‘Every child deserves to explore their world through power of literacy’

Temitope Dahunsi is a reading specialist passionate about ensuring children struggling with reading become competent with focus on phonemic awareness. She holds a degree in English degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a post graduate degree in Education. She’s internationally licenced to teach English, an author of eight bestselling Phonics textbooks used across Africa. In this interview, the tutor speaks on helping children overcoming their reading challenge.

What inspired you to pursue a career in literacy and reading education?
One pivotal moment for me was when I came across a staggering statistic about the global illiteracy rate – over 250 million children struggling to read. That realisation was deeply unsettling and ignited a strong desire within me to make a difference. I knew then that I wanted to be part of the reading journey for as many children as possible. I believe that every child deserves the chance to explore their world through the power of literacy. Reading isn’t just a skill; it’s the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and success. Helping children unlock that potential is both my passion and my purpose.

How did you develop your expertise in spelling and reading strategies?
My expertise in spelling and reading strategies grew out of both personal and professional experiences. As a parent and a freelance phonics consultant, I witnessed my daughter and others struggle with reading, which allowed me to see firsthand the challenges faced by both learners and their families. This personal experience motivated me to study literacy development and education, providing a strong theoretical foundation.

Through years of working with children of various abilities, researching evidence-based strategies, and even authoring phonics textbooks, I’ve refined my approach to supporting struggling readers. My journey has not only been fueled by a passion for helping every child unlock the power of literacy, I regularly participate in workshops, professional development courses, and collaborate with other literacy professionals to stay updated on the latest research and innovations in the field.

Can you share a memorable success story of helping a struggling reader?
I have so many memorable moments, but one stands out. During one of our classes, as my learner was reading aloud, her mother suddenly ran out of the kitchen in amazement and exclaimed, ‘Did I just hear my baby reading?’ She turned to me with tears of joy and said, ‘You are my superstar, Mrs. Dahunsi!’

That moment was deeply emotional for me—I wept after the class. It was the first time had ever been called a superstar, and it reminded me why I do what I do: to transform lives through the power of reading.

Although the journey wasn’t easy, we began with sound awareness and understanding language patterns. There were days filled with struggles as we worked on building fluency and speed. But we made it. Seeing that moment when my learner’s mother realised her child was reading was a powerful reminder of the impact of persistence and the right support.

Would say reading challenges is limited to children in third world countries?
Reading challenges are not limited to children in third world countries, contrary to what many residents of economically struggling areas might believe. In reality, reading difficulties can be found everywhere, including in well-resourced regions. With @readingwithtemmy, we primarily work with learners in the diaspora. Despite the availability of technology and teaching resources, mastering the art of reading fluently is a specialised skill that requires expertise. Not all teachers are equipped to help children achieve this level of fluency, as it requires a deep understanding of phonemic awareness, spelling rules and effective instructional techniques.

Why do you believe spelling and reading skills are so crucial for overall literacy development?
Reading and spelling are the cornerstones of literacy that unlock access to education, communication, and lifelong learning opportunities. Simply put, it impacts a child’s success in other academic areas. It is the primary means of communicating, the tool for critical reasoning, the mother of all subjects.

What are the biggest misconceptions about teaching reading and spelling?
One of the most noteworthy misconceptions is that phonics instruction is primarily for struggling readers. A client once thought tutoring her child through the blending process was a waste of time since he was not struggling to pronounce basic words. In reality, phonics provides significant benefits for all learners, especially during their formative years when language development is still taking shape. Phonics is not merely a remedial tool; it’s a foundational building block of literacy. During the early years, when children are just beginning to understand the structure of language, systematic phonics instruction equips them with the essential skills to decode words and develop fluency. These skills are critical not only for those who struggle but for all children to establish a strong literacy foundation.

What tips would you give parents to support their children’s reading and spelling at home?
Start early reading stories and print awareness. Introducing books and print early gives children a head start. By reading stories aloud and encouraging them to follow along with the print, they begin to understand that written words carry meaning. This print awareness forms the foundation for later reading skills, as children start to recognise letters, words, and the structure of sentences.

Have a learning routine. Consistency in a learning routine is essential for building positive habits. When children know what to expect, it reduces uncertainty and helps manage tantrums. A structured routine also fosters a sense of security and reinforces that learning is a regular, enjoyable part of their day, making them more likely to develop a lifelong love for learning.
Understand your child’s learning style. Every child learns differently. Some may thrive with visual cues, while others might respond better to auditory or kinesthetic approaches. By observing and understanding your child’s learning style, you can tailor activities to their needs, making learning more effective. Additionally, this insight allows you to communicate better with teachers, ensuring a collaborative approach to support your child’s growth. Remember-raising a total child takes a community.

What are some effective strategies or programmes for teaching, reading and spelling to struggling learners?
My approach has been to use scaffolded strategy, where I build on foundational skills before moving to more complex ones. This gradual progression from phonics and phonemic awareness to comprehension and creative writing ensures that learners have a solid foundation in basic literacy skills before tackling more complex tasks like writing and understanding deeper meanings in texts. Ours is a blend of different strategies to meet our learners’ academic needs.

Can you identify a major challenge in your current career path as an online teacher?
One of the major challenges I face is addressing the misconception that online classes are less effective than in-person ones. In reality, this is far from true. While it can be challenging to capture and maintain students’ attention, once you master the art of creating an engaging environment and effective use of teaching tools, teaching becomes easy, enjoyable, and rewarding. I am convinced this is true because we have testimonies of our how impactful and value driven our online classes have been.

What are some of the most common challenges children face when learning to spell and read?
In my years of experience working with struggling readers, I’ve found that one major factor contributing to their difficulties is a knowledge gap. The inability to decode words, recognise sight words, apply basic spelling rules, and read at an age-appropriate pace all stem from not being exposed to the right knowledge. Once this knowledge gap is addressed, I can confidently say that 80 per cent of the challenges are overcome.

What changes do you look forward to in the approach to teaching literacy in the next decade?
In teaching, lessons are deeply influenced by the curriculum provided to teachers. I look forward to Nigerian learners having access to a more comprehensive literacy curriculum that encourages critical analysis and creative writing. I have observed that many schools limit phonics lessons to preschoolers only, which is a missed opportunity. I hope that in the future, phonics instruction will be extended to elementary learners as well, ensuring a stronger foundation in literacy for all students. I also expect to see more collaborative and interactive learning environments, both online and in-person, that encourage engagement and deeper comprehension. Ultimately, I hope these advancements will make literacy education more inclusive, accessible, and effective for all learners.

What advice would you give to teachers or parents working with reluctant or struggling readers?
Identify the root cause. Every child struggle for different reasons. It’s important to assess the specific challenges each child faces, as the reasons behind their difficulties may vary. Practice patience. Foster a safe and supportive environment where the child feels comfortable making mistakes. Avoid comparisons, as they can lead to feelings of intimidation and hinder progress. Stay open to learning. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Consulting a specialist can provide valuable insights and save significant time and effort in addressing the child’s needs effectively.