Middle grades education major begins free reading program

April 6, 2017

Senior middle grades education major Kamaren Walthour is a full-time undergraduate student, mother of two, wife, devoted member of her church, and most recently, the founder of a program called Pop-Up and Read.

A free resource for parents and students in Liberty County, Pop-Up and Read provides a group learning environment for the enhancement of literacy among children ages 3 to 10. Each program session begins with an interactive story. Students then break out into workstations of their choice including reading, writing, science and two craft tables. While students work in small groups at the stations, Walthour works with students individually to focus on their area of greatest need.

“The first time a child comes to Pop-Up and Read, I talk with the parent to find out what the child is struggling with and see what we need to focus on,” said Walthour. “I take notes from what I have observed, and I develop a plan for the next session.”

Parents are also required to stay and participate in the educational activities.

“I have learned in my classes that parental involvement increases academic success,” said Walthour.

During a parent-teacher conference for her four-year-old daughter, Walthour said she was told that her daughter was behind on knowing her letters and numbers and recalling stories.

“I have been working with my daughter since she was 2, so I was shocked,” said Walthour. “I know if I am dealing with this that other parents are as well.”

This gave Walthour the push she needed to move forward with a project she had been debating for nearly a year. Using knowledge that the middle grades education program has provided her, Walthour created Pop-Up and Read to benefit not only her daughters but the entire community as well. With the assistance of her aunt, Angie Walthour, who is certified in early childhood education, Walthour is constantly thinking of ways to expand and improve her program.

“It’s disheartening how many of our children struggle with reading in middle and high school,” said Walthour. “That’s what made me want to get involved in my community in the first place. I substituted in the middle schools and high schools in Liberty County and saw how many children do not know how to read or are struggling to read and don’t have any type of strategies to be able to comprehend what they are reading.

“It is my goal,” she added, “that this program increases children’s likelihood to become proficient readers.”

Walthour says her College of Education professors have been very supportive.

“I made sure that I requested extra information from my reading and language arts education professors,” she explained, “and they have been so helpful in giving me the foundation I need to help these kids.”

Pop-Up and Read is held every other Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Stafford Pavilion in Liberty County. Following the sessions, Walthour follows up with newsletters that include additional resources and activities to strengthen reading skills.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 119 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.