Read Across America: Q and A with Dr. Chelsey Bollinger

As Read Across America Day approaches, Dr. Chelsey Bollinger, a College of Education professor and literacy education expert, discusses the importance of emphasizing literacy in today’s world. With technology and AI on the rise, Bollinger shares her insights on what we can do to ensure literacy remains a key focus in education. 

Q: Why is literacy an essential skill to have? 

There’s not much you can do without being literate. Literacy is the foundation for all learning, and strong literacy skills help students succeed–not just academically, but in real-world situations such as job applications or civic engagement. Without literacy, opportunities become limited, making it an essential skill for lifelong success. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in literacy education? 

I’ve always been passionate about reading and the doors it opens for people. As a teacher, I saw firsthand how literacy impacts every aspect of a student’s life. Literacy is the foundation for all learning, and seeing students developing strong literacy skills, gaining confidence in their reading abilities, and making meaningful connections is incredibly rewarding. 

Q: How has literacy evolved, especially in the digital age? 

Literacy is constantly evolving, especially as technology advances. Generative AI is becoming a significant part of both teaching and learning in schools. While it’s a useful tool, we need to be mindful of its impact on authenticity, comprehension and the role of traditional texts in education. 

Q: What can educators do to balance traditional literacy practices in today’s digital age? 

I recommend that teachers integrate newer technology such as audiobooks and interactive storytelling apps alongside print books, rather than replacing them. This preserves the book-rich classroom environment while ensuring students continue engaging with physical books and traditional literacy practices. Teaching students to evaluate online sources, recognizing misinformation, and thinking critically also allows them to use modern technology in a productive way. 

Q: How can educators and families encourage a lifelong love of reading in students? 

One of the best ways is to read aloud to students—letting them enjoy the story, pausing to discuss characters, making connections, and wondering about what happens next. This helps instill a genuine love for reading from a young age. Including diverse books, allowing students to choose their own reading materials, following their interests, and modeling reading for enjoyment are also great ways to make reading a natural part of a student’s life. 

Q: Do you have any book recommendations or literacy activities that families can try for Read Across America Day? 

One book that immediately comes to mind is this year’s Caldecott Award winner, “Chooch Helped” by Andrea Rogers. This book weaves Cherokee language and culture into the story, making it a great pick for celebrating diverse voices in children’s literature. A fun activity for families or classrooms is to find a list of recent award-winning children’s books—such as Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta Scott King, or Pura Belpré winners—and read them together. Families can predict which books might win each year and then check them out from the library or add them to their home collections. 

Q: What message would you share with educators, parents or students about the importance of celebrating events like Read Across America Day and making literacy a priority year-round? 

Literacy doesn’t have to be complicated, especially at home. It’s not about worksheets or tests—it’s about connection, curiosity and discovery. Read to laugh, to learn, to explore and to imagine. The most important thing is to make literacy a joyful, daily part of life.