Episodes
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2 Beths! Miss Beth and Beth Rosenbleeth of Days with Grey discuss everything from ensuring your child is allergy-safe at camp to the great debate about whether to maintain a summer structure and how to get your kids to learn life skills. Plus, Beth spills the tea on what she found in my pantry when she came to visit and one childhood memory that didn't cost a thing.
In this episode, we cover:
Camp Prep for Kids with Allergies: Essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience. Summer Structure Debate: Should you maintain a structured schedule during summer, or is it time to let loose? Pantry Surprises: The fun (and funny) discoveries Beth made in my pantry. Mom Life Tips: How to be an effective mom even if youâre not a morning person. Self-Packing for Kids: Encouraging independence by letting kids pack for themselves. Teaching Life Skills: Practical advice on teaching kids essential life skills. Middle Kids & Birth Order: Insights on the dynamics of birth order and how it affects children, especially middle kids. Family Vacation Tips: Tips and tricks for a successful family vacation. Personal Experiences: Growing up in a big family and staying in hotels. Crowd Spotting Tips: How to dress your kids so you can easily spot them in a crowd this summer.Donât miss this engaging conversation packed with practical advice and a few laughs along the way. Tune in now!
Resources Mentioned:
Beth Rosenbleeth's website: dayswithgrey.com â Big City ReadersâSubscribe & Follow:
Follow us on â Instagramâ Subscribe to our â YouTube ChannelâThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with other parents and educators. Together, we can make summer safe, fun, and memorable for all children.
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Welcome back! In this episode Miss Beth is joined by Naomi O'brien of Read Like A Rockstar Teaching. Naomi is an educator, science of reading coach, author, and curriculum developer. Join us as we dive into essential strategies for changing kids lives (and you can start at home this summer). A must listen for teachers and parents! In this episode, we cover:
Summer Reading Tips: Practical activities to keep your kindergartener engaged and learning. Science of Reading: Understanding that itâs not just about phonicsâexplore the broader aspects of reading education. Timely Intervention: Why you shouldn't "wait it out" when it comes to your child's reading development. Parental Guidance: How you can support and boost your child's reading journey with fun and effective techniques. Naomi O'Brien's website: â Read Like a Rockstar Teachingâ Big City Readers website: â Big City Readersâ Follow us on â Instagramâ Subscribe to our â YouTube ChannelâDon't miss this insightful conversation filled with actionable advice and expert insights to help your child become a confident reader. Tune in now!Guest Bio:Naomi O'Brien is a dedicated educator, science of reading coach, author, and curriculum developer with a passion for literacy and early childhood education. Through her platform, Read Like a Rockstar Teaching, she empowers parents and educators with the tools and knowledge needed to support young readers.Resources Mentioned:Subscribe & Follow:Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with other parents and educators. Together, we can make reading fun and accessible for all children.
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"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
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Listener question: âHow do I talk to my childâs veteran kindergarten teacher about them saying to memorize sight words, I donât want to be rude.â
Letâs be clear: itâs 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 thatâs WILD to think in their free time theyâre researching and teaching themselves everything. And then writing their own curriculum and often hiding that theyâre doing it one they learn if their district hasnât approved the switch yet đł
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 doâs and donâts of sight words. Message @bigcityreaders on instagram the phrase: sight words and Iâll send it to you!)
4 tips on talking about this:
âĄď¸Remember youâre on a team- school admin, teachers, parents. We all have the same goal. We all want kids to succeed.
âĄď¸Be curious. Donât go into a conservation with âIâm rightâ but Iâm curious- âcan you tell me more about the schools reading curriculum, this is new for me!â Be ready to learn more, not to have a âgotcha I know more than youâ moment. Maybe we donât have all the information. Maybe the school is in the process of changing. Maybe you are the first person bringing this to their attention.
âĄď¸Great schools LOVE when parents ask questions. Youâre showing how invested you are in the entire school community. Check how youâre asking. Is it accusatory or is it actually to advocate for your child and other kids?
âĄď¸Be ready to be a part of the change!
More info: bigcityreaders.com/podcast
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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 itâs how theyâre 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 childâs 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
Follow me: Instagram.com/bigcityreaders
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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: â Instagram.com/bigcityreaders
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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
Follow Stephanie: Instagram.com/learntotalkwithme
Get Stephanie's books
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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: [email protected]
More resources: bigcityreaders.com/podcast
Courses for kids: bigcityreaders.com
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Let's talk about math! Neily Boyd, who reminds us in this episode that she and Albert Einstein are very different, but can both do fraction conversions without a calculator. Neily is a former math director and founder of Counting with Kids and she and Beth talk about... healing math and reading wounds? You'll hear their stories of how they both ended up in these fields- spoiler alert: it wasn't by being good at either of these subjects!
We'll talk about how to help your kids in the early years but also a reminder that if you feel a certain way, it doesnât have to be this way for our kids and it doesnât have to be this way for us either.
You'll feel empowered as a parent and maybe meet an inner child to heal too... or maybe just us :)
Podcast notes and resources: Bigcityreaders.com/podcast
Follow Neily: Instagram.com/countingwithkids
Follow Beth: Instagram.com/bigcityreaders
Email us your questions! [email protected]
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Does play really matter with Lizzie Assa, play expert, parenting strategist and creator of The Workspace For Children.
In this episode Beth and Lizzie talk about play- playing for big kids, playing in the school day, how to set up play for babies and more. We talk about how Lizzie's dream is to outlaw homework and Beth agrees and what to actually do about it.
Follow Lizzie on instagram: The Workspace For Children
Follow Beth instagram: Big City Readers
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Learn about the Science of Reading Curriculum in Middle School with Amelia Capotosa. In this episode of Play On Words, Miss Beth dives into a compelling conversation with Science Of Reading expert guest Amelia Capotosa about revolutionizing reading curriculum in middle schools and advocating for children's literacy. Amelia sheds light on evidence-based strategies and the science of reading, challenging traditional methods like spelling tests and emphasizing the importance of teacher training in implementing research-backed approaches.
Key Points:
Understanding the Science of Reading: Beth and Amelia dive into the nuances of the science of reading and how it informs effective literacy instruction, highlighting the shift away from sight word memorization towards phonics-based approaches. Advocating for Better Education: With alarming statistics indicating a decline in reading proficiency among U.S. fourth-graders, Beth and Amelia discuss the urgent need for educational reform and the role of parents and educators in advocating for evidence-based curriculum. Addressing Learning Losses: The episode explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, particularly the exacerbated learning losses in reading proficiency, prompting a call to action for tailored interventions and support. Empowering Teachers: Amelia emphasizes the importance of equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement effective reading instruction, ultimately empowering students to become proficient readers.Stay Connected:
Follow Amelia on Instagram: @AmeliaCapotosa Connect with Beth on Instagram and TikTok @bigcityreaders for updates, behind-the-scenes content and more insights and discussions.Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or educational advice.
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Perfectionists and beginners have something in common- they don't want to try if they think they won't be good at it. Miss Beth shares her favorite practice to help kids learning new things from putting their own shoes on to learning to read.
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Join Beth and Preschool teacher, Reggio Emilio play based day care director and big city readers mom, Colleen Douglass to talk about daycare transitions. Learn school and day care tour questions that actually matter to ask, what play based learning looks like and what buzz words don't matter.
More info: bigcityreaders.com/podcast
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In this episode Miss Beth shares a holiday tradition and 2 stories with your kids: Llama Llama Holiday Drama and Little Blue Truck's Christmas.
All titles can be found on amazon: Amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders or by sending a message on Instagram Instagram.com/bigcityreaders
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In this episode Beth is joined by Michelle Charriere, an expert in infant mental health, as they explore the transformative journey of self-reflection in the realm of parenting and teaching. In this insightful episode, Beth and Michelle unravel the delicate dance between nature and nurture, shedding light on how these forces shape the personalities and behaviors of the little ones in our care.
Drawing from their wealth of experience, the duo underscores the vital role of nurturing environments in fostering positive traits in children. From overcoming fears to embracing self-improvement, the conversation delves into the intricacies of creating spaces that empower both parents and teachers to guide the next generation.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply curious about the profound connection between self-awareness and caregiving, this episode offers valuable insights that will resonate with anyone invested in nurturing the minds of tomorrow.
Follow Beth: instagram.com/bigcityreaders
Follow Michelle: instagram.com/babiesandbrains
Books mentioned: Amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders
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Join Miss Beth and Jessica Farmer in a lively discussion about Science Of Reading Curriculum and how to implement strategies into the classroom even if your curriculum doesn't align with the science. The two educators delve into the importance of a robust systematic, structured reading curriculum, sharing insights on favorite choices and why some educators may opt out. Beth and Jessica share their journeys into the science of reading and the impact of advocating for evidence-based instruction. Tune in to hear them chat about the overwhelming task of selecting curriculums, recommending affordable resources like UFLI and OpenCourt. Valuable advice is shared on setting up reading centers, supporting struggling readers, and tips for first-year teachers. The episode concludes with a focus on seeking help and the importance of a supportive teaching community. Topics covered include curriculum choices, the science of reading, advocacy, supporting struggling readers, explicit instruction, and seeking help in the teaching journey.
Follow Miss Beth: instagram.com/bigcityreaders
Follow Jessica Farmer: Instagram.com/farmerlovesphonics
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In this episode of Play On Words Miss Beth is joined by fellow teacher and reading specialist and friend, Mia as they delve into the world of parent-teacher conferences, exploring invaluable tips from the very individuals at the heart of education â teachers. Beth and Mia bring their wealth of experience to the table, sharing practical advice for both parents and teachers on making the most out of these crucial meetings.
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In this episode we dive into the essential foundations of early reading â teaching your child the ABC's! But where do we start? Alphabetical order? Backwards? One a week?
Miss Beth offers valuable insights and practical tips for parents, teachers and caregivers who are ready kickstart their child's reading journey and making it as easy as ABC.
Follow me on instagram: Instagram.com/bigcityreaders
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In this episode, we delve into the world of developmental bibliotherapy and how it can be a valuable tool for anticipating and addressing emotional issues children face. We'll discuss how the simple act of reading books can help kids navigate new or confusing situations, both in the classroom and at home.
Discover the magic of using stories as a means to relate to a child's own experiences, emotions, and unspoken feelings. "Name it to tame it" is the key principle we'll explore, where children gain a more objective understanding of their problems and emotions, ultimately empowering them to face and resolve these issues.
Miss Beth also shares a few fantastic book recommendations that are perfect for helping children build emotional resilience:
"The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld: Learn why it's perfectly okay to seek comfort from a close friend when facing tough times. "Catching Thoughts" by Bonnie Clark: Encourage children to understand their emotions by exploring their thoughts during difficult moments and recognizing that all feelings are temporary. "The Breaking News" by Sarah Lynne Reul: This picture book addresses children's anxiety about disturbing news through a story of a shaken community recovering its strength through small acts of kindness. "Come With Me" by Holly M. McGhee: Witness how small acts of kindness and courage can spread positivity in challenging times, as a girl seeks guidance from her parents on making a difference and learns the impact of friendly gestures. "When I Feel Scared: A Book About Feelings" by Dr. Sharie Coombes: This book provides children with the opportunity to explore their emotions and helps them understand and manage their feelings.Join us on this episode as we explore the world of developmental bibliotherapy and how it can help children face their problems, emotions, and issues with a deeper understanding and resilience.
More books here: amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders
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In this episode Miss Beth breaks down the 3 p's: phonics, phonological awareness and phonemic awareness. What you need to know starting with babies and when to introduce letters and sounds as well as how to do it!
Download our free guide in the show notes: bigcityreaders.com/podcast
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