🎙️Ready to Learn: Why Early Literacy Matters
A conversation with Dawn Sapp, Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services
In Episode 18 of the INK! Podcast, Dawn Sapp, Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services, joins our hosts to dive deep into the vital topic of literacy and reading readiness. The discussion takes us beyond simply learning to read — it explores how reading readiness sets the stage for lifelong success, and how educators, families and the community all play a role.
Why this matters
Reading is more than a school subject — it’s a gateway. As Mrs. Sapp explains, children who are ready to read when they enter school are more likely to thrive academically, feel confident, and engage meaningfully with their learning. On the flip side, students who begin behind in literacy often face an uphill climb. They may fall further behind, affecting motivation and future opportunities.
This episode reminds us that supporting reading readiness is not just a job for teachers — it’s a shared responsibility.
Key take-aways
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Early exposure is critical — Mrs. Sapp emphasizes the importance of children being exposed to language, conversation and books before they even enter Kindergarten. The foundation of literacy begins in the home and early childcare settings.
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Reading readiness is more than phonics — While phonics and decoding matter, the discussion highlights broader elements: vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and a love of reading.
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The role of family engagement — Families matter. When parents/caregivers talk with children, ask questions about what they’re reading, and model reading themselves, children’s readiness improves.
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Community & school collaboration — Schools can not tackle reading readiness alone. Mrs. Sapp underscores how partnerships — between schools, libraries, nonprofits (like INK!), and local businesses — create richer support ecosystems for students.
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Monitoring and early intervention — Catching challenges early allows for timely support. Mrs. Sapp describes how data and assessments help educators identify when students need extra help and provide it before the gap widens.
Why this episode is a must-listen
If you care about education, student success, or building stronger communities, this conversation offers insights and inspiration.
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For educators, it offers tangible strategies and reinforces why literacy must be a foundational focus.
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For parents/caregivers, it serves as a call to action: your role matters more than you might think in setting the stage for early success.
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For community partners, it offers ideas for how to plug in and support reading readiness beyond donating books.
How you can get involved
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Read together daily — Make reading a routine in your home. Ask open questions (“What do you think will happen next?”), talk about unfamiliar words, and encourage curiosity.
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Visit your local library — Take advantage of story-time, literacy events or family reading programs.
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Support organizations like INK! — Consider volunteering, donating books, or partnering in literacy-oriented programs.
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Advocate for early literacy in your community — Whether you are a business owner , nonprofit leader, or individual, seek ways to support reading readiness programs, book drives, or mentoring.
Final thoughts
Episode 18 of the INK! Podcast offers a timely and hopeful reminder: when we invest early in literacy and reading readiness, we invest in every child’s future. As Dawn Sapp and the INK! team make clear, the path to lifelong learning starts long before the first day of school — and we all have a role to play.
Listen to Episode 18: Ready to Learn on Spotify and join the conversation. Let’s make sure our children are “Ready to Learn.”
