standards,
not in the standards,
and everything in between. I
hope that all of my students
are eager to read whether it
is a picture book, chapter
book, text book, above level,
below level, fiction,
nonfiction, a website,
magazine, or newspaper.
The KRA Conference not
only widened my knowledge
of teaching literacy, but also
has given me more ideas to
use in the classroom and
forced me to reflect and
restructure many aspects
of my instruction. My
experience was invaluable
and I hope to keep this annual
conference in my yearly plans
as I continue to grow as an
educator. 
Finally, I was reenergized
Graphic created with Wordle, www.wordle.net/
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
13

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

KRA Up Close : A Chat with Our Colleagues
F e a t u r e d : Bonnie Lash Freeman:
“ We define success within the program by having a parent or
adult student meet the goals they set for themselves. ”
Interview by Synthia Shelby
Bonnie Lash Freeman was appointed this year as a
KRA board member. Through her years as an educator,
her role with parents and families as well as her love of literacy,
she will bring a wealth of knowledge to the board and its members.
Tell us about your work with parents and
families?
I have been doing this work for over 23 years. My
experience includes learning and
practicing as a classroom teacher,
serving as a director of an early
childhood education center,
working at a High Scope
Educational Research Foundation
and now as an educational
specialist. I am focused on
training and special projects
within the NCFL (National
Center for Family Literacy).
My work with parents and
children at NCFL focuses on
vulnerable, low literate and ESL
(English as a Second Language)
families. Some of the work entails
helping the school system or non
-profits create, monitor and
support the implementation of
the program. The program is
designed as a Family Literacy
program, which encompasses
four main parts: Adult Education or ESL instruction,
Parent Education, Children Education (ranges from
birth - middle school), and PACT (parent and child
together time). The reason PACT acquired its name
is because of the promise parents make to their
kids.
During this time parents are
learning not only for themselves,
but also realizing that learning is
important and how to share it
with their children.
What motivates you in doing
this work?
I see parents making changes and
as a result of parents learning
about things they never
understood, then they are able
to support their children
educationally, socially and
mentally. Most of these parents
and/or young adults never had
access to certain opportunities.
With this program, they can better
provide their children or earn for
themselves a dream they were
never able to obtain. My motivation comes from
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
continued page 15
14

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
KRA Up Close : Bonnie Lash Freeman

www.kyreading.org

(cont’d)
seeing parents and young adults making good
decisions not only for themselves, but especially
for their children.
abilities to not only read, but to take control of
their own lives is the best part of what I do each
day.
Share some of your most memorable
moments?
Is there a message you would like to share
with KRA members?
I get the greatest joy out of preparing parent
speakers for the national conference. Listening to
the stories of the parents
who have been successful
is absolutely amazing. We
define success within the
program by having a
parent or adult student
meet the goals they set for
themselves. Some of those
goals are to: get a GED,
learn English, get a high
school diploma and more.
Children live in the context of their families. If
we are going to be the best in getting them
college and career ready,
then we have to do more
with families. We must get
to know them by including
families in the learning
process. We cannot
assume that parents/
families do not care. If we
don’t make continual
attempts to gain their
assistance in the areas of
student progress and
challenges, then we can
expect to receive what we
have always gotten in these areas.
One of those such success
stories is a young man
named Nate. I was able to see him go through the
program, gain confidence in his own abilities, and
speak at the national NCFL conference. He not
only met his goals, but his story motivates others
that think they can’t or won’t be able to
accomplish their goals. Nate looks like, sounds like
and has walked in their shoes. If he can do it, they
may say, “I can make it, too!”
Currently, Nate has published two books,
performs as a spoken word artist, is married, has
two sons, and is moving towards ministry. Nate
was an adult student in the program, finished his
GED and is now working at a non-profit as a
counselor. He was a young man that was not
supposed to make it. His mother was on drugs.
His father was an alcoholic and the odds were
stacked against him, but he made it. Truly a story
of success!
To see young people come into a program
struggling to read and not knowing which way to
go, become independent and confident in their
Therefore, the approach must stop being
individually focused and change to a schoolwide
approach. We must share with parents how to
work with their children regarding homework,
specific skills and assessments. It is also important
for educators to show parents how to navigate
the information provided and how this will impact
the future of their child/children.
I don’t want the school to turn parents into
teachers. However, I believe it is imperative for
parents to have the tools, resources and
knowledge to compliment what is going on in the
classroom. There must be a team effort between
the home and the child where it is totally focused
on the student. As we move towards this type of
synergy between parents and schools, we may see
greater participation from parents. With greater
parent involvement, we may see an increased
number of students obtaining academic success.
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
15

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

KRJ : Call for Manuscripts
The Kentucky Reading Journal welcomes articles that are both scholarly and practitionerfocused as well as other original contributions addressing literacy and/or literature across all grades
and content areas. Manuscripts are currently being accepted for possible publication in the 2013
issue of The Kentucky Reading Journal. The theme for this issue is Student Success: Enhancing Literacy
Instruction in Kentucky’s Classrooms. The mandate for our students to be college and career ready
compels us to look closely at our own literacy classroom practices. Focusing our energies on student
success requires us to examine our current practices and incorporate appropriate new literacy ideas
and modalities. Share with us ways you are changing/improving your literacy classrooms. What
practices create a spark and demonstrate deep learning?
Feature articles should be approximately 10-15 pages (2500-3500 words) including
references. Manuscripts should be written using Microsoft Word and be double spaced in 12 point
font with 1” margins. Please include charts, graphs, bulleted points, and/or figures wherever
possible to vary the format and enhance the content of the article. Reference lists and text citations
should be prepared according to the style specified in the most recent edition of the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association. Digital images need to be submitted as separate
email attachments in .jpg format. Notations should appear in the text for proper placement of digital
images (e.g., “insert photo 1 here”). Also appearing in the text should be captions or bylines for each
image. Submitted separately from the text of the article should be a cover sheet that includes: the
title of the article; the author’s full name, position, school/library affiliation, phone number, fax
number, e-mail address, and complete mailing address; and a 50-100 word abstract for the article.
Please submit an electronic copy of the article. When submitting the electronic copy, please
use separate email attachments for text and each digital image.
Manuscripts are reviewed anonymously by at least two members of the Editorial Review
Board. Preference is given to Kentucky authors. If an article is accepted, the editor reserves the right
to make appropriate stylistic editorial changes. Authors wishing to use substantive portions of their
articles accepted for publication in KRJ must give credit to KRJ for original publication.
In addition to the featured articles, shorter articles (3-6 pages) will be accepted for review
for possible journal departments. Please follow the same submission guidelines as outlined for the
featured articles.
 Engaging Readers and Writers—practical ideas for teaching literacy and/or literature; may
include, but is not limited to, the reading-writing connection, use of technology, and contentarea reading strategies
 Research Roundup—original research in literacy and/or literature; reflects the current
research interests of Kentucky educators
 KRA on the Go—profiles various KRA projects and initiatives in which Kentucky Reading
Association members are involved
Submit all manuscripts by July 15, 2013, to:
Lucy Maples, Co-editor
Kentucky Reading Journal
Western Kentucky University
[email protected]
Cassie Zippay, Co-editor
Kentucky Reading Journal
Western Kentucky University
[email protected]
See the latest issue of the Kentucky Reading Journal, “Championing Diversity: Meeting the Needs of
Learners in Kentucky Classrooms,” here: http://bit.ly/URzUPh
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
16

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

KRA Annual Conference Moments
Deborah Caudill, with the Kentucky
Reading Project, presents on Family
Literacy Night programming.
Nathan Miller (front row center), with
family and friends from KRA enjoys the
Author’s Luncheon!
KRA vice president Laurie Henry (left)
and author Marcia Thornton Jones at the
KRA registration desk.
Ruthie Staley, KDE,
reports on new KCAS
requirements
Campbellsville University student
ambassadors, with Dr. Colleen Walker
(right), at the KRA Board meeting dinner.
Linda Gondosch (right) and KRA/KBA
member and school librarian
Kathy Watson
The Caramel Apple Election, by attorney
and parent Vanessa Purdom sparks
interest among attendees.
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
Early morning smiles for the Western
Kentucky Reading Council meeting!
17

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

Wanted: Kentucky Reading Journal
Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board
The Kentucky Reading Association is searching for the position of Editor-in-chief of the
Kentucky Reading Journal. The Editor-in-chief position is a two-year voluntary position, with
the possibility of re-appointment at the end of two years. The Editor sits on the Executive
Board of the Kentucky Reading Association. Responsibilities include:

Working with editorial board members to produce a high-quality publication that
meets the needs of the teachers, administrators, professors, parents, and
community organization representatives that make up the membership of the
Kentucky Reading Association

Producing at least one issue of KRJ per year; possibly more

Actively soliciting high-quality manuscripts from potential authors

Selecting competent manuscript reviewers and managing timely reviews of
manuscripts

Providing clear, broad focus through promotion of personal vision and guidance
where appropriate
Applicants should possess expertise in the literacy field, have editorial experience, and be
able to lead an active editorial board. In addition, the applicant should have publishing skills
as the journal is currently produced in an electronic format. Employer support is critical.
The Kentucky Reading Association is also looking for applications for the Editorial Board of
the Kentucky Reading Journal. Responsibilities include authoring recurring columns and
assisting the Editor-in-Chief in producing a high-quality journal.
Applicants should send a letter of interest and current vita to Dr. Diana Porter; Kentucky
Reading Association President; 521 Lancaster Ave, Combs 215; Richmond, KY 40475.
Deadline is June 30, 2013.
See the latest issue of the Kentucky Reading Journal, “Championing Diversity: Meeting the Needs of
Learners in Kentucky Classrooms,” here: http://bit.ly/URzUPh
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
18

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

Spotlight on Local Councils
It’s been a busy school year around the Commonwealth!
teach phonics, sight words, and
more! The participants learned
how text manipulation can improve
early literacy instruction.
The Math-Literacy
Connection
The Bluegrass Council of the
Kentucky Reading Association
continued their “Classroom” series in
November. They hosted a professional
development opportunity entitled “The
Math and Literacy Connection.” Math
Consultant, Mark Helton led over 40
teachers in activities using illustrated
text to engage students in mathematics
and teach the Kentucky Core
Academic Standards across grades K-8.
Murray Area Council
Holds Seminar on
Text Manipulation
As part of “Kentucky Literacy
Celebration Week” the Murray
Area Council of the
International Reading
Association (MACIRA) focused
on literacy awareness. Dr. Sharon
Gill, professor, Murray State
University, presented a seminar
titled “Teaching Reading with Text
Manipulation” on March 12 in the
Alexander Hall auditorium. The
purpose of this seminar was to help
teachers use text manipulation
activities to teach phonics and sight
words. Dr. Gill demonstrated how
text manipulation can be used to
Running for Literacy in
Hopkins County
Pennyrile Reading Council
raced to success with the Book It
5K Run/Fun Walk on November 17
in Madisonville. The event raised
awareness of the importance of
literacy while raising funds for the
Kentucky Literacy Celebration
Week, March 4-8, 2013. All
participants who were 18 or
younger received a book after
completing the course. The run/
walk was sponsored by Celebrate
Literacy Hopkins County and
Hopkins County Schools. Kendra
Haley, as part of her KTIP
leadership project, helped organize
a large group from Grapevine
Elementary School. Principal Geoff
Bailey challenged all of his staff to
participate. Numerous volunteers
and participants helped make the
event a success. Organizers hope
this will become an annual event.
Thanks to the many individuals in
the Book It 5K Run/Walk. The
event was a big success!
“Bridges to Literacy”:
The Prequel
time to talk, pose for photos and
celebrate literacy with all who
attended. The students were from
grades 6-8 and participated in a
panel discussion about their passion
for reading with the First Lady and
others who came to celebrate a day
of literacy. Quotes from the
students in attendance include:
Tamer Mused, Grade 8:
The Outsiders:
I love this book because it talks about
real life and has a great deal of action. It
reminds us that life is not fair and it is
difficult.
Kobe Vandal, Grade 8: Star Wars:
Action! It could be made into a video
game.
Addison Frazier, Grade 6:
The Lightning Thief:
It made me feel like it was real. I could
imagine myself in the story.
Rakwon Murphy, Grade 8:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid:
Grabs my attention and it makes me
laugh.
Greater Louisville Reading
Council member Ruth Ann Sweazy
spearheaded this event with her
principal at Westport Middle
School, along with teachers,
students, administrators and
community stakeholders. She
shared what was happening in her
school with individuals from the
University of Louisville, the local
branch of the Louisville Free Public
Library, and others. It is because of
members like Ruth Ann that
outstanding literacy events continue
to happen in our schools and our
commonwealth every day! 
On February 6, 2013, First Lady
Jane Beshear visited Westport
Middle School in Louisville,
Kentucky. She shared her love of
reading with students and took the
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
19

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.

www.kyreading.org

20

Literacy Leaders

the Newsletter of the Kentucky Reading Association

www.kyreading.org

Visit the Kentucky Reading Association website for more information: www.kyreading.org
KRA’s mission is to be a voice for literacy.
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