Zerna Sharp: The Visionary Behind the Iconic Dick and Jane Series

The Creator of a Reading Revolution

Zerna Sharp is renowned for creating the beloved Dick and Jane series, a collection of beginning readers that has taught millions of children across the globe to read. Published by Scott, Foresman and Company, these readers have been a staple in elementary schools in the United States and many other English-speaking countries for nearly forty years.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 12, 1889, in Hillisburg, Indiana, Zerna Addas Sharp was the eldest of five children to Charles and Lottie Smith Sharp. Her father owned a general store in Hillisburg, where she grew up surrounded by books and a love for learning. After graduating from high school, Sharp completed a year of teacher training at Marion Normal College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in Marion, Indiana. She later attended Columbia University in New York City, further solidifying her passion for education.

A Career Dedicated to Education

Sharp's teaching career spanned nearly a decade, during which she taught first-grade students at elementary schools in Hillisburg, Kirklin, and La Porte, Indiana. She also served as an elementary school principal, demonstrating her leadership skills and dedication to the field. Her experience as a reading consultant and textbook editor for Scott, Foresman and Company would later inspire her to create the Dick and Jane series.

Conceptualizing the Dick and Jane Series

While working as a reading consultant, Sharp realized the need for engaging and interactive reading materials for elementary school children. She drew inspiration from her own childhood and the world around her, creating relatable characters like Dick, Jane, Sally, and their friends. The series, featuring titles such as We Look and See, We Come and Go, and Fun with Dick and Jane, employed the "look-say" method of teaching reading, which emphasized recognizing words by their appearance rather than sounding them out.

Impact and Legacy

The Dick and Jane series has had a profound impact on the world of education, influencing the way children learn to read. Its widespread adoption in schools across the United States and beyond is a testament to Sharp's innovative approach to reading education. Today, the series remains a nostalgic reminder of many people's childhoods, evoking memories of early reading experiences and the joy of discovery.

Awards and Recognition

• Sharp's contribution to education was recognized with the 1965 Indiana Wesleyan University Distinguished Alumni Award.
• She was also honored with the 1970 Indiana Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education.

Philosophy and Beliefs

Sharp's work was guided by her firm belief in the importance of early childhood education and the need for engaging, interactive learning materials. Her philosophy emphasized the role of teachers as facilitators of learning, rather than mere disseminators of information.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• 1889: Born on August 12th in Hillisburg, Indiana
• 1910s: Taught first-grade students in Indiana
• 1930s: Created the Dick and Jane series
• 1965: Received the Indiana Wesleyan University Distinguished Alumni Award
• 1970: Received the Indiana Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education
• 1981: Passed away on June 17th

Visual Timeline and Milestones

1889	Zerna Sharp born on August 12th in Hillisburg, Indiana
1910s	Taught first-grade students in Indiana
1930s	Created the Dick and Jane series
1965	Received the Indiana Wesleyan University Distinguished Alumni Award
1970	Received the Indiana Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education
1981	Passed away on June 17th

Inspirational Quotes

"The art of teaching is the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds."

"Reading is the key to unlocking the doors of knowledge and imagination."

By delving into the life and legacy of Zerna Sharp, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and the importance of innovative approaches to teaching. Her contributions to the world of reading education continue to inspire future generations of educators and learners alike.