Loving & Leading With Literacy

In this powerful episode of LoveTalk Network, Coach kerri and Cathy talk with two women who are passionate about helping kids succeed through reading.

First, Amy Wilke, Executive Director of Education Connection, shares how her organization partners with churches and volunteers across 19 Central Texas school districts to provide one-on-one literacy support. Discover why third grade is the critical turning point (“learning to read” vs. “reading to learn”), the heartbreaking statistic that 1 in 6 children who aren’t reading by third grade never graduate high school, and how just 30 minutes a week can make a lasting difference.

Then, award-winning children’s author Lisa Pritchard joins the conversation. Creator of the Dirt Dog and Friends series including Tiny Tot Tiger Says Happy Birthday America, Lisa shares how God redirected her from writing devotionals into creating beautiful children’s books that teach Biblical values, kindness, and character with fun, engaging stories.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, retiree, or someone looking for a meaningful way to serve, this episode will inspire you to invest in the next generation through the simple power of reading.

Learn more / Get involved:

• Education Connection www.education-connection.org

• Lisa’s books www.dirtdogandfriends.com (also on Amazon)
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0:00 Intro – Love Talk Network
0:10 Welcome & Topic: Loving and Leading with Literacy
1:38 Guest Intro: Amy Wilkie (Education Connection)
3:06 Amy’s Faith Story
4:52 How Education Connection Started
7:25 Why 3rd Grade Matters
9:00 What Literacy Partners Do
10:59 How to Get Involved (education-connection.org)
11:50 Measuring Impact
13:12 How the Reading Sessions Work
14:20 Coach Kerry’s Story + Amy’s Personal Struggle
18:24 Final Thoughts from Amy
21:22 Sponsor Break
23:12 Welcome Back + Guest Intro: Lisa Pritchard
25:32 Lisa’s Faith Story
28:09 Dirt Dog & Friends + Faith Influence
30:54 How Dirt Dog Was Born
33:47 Loving & Leading Through Literacy
36:16 Biblical Values in the Books
38:15 Tiny Tot Tiger – Happy Birthday America
40:24 New Series for Older Kids
42:16 Where to Find Lisa’s Books (dirtdogandfriends.com)
44:03 Easy Ways Anyone Can Help with Literacy
45:29 Sponsor / Ministry Break
46:12 Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways
52:21 Final Resources & Call to Action
54:33 Closing