42 episodes

Learning to read starts with learning to play. This is the podcast for parents and teachers of kids ages 0-8 who want to have FUN learning evidence backed early development and literacy strategies in a short amount of time. This is the podcast for the teacher who needs a bestie to ask questions to and the parent who wants to know the best developmental practices to implement in the 3 minutes a day they have. You're not alone. Ask your questions here. If I can't answer them, one of my friends will be on to help! There are so many confusing parts about the learning to read journey. Miss Beth is here to simplify it, affirm you are the best person to teach your child, and give you the confidence you need in the early childhood education years. This podcast is for fun, community and confidence making tough topics more bite sized for every parent teacher and child. 

play on words miss beth

    • Education

Learning to read starts with learning to play. This is the podcast for parents and teachers of kids ages 0-8 who want to have FUN learning evidence backed early development and literacy strategies in a short amount of time. This is the podcast for the teacher who needs a bestie to ask questions to and the parent who wants to know the best developmental practices to implement in the 3 minutes a day they have. You're not alone. Ask your questions here. If I can't answer them, one of my friends will be on to help! There are so many confusing parts about the learning to read journey. Miss Beth is here to simplify it, affirm you are the best person to teach your child, and give you the confidence you need in the early childhood education years. This podcast is for fun, community and confidence making tough topics more bite sized for every parent teacher and child. 

    • video
    Are We Going To Get Canceled For This? Navigating Parenthood: From Toddler Bedtimes to School Choices

    Are We Going To Get Canceled For This? Navigating Parenthood: From Toddler Bedtimes to School Choices

    "Are we going to get canceled for saying this?" May or may not have been said multiple times in this honest conversations around school, daycare, learning to read, behavior, sleep and parenthood.

    In this episode of the Play On Words my guest expert Rachel Shepard-Ohta of The No One Told Us Podcast and Hey Sleepy Baby and I chat about the myriad challenges and decisions that come with parenting, from the toddler years to daycare and school choices like is it time for kindergarten or what are red and green flags to look for.

    Our discussion also touches on sensitive topics such as deciding between private and public schooling, postpartum anxiety around sleep, knowing when to switch schools, and whether a play-based preschool adequately prepares children for kindergarten.

    Follow Rachel: instagram.com/heysleepybaby

    Follow Beth: instagram.com/bigcityreaders

    More info and freebies: bigcityreaders.com/podcast

    • 47 min
    • video
    (I Don't Want To Be Rude But) How Do I Talk To My Child's Kindergarten Teacher About The Reading Curriculum?

    (I Don't Want To Be Rude But) How Do I Talk To My Child's Kindergarten Teacher About The Reading Curriculum?

    Listener question: "How do I talk to my child's veteran kindergarten teacher about them saying to memorize sight words, I don't want to be rude."

    Let's be clear: it's not the teachers fault if they tell you to memorize words. They might not know! Teachers are expected to be an expert on every subject and that's WILD to think in their free time they're researching and teaching themselves everything. And then writing their own curriculum and often hiding that they're doing it one they learn if their district hasn't approved the switch yet 😳

    Curriculum is not usually the decision of the teacher. I also was a teacher that thought this was how to teach kids how to read.

    (I have a f r e e and easy guide for parents on the do's and don'ts of sight words. Message @bigcityreaders on instagram the phrase: sight words and I'll send it to you!)

    4 tips on talking about this:

    ⚡️Remember you're on a team- school admin, teachers, parents. We all have the same goal. We all want kids to succeed.

    ⚡️Be curious. Don't go into a conservation with "I'm right" but I'm curious- "can you tell me more about the schools reading curriculum, this is new for me!" Be ready to learn more, not to have a "gotcha I know more than you" moment. Maybe we don't have all the information. Maybe the school is in the process of changing. Maybe you are the first person bringing this to their attention.

    ⚡️Great schools LOVE when parents ask questions. You're showing how invested you are in the entire school community. Check how you're asking. Is it accusatory or is it actually to advocate for your child and other kids?

    ⚡️Be ready to be a part of the change!

    More info: bigcityreaders.com/podcast

    • 11 min
    • video
    Let's Talk About Dyslexia

    Let's Talk About Dyslexia

    Join Beth as she sits down with veteran dyslexia expert Sher Marshall in this informative episode all about dyslexia. From recognizing the earliest signs to getting a diagnoses and advocating for support services, they cover a wide array of topics aimed at empowering parents to trust themselves, know the signs and know how to take action.

    You will learn practical insights on how to tell if it's how they're being taught vs how their brain is wired, how to navigate the diagnosis process, tips on how advocate for your child within educational settings, and provide academic and emotional support in the classroom and at home. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone affected by dyslexia, this episode offers valuable knowledge and strategies to help you navigate the journey with confidence. Tune in and gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and how to support your child.

    Disclaimer: This episode is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of your child's school or teacher or offer diagnostic assessments. Testing for dyslexia cannot be done by a teacher or even a dyslexia specialist. They can offer tools. Testing is typically done by a licensed educational psychologist or neurologist.

    Show notes: bigcityreaders.com/podcast [http://bigcityreaders.com/podcast]

    Follow me: Instagram.com/bigcityreaders [http://instagram.com/bigcityreaders]

    • 54 min
    • video
    How Do I Teach My 4 Year Old Vowel Sounds?

    How Do I Teach My 4 Year Old Vowel Sounds?

    Help! My 4 year old is really getting consonant sounds but struggles with vowel sounds and I think I do too. What's long and short and what do I teach her first?

    This episode answers this parent question and touches on beginning to blend. You'll hear how to say each vowel sound, when it's appropriate to expect understanding and best developmentally appropriate practices for working on this concept daily.

    Read the blog: bigcityreaders.com

    Show notes: bigcityreaders.com/podcast

    Follow me: ⁠Instagram.com/bigcityreaders [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/]

    • 15 min
    • video
    All Behavior is Communication: Learning to Talk

    All Behavior is Communication: Learning to Talk

    Learn to talk with speech language pathologist, Stephanie Cohen! This episode is all about communication behavior, speech and feeding tips. 

    We answer questions like: at what age is a lisp a concern?

    Is it normal for my child to not be able to say green?

    What books should I read with my baby and toddler?

    Is it ok if my toddler wanders while I read?

    And SO much more! 

    Follow Beth: instagram.com/bigcityreaders [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/]

    Follow Stephanie: Instagram.com/learntotalkwithme [https://www.instagram.com/learntotalkwithme/]

    Get Stephanie's books [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1728248108?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbigcityr-20&creativeASIN=1728248108&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3NCZZZFYRQMEH&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin]

    • 41 min
    • video
    Forget What You've Heard About Teaching Your Child To Read

    Forget What You've Heard About Teaching Your Child To Read

    This episode was originally recorded LIVE on instagram answering your questions like: Is cursive ok? How do I assess my child? What should I do if I don't have time to teach my child how to read because I have other little kids at home and much more! You will hear dozens of strategies to try from Miss Beth and real questions from real parents. Have a question? Submit it via email: hello@bigcityreaders.com

    More resources: bigcityreaders.com/podcast

    Courses for kids: bigcityreaders.com

    • 30 min

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