In this episode of “Stories That Stick,” Laura and Nyetta chat about homeschooling with their children and how they understand the Science of Reading. Nyetta is the self-proclaimed Mom Playologist and founder of The Activity Playhouse. Nyetta shares about her journey as a stay-at-home mom and homeschooling parents that naturally learned the importance of play in children’s development.

Highlights:

1. Different Journeys: Nyetta shares about how she became a stay-at-home mom that homeschools her three children. Laura and Nyetta reflect on what brought them to homeschool and draw parallels between their experiences.
2. Play and Early Literacy: Laura and Nyetta discuss the importance of play in early childhood education and how fostering early literacy is critical for later reading success.
3. Unpacking the Science of Reading: Laura and Nyetta know that although explicit instruction and following a scope and sequence is necessary, building background knowledge, vocabulary and comprehension is just as important. They both give examples from their lives of how these skills develop naturally through play.

If you have been hearing about the Science of Reading, but you’re not sure how it applies to you as an early childhood educator, tune in to this episode. Along with learning some practical ways to embrace literacy learning through child-led play, you may also be inspired to explore additional ways to support learning outside of the classroom.

Connect with Laura: @little.stories.that.stick & website

Free guide with 50 ideas to incorporate literacy into play: Download here!

Connect with Nyetta: @TheActivityPlayhouse & website

Check out Nyetta's podcast: Let Kids Play!