#DearReadingTeacher Elisabeth Forde, M.Ed.

Episode 13 is recorded for Parents confused by sight words and for Parents who know their child is not learning to read by memorizing a list of words. Their early reader is guessing and/or staring. I start with a personal story in this episode, my lived experiences with sight words as an educator and parent. Then, I wrote a letter to the American kindergarten teacher (or any educator that is pushing sight words over decoding/sounding out) linked below. I hope this letter will push families and early childhood educators to find ways to immediately help our early readers stop guessing. Sight words should be the outcome of effective reading instruction, not the focus of the process.




A Parent's Letter to their Kindergartener's Teacher
Early Reading ROADMAP for Parents



Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Facebook/Instagram:

Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher

Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub

https://school.readinggardenclub.com/



Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator?

Contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast/

The amazing podcast host of Explore Black History, Dr. Shannon Stanton Agbotse, joins me in what is my favorite #DearReadingTeacher episode so far. Dr. Shannon helps us explore the history of literacy practices in Black America. This conversation is a powerful testament to how important it is for Black Americans to do our scholarship and research as we reshape literacy practices for our children today. Dr. Shannon shares how her journey as an educator has led her to create intentional spaces of learning for Black children that are transformative and empowering. 

Guest Information:

www.exploreblackhistory.com

Instagram - @ExploreBlackHistory



Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Facebook/Instagram:

Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher

Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub

https://school.readinggardenclub.com/



Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast/

Remember the ‘shhhhhh’ rule from the library? Thankfully many strict library rules are gone, but families face new challenges raising readers at the library. In the first episode of Season 2, I discuss the competition between screens and library use with another Parent and a children’s author, Meredith Johnson. As library lovers we are already biased to enjoy the library and we want to raise our children to enjoy this community space. So, how did we maximize the library for our families?



Guest Information:

www.meredith-johnson.com

Facebook - @Meredith Johnson - Author



Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Facebook/Instagram:

Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher

Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub

https://school.readinggardenclub.com/

Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast/

The magical and special book gardens in Sheboygan, Wisconsin that has inspired thousands of families is called Bookworm Gardens. The guest in this is Bookworm Garden’s Director of Education and Community Programming, Cate Tinker. Cate shares how this beautiful garden has led a local community and so many families to get outside + read. In our chat as teacher moms, we discuss reading outside, community building, and our childhood love for books that we share with our children. I am so happy to end this first season on such a positive note!



More Research:

Book Deserts - https://www.unitebooks.com/book-deserts/the-book-desert-map



Guest Information:

Instagram/Twitter - @bookworm_gardens

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BWGbookwormgardens/

Website - bookwormgardens.org



Follow #DearReadingTeacher & Reading Garden Club on Social Media:

Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher

Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub

https://school.readinggardenclub.com/



Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast/

In this conversation, Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood, a Children’s Author and Educator, shares her approach to reading instruction at home and the value of ‘‘bathing your child in language.” Dr. Brown-Wood and I discuss ways to intentionally promote literacy as parents and diversity in children’s books. Dr. Brown-Wood highlights her upcoming books and projects, including a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood called Mahogany that releases in 2024.



Recommended Resource for Parents:

Imagination Library - https://imaginationlibrary.com/



Guest Information:

Instagram/Twitter - @janaybrownwood

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/janaybrownwood/

Website - www.janaybrownwood.com



Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Social Media:

Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher

Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub

https://school.readinggardenclub.com/



Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast/

Some Parents are afraid to teach their child to read because Parents believe they are imposter teachers. Not true at all. Parents are a child's most important teacher. We are our children's first teacher and I believe we can set a strong foundation of literacy for our children if we are supported by our community and when we are intentional from an early age. I hope this honest episode will illuminate how I leveraged the good, the bad, and the community to teach my child to read. I won't pretend it's easy - it takes years. My story does not have to reflect yours, but you may be able to relate if you feel alone on this journey with your child.


Follow #DearReadingTeacher & Reading Garden Club on Social Media:
Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher
Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub
https://school.readinggardenclub.com/

Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast/