Renowned Author Recommends Alpha-Phonics – Donna Fletcher Crow Interview

Nov 11

“Alpha-Phonics is honored and proud to list among its friends the well-known author Donna Fletcher Crow. Mrs. Crow’s impressive bibliography lists more than 50 books, mostly mysteries and historical fiction and most of those taking place in England. Her most recent, Glastonbury, is a tale of the Holy Grail and may prove to be her most popular ever. Recently we were able to discuss with her the role Alpha-Phonics played in teaching one of her grandchildren, Richeldis, how to read.”

Interview:

Alpha-Phonics: Donna, how did you first become acquainted with A-P?

Donna Crow: In visiting with June and Peter Watt about the books they published and the value of children learning to read well at an early age. I was especially interested for my grandchildren.

AP: How did Elizabeth, Richeldis’ mother, learn about Alpha-Phonics?DC: I told our daughter Elizabeth about Alpha-Phonics when Richeldis was at a learning-to-read age.

AP: How easy or difficult did Elizabeth find it to use?

A young child learning to read with Alpha Phonics. She is seated in a chair and pointing at the word she is reading. — Richeldis with her Alpha-Phonics

DC: Elizabeth teaches Latin, so she knows how to judge material like this. She thought it looked really good and very well organized. Richeldis was old enough to work with the material independently, so Elizabeth said it actually took very little involvement on her part.

AP: Were there any particularly difficult lessons, i.e. some more than others?

DC: Neither Elizabeth nor Richeldis can remember their being any difficulties.

AP: How long did it take for Richeldis to become a fluent reader and how old was she when she began?

DC: Richeldis is a quick learner. It only took her three or four months to begin reading on her own. She was about five years old when she first learned to read.

AP: What was the first book she read on her own?

DC: The “This is Our Family” primer collection.

AP: At what level is she currently reading?

DC: Richeldis is 9 (grade 5), and she reads considerably above her grade level, probably about grade 7. When we visited them last week, she was reading “The Girl Who Lost her Smile” by the English comedic actress Miranda Hart.

AP: Do you have any suggestions for other users?

DC: Having lots of attractive books available for children and reading to them regularly, as well as seeing their parents enjoy reading, can create a desire in children to want to read for themselves.

AP: Has she read any of your books yet?

DC: Yes, she has, thank you for asking. She has read my “Choose Your Own Adventure” children’s series as well as a book of autobiographical sketches I did for the family.

Donna is rightfully quite proud of her grandchildren and Alpha-Phonics is quite proud (also rightfully) that we were chosen for at least one of them. We have no doubt whatsoever that her grand kids are also very proud of the world-renowned author who just happens to be their grandma!

Donna Fletcher Crow and Richeldis — Donna and Richeldis

To acquaint yourself with Donna and her work you can visit her at: www.donnafletchercrow.com.

David Ryan

David Ryan, Owner & Operator of Alpha-Phonics is also a career photographer and entrepreneur who has worked with the likes of Newsweek and National Geographic. A lifelong reader and learner, David credits his success and creativity to the power of phonics and books. His work with Alpha-Phonics spans a dozen years and every hat you can imagine.