In this episode, host Katie invites Rebecca McAllister, one of the founders of Active Reader, to explore the importance of reading and literacy skills in early childhood. Parents often feel lost, discouraged, or anxious about teaching their children how to read. However, Rebecca reveals that parents can feel just as empowered and can be more involved and confident in guiding this learning path for their children. Rebecca sheds light upon ways to get started in supporting your own child in their reading journey, as well as ways to advocate for your child’s literacy learning within and outside of the educational system. Rebecca shares in the episode her personal experience, not just as an educator, but as a mother and someone who has personally experienced the struggle of reading. The Active Reader provides many easy-to-use tools and resources, giving parents the potential to strengthen their child at home. Every child is unique and learns at their own pace. It is never too late to practice these skills to support them now.
Time Stamp:
[00:00:00] Welcome and episode introduction
[00:01:14] Introducing Rebecca, one of the founders of the Active Reader
[00:01:40] Common questions and concerns of parents teaching their child how to read
[00:02:37] Every child learns at a unique pace, it is okay to give grace
[00:04:18] First steps to take to introduce literacy
[00:05:25] Talking to the child paves the path to pre-literacy development
[00:06:15] Incorporate sequencing skills in daily conversations as a start to pre-literacy skill
[00:06:48] It is never too late to start these literacy skills
[00:08:10] Give your child grace and room to develop at their own pace
[00:08:35] Guidelines and red flags
[00:08:54] Introduction to Orton-Gillingham approach: A multi-sensory approach to reading —
touching, hearing, seeing
[00:09:30] Struggles with Dyslexia
[00:10:00] Rebecca’s experience with teaching her children with reading
[00:11:23] Setting a reading goal
[00:11:30] Contribution to reading success
[00:11:45] Tactile flashcards (Link at the bottom)
[00:12:09] Children should first focus on learning lowercase letters
[00:12:40] Use the letter equation method: Name of the letter, keyword, letter sound
[00:13:58] Incorporate literacy into play
[00:14:12] Start with CVC words
[00:14:52] Invite child to read words they will be able to decode
[00:16:00] Decodable words v.s. Sight words
[00:17:50] Benefits of a reading routine
[00:19:10] Overcoming resistance: Read a little at a time
[00:20:00] Bonding opportunity between parents and child
[00:21:20] Tips for setting a reading routine
[00:24:00] Selecting the right books
[00:26:00] When to consult the teacher or extra tutoring assistance with the child’s reading level
[00:26:37] Speech delay can be a factor to reading difficulties
[00:28:40] Parents should not solely rely on the education system to teach our children how to read
[00:29:08] How to start the conversation with the teacher about your child’s progress
[00:33:05] Advice for navigating and advocating for your child’s learning with teachers
[00:35:45] The schoolwork your child brings home can be clues of their in-class participation
[00:37:42] The Active Reader resources and social media (@the_active_reader)
[00:41:25] Wrap-up and final advice
[00:41:55] How to follow, review, or connect with the show
Notable Quote:
“All parents should feel empowered when it comes to their children’s education and their reading” Rebecca McAllister
Resources & Tools Mentioned:
● Early Learning Readers Pack – Flashcards
○ Recommended for age 1 to all struggling readers
Link: https://theactivereader.com/the-early-reader-pack
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