Turning On to Reading, High School

Literacy Program Is Valuable Education for Students Young and Old

Surrounded by low chalkboards and tiny desks, 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound Kelson Patterson probably couldn't help appearing larger than life. But from the perspective of fifth-graders at Highland Elementary School in Silver Spring, the Albert Einstein High School varsity football captain didn't need furniture to accomplish that.

Patterson visited their classroom last week as a volunteer in an Einstein program that enlists athletes to read to elementary students. The goals are to promote literacy and make children comfortable with the prospect of high school.

"I think I'm kind of an important part of Einstein, and it's an easy task. I like children; they don't bother me," Patterson said. "I hope to be something they'd like to look up to."

While reading "Looking for Atlantis" by Colin Thompson, Patterson prompted the students to answer questions about the book. Afterward, he was the one being tested: Can girls join the football team? What is lacrosse? Is there a fashion club?

Patterson answered the questions about high school and then imparted some advice: Working hard in school is the only way to participate in activities such as football.

He explained grade-point averages, academic eligibility and scholarships. Patterson, recently awarded a full football scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, told the students that his success would not have come without good grades and character to match.

"It's very important to be nice and polite. Keep your academics up, and you'll go so much farther," Patterson said.

That seemed like news to some of the fifth-graders. Brennon Simms said he wants to be involved in sports and art.

"We didn't really know about the after-school activities and that your grades could depend on it," Brennon said.

Einstein Athletic Director Brady Blade said the program aims to send exactly that message.

"A lot of times, the kids get caught up in all the glamour of sports on TV or even high school, but we wanted to send a subliminal message to them of reading and academics," Blade said. "I think if a 9- or 10-year-old hears that or sees that, that's a positive role model."

Nancy Ann Graham, literacy coach at Einstein, said the program benefits the high-schoolers as well. They choose a book to read and then learn how to present it to kids, which builds the older students' confidence.