Episodes
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Originally from instagram Live, join Miss Beth from Big City Readers as she reads You Matter, When You Are Brave, Pass It On, If You Plant A Seed, The Rabbit Listened and shares life lessons about looking for hope and having courage.
View it on instagram: Instagram.com/bigcityreaders
Purchase these books: amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders
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In this episode, Miss Beth sits down with her best friend and popular influencer, Just Me Rod, for a hilarious and nostalgic trip down memory lane. Together, they reminisce about the joys of Book-It and those coveted Pizza Hut personal pan pizzas, the strange traditions of 90s elementary school life, and the quirky things we all did as kids (remember Trapper Keepers and scratch-and-sniff stickers?). They also dive into a more serious question: did anxiety start with round robin and popcorn reading? Tune in as they discuss the trauma of being called on to read aloud, their favorite childhood books, and even those weirdly mesmerizing book covers from school. This lighthearted chat will have you laughing, cringing, and nodding along to the shared experiences of growing up in the 90s.
big city readers
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Episodes manquant?
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Hear from Chicago School Board candidate Ellen Rosenfeld about what school board elections mean. Now, Iâll be the first to say that Iâm not an expert on the financial management of public schools or all the ins and outs of policy-making, but what I do know is that the decisions made at the school board level have a huge impact on the education our children receiveâespecially in a city like Chicago.
I didnât invite todayâs guest, Ellen, because she has all the answersâno single candidate doesâbut because I want you to think critically about what it means to elect a school board that truly reflects the needs of our students, families, and teachers. My goal is to help you navigate who the right people are to create thoughtful, well-rounded policies that will move our schools forward.
At Big City Readers, weâre all about building strong foundations for kidsâ literacy and learning, and part of that is making sure our education system is set up for success. So, letâs dig in, ask some questions, and think about what kind of leadership will best serve our kids and our community!
â https://www.chicagomag.com/news/this-is-exactly-who-johnson-is-mayor-ctu/â
â https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-teachers-union-demands-parents-be-kept-in-dark-on-curriculum/â
â https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/10/11/editorial-chicago-school-board-elections-endorsements/â
â https://jenguzman.substack.com/p/so-what-makes-a-good-school-boardâ
â https://www.wbez.org/elections/2024/10/22/november-general-election-chicago-public-schools-first-elected-school-boardâ
â https://chicago.suntimes.com/editorials/2024/10/21/chicago-school-board-election-education-budget-deficit-teachers-contract-editorial
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In this part two episode with Principal Jon Arens, we continue exploring crucial topics that every parent and educator should know. We dive into lockdown drills, school transfers, and more, including:
Lockdown drills and the tough realities of school safety. Transferring schools: What qualifies as a good reason to consider moving your child. School tours: Why security questions matter more than curriculum questions. The messenger matters: How the delivery of a message can be more impactful than the content itself. Bringing up concerns: Effective strategies for approaching teachers and administrators, ensuring that safety promotes risk-taking and learning. Whoâs in charge of curriculum? The importance of having a designated expert managing curriculum decisions and how long to wait before assessing its effectiveness. Simple questions, big insights: How to ask the right questions to know if something isnât working at school, and why involving multiple people on an email helps get answers. What do you do to support your teachers? Why are principals never at school? Does seating 'good' kids with 'bad' kids improve behavior? Whatâs being done to update outdated curriculum?We also answer important questions like:Jon also gives parents actionable advice, from where to ask difficult questions to understanding the critical role of kindergarten teachers in shaping our society. Plus, why school board meetings are a must-watch for informed parents!
Check out â bigcityreaders.comâ for more resources on these topics. â Books: â
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In this solo episode, Miss Beth from Big City Readers answers parent question "what do I say when my child asks if this right and when do I start correcting their spelling?"
We explore how to support children, especially perfectionists, when they ask, "Is this right?" while using inventive spelling in their writing. Weâll dive into how to encourage confidence, focus on the learning process, and promote a growth mindset instead of emphasizing perfection.
What is Inventive Spelling? A natural part of early writing development where children use the sounds they know to spell words and why itâs important to let kids experiment with language without worrying about correctness at first.
Challenges for Perfectionist KidsPerfectionists may fear making mistakes or need constant validation and how focusing too much on being "right" can prevent them from growing as writers and thinkers.
How to Respond When They Ask, "Is This Right?"
Tips for positive responses that encourage learning over perfection:Praise their effort and creativity and how asking guiding questions to help them think through their spelling will help.
Reframing mistakes as part of the learning process.
Encouraging a Growth Mindset in Writing How to use growth mindset language: âYouâre getting better every time you try!â or "You haven't learned that YET."
Reinforce that mistakes are part of learning and that every attempt is progress.Takeaways for Parents and Educators:
Focus on effort, process, and creativity, rather than perfection. Create a supportive environment that builds confidence in writing. Celebrate small wins and encourage kids to keep trying without fear of making mistakes.
If you enjoyed this episode, donât forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your own experiences with perfectionist kids or ask questions for future episodes. Stay tuned for more tips on nurturing confident readers and writers!Courses mentioned in this episode:
Writing and Drawing (heavy mindset focus) for preschool and kindergarten
Kindergarten Ready
First Grade Bootcamp
Spelling Rules for second and third grade
Phonological Awareness Checklist
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In this episode, we sit down with Principal Jon Arens, a special education teacher and dad to 3 little ones in the learning to read stages! We dive into the realities of education, parenting, and navigating the school system. This is part 1 of 2.
We cover a wide range of topics, including:
Why Bluey beats Daniel Tiger as a favorite and how that choice says a lot about what we value in children's content. How failing in front of your kids (like taking them to a restaurant where you can't read the menu) is actually the best thing for their growth. The role language plays in learning to read and why "donât be an expert" is actually great advice for parenting. The importance of representation in schools and why behavior charts should be bannedâJon would be shocked to see them in public schools today and didn't believe that teachers and parents reported their school uses them! Whatâs really happening in classrooms: Class Dojo, EBD, and even padded walls (as investigated by the Chicago Tribune). The big question: Is it more valuable to train teachers or invest in new curriculum? Spoiler: Curriculum often sits in a box. Why teachers might be too nice to speak up and how school boards may not fully understand what's happening in schools. Practical advice on how to support your kids at home, from asking the right questions to staying informed on curriculum decisions.We also tackle red flag/green flag questions for schools, check-in check-out forms, equity audits, and how creating a safe environment for children enables them to take more risks and learn. Plus, why you should always watch school board meetings and who you should really email when you need answers.
Visit bigcityreaders.com for more on these topics!
If you have more questions after this episode, stay tuned for part 2 where we dig even deeper!
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In todayâs episode from Big City Readers, Iâm diving deep into one of the most debated topics in early literacy: the 3 cueing strategy and how it may be affecting your childâs ability to learn to read. If your child is struggling with blending sounds or progressing in reading, itâs essential to know whether theyâve been taught using the right strategiesâand if those strategies are being used consistently.
Weâll explore key reasons why your child might be having a hard time, including:
Are they using effective, research-backed reading methods? How does working memory play a role in learning to read? Why following directions is an important step in the process.Iâll also explain why the 3 cueing system has been banned in many places and how its reliance on context and guessing can cause issues for children learning to read.
Plus, Iâll share more about my upcomingâ workshop for parentsâ , where Iâll provide tips, activities, and support to ensure your child is learning to read the right way. And stay tuned as I talk about what Iâve been reading lately and how it ties into the science of reading.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
What is 3 Cueing: An explanation of the 3 cueing system (meaning, structure, and visual cues) and why itâs no longer recommended by many experts. Why Itâs Problematic: The drawbacks of 3 cueing and how it can lead to children guessing words rather than truly decoding them. Working Memory & Reading: How your childâs working memory impacts their ability to blend sounds, retain information, and follow directions while reading. Following Directions & Reading: Why learning to follow multi-step directions helps build the skills your child needs to read independently. Signs Your Child is Struggling: Common red flags that your child may not be using the right strategies to learn to read. Upcoming Parent Workshop: Details on my next workshop for parents, where Iâll break down how to support your child in learning to read using proven techniques. What Iâm Reading: A quick update on the latest books Iâm diving into that center on the science of reading and early literacy education.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
â upcoming workshopâ Articles and research on 3 cueing and why itâs being phased out â Books Iâm readingâ on literacy and early childhood developmentConnect with Me:
Follow me on Instagram â [@BigCityReaders]â Visit my website â [bigcityreaders.com]â Sign up for â my newsletterâ to stay updated on workshops, tips, and resourcesThis episode is a must-listen for any parent who feels their child is struggling with reading or who wants to understand how best to support their literacy journey. Tune in for practical insights, expert advice, and a chance to get involved in my upcoming workshop where weâll dive even deeper into helping your child succeed in reading!
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In this episode of Play On Words from Big City Readers, Beth Gaskill is joined by Naomi OâBrien, reading teacher, advocate and speaker, to talk about shaking things up in education and empowering both teachers and students to thrive.
Hereâs what you can expect from this episode:
Reflections on presenting at big conferences (and the fun moments, like talking Jonas Brothers and Boyz II Men). Answering your most pressing questions and the most frequently asked in both of our DMs (@bigcityreaders and @readlikearockstarteaching) How to share reading research effectively to support teachers. Helping teachers walk into the school year more confidently, especially when preparing students for important testing grades. Naomiâs insights on her Second Grade Reading Rescue and strategies for getting students ready for Grade 3 tests. Why teachers shouldnât feel guiltyâthey were often misled by outdated or ineffective methods. Addressing the importance of critical thinking: Why some educators hesitate to question their practices. How to foster both urgency for students' success and empathy for teachers' challenges. Practical tips for stopping students from guessing words while reading and when to start formal reading instruction. Navigating inventive spelling: When should you correct it, and why spelling doesnât always correlate with reading success. How to support emerging bilingual students and the role of speech in literacy. Answering questions from listeners about changing curriculum, teacher autonomy, and how to make a difference while ruffling some feathers along the way. Fun moments, like why babbling matters in early language development and Beth's hilarious TikTok impression.Plus, we share Naomiâs biggest tip for getting kids ready for kindergarten and how to create a positive mindset around learning for students and teachers alike. Tune in for a conversation full of passion, practical advice, and a drive to push boundaries for the sake of our students!
Bonus Content: Download our â phonological awareness assessment â to help build a strong foundation for reading!
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What happens if your child needs extra help at school. The truth behind "words per minute" â does it really matter? How to make sense of your childâs report card and what their reading challenges may mean. Preparing for parent-teacher conferences and how to effectively communicate with your child's support team.
In this episode of Play On Words from big city readers, we're diving deep into the world of school reading support with a reading specialist and a parent who's been through the process. If you've ever wondered what a universal screener is or how Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) work, this episode is for you. Weâll also explore:Tune in for practical tips, expert advice, and reassurance that you're not alone in navigating this journey.
More info: bigcityreaders.com
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Today on the Play On Words Podcast from Big City Readers we are talking about supporting your toddler's language development and how it connects to learning to read with speech-language pathologists Katie and Carly of Wee Talkers.
We dive deep into the world of toddler speech development, reading foundations, and milestonesâand what it really means when kids hit (or donât hit) those milestones on time.
Katie and Carly share personal stories of their own childrenâsome early readers, some needing extra helpâand we have an honest conversation about why learning to read early isnât necessarily a sign of future success. If your toddler isnât rattling off the ABCs yet, thatâs OK!
What we cover:
How many words should my toddler know? We break down the speech milestones and when to worry (or not). Phonics vs. Phonological Awareness: What do these terms actually mean, and why are they key to building reading skills? Understanding vs. knowing words: Does your child really understand what theyâre saying? Should you teach your child to read at home? Or let them learn in school? Reading intervention: The truth behind why some kids need it, and how you can support your child if they do. The Covid baby effect: How pandemic-born toddlers are showing delayed milestonesâand how to catch up. How to help your child right now: Actionable steps to boost speech and reading at home, no matter where they are on the learning spectrum. Language and anxious toddlers (and parents): How to navigate anxiety in kids struggling with communication.Whether your child is a late talker or already showing early signs of reading, this episode is packed with tips, insights, and a little bit of humor to help you navigate it all.
Links:
Wee Talkers Instagram: @weetalkers Big City Readers Instagram: @bigcityreaders Phonological awareness checklist Language milestone checklist -
Miss Beth sits down with Jamie Kreiter, a therapist and Big City mom, to explore some of the most pressing issues in early childhood development and parenting like getting ready for your child to go to school, repair, and why some moms might hesitate about starting therapy.
Jamie and Beth tackle the bittersweet experience of sending a child off to kindergarten and the importance of naming and acknowledging feelings. They explore whether or not it's okay to cry in front of your child, dispel common misinformation about gentle and respectful parenting, and teaching, and discuss why itâs crucial not to let your child become your emotional support.
The conversation shifts to practical advice on how to model self-advocacy for your child and how to 'hack your brain' to foster better mental health. They emphasize the importance of positive self-talk for kids and introduce "The Magical Yet," a growth mindset book thatâs perfect for encouraging resilience in young readers.
Jamie also shares her personal experience taking Big City Readers classes, adding a humorous touch by questioning whether she even knows how to read as an adult. The two also talk about smut as a genre and feelings around it.
Key Topics Discussed:
Understanding trauma and why some moms avoid therapy Types of therapy for moms Dealing with intrusive thoughts as a new mom Grieving when your child starts kindergarten The importance of naming feelings Should you cry in front of your child? Why your child shouldnât console you Teaching your child to advocate for themselves Hacking your brain for better mental health Positive self-talk and the power of "The Magical Yet"Resources Mentioned:
Magical Yet: amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders Kindergarten course: click hereConnect with Us:
Follow Big City Readers on Instagram: @bigcityreaders Learn more about Jamie Kreiter and her work: Nurture TherapySubscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more parents and educators who can benefit from these conversations.
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Raising independent kids, saying no to homework and how well behaved babies rarely make history. In this episode of Play On Words from Big City Readers, Miss Beth sits down with Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace For Children, for a no-nonsense back-to-school pep talk. Together, they tackle the nuances of raising kids who can advocate for themselves while remaining respectful, and they share their mutual disdain for homework. Listen in as they discuss how to balance validating your child's fears with holding firm boundaries, tips for building independence and self-esteem, and strategies for effective communication with teachers. Plus, they dive into handling those tough drop-off moments when tears and screams abound, and why it's okay to say no to homework if it just doesn't fit your family's needs. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents looking to navigate the school year with confidence and compassion.
Follow Lizzie @theworkspaceforchildren
Follow Beth @bigcityreaders or Bigcityreaders.com/podcast
Get Lizzie's guide: Start school with confidence
Questions? Email [email protected]
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In this episode of the Play On Words podcast from Big City Readers, we dive deep into the world of ADHD, addressing key aspects that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Join Miss Beth and Dr. Carrie Jackson as we explore:
What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is and why itâs rarely discussed The earliest signs of ADHD and effective strategies to support kids The role of medication and the impact of diet The genetic links of ADHD and the implications for families Executive function, organization, and emotional regulation tips Managing impulse control and providing academic support The social implications of ADHD and how it presents differently in girls Identifying ADHD in toddlers and the connection between anxiety and ADHD The age of diagnosis and understanding the non-hyperactive type Addressing food sensory issues linked to ADHD Debunking the myth of low intelligence and recognizing ADHD as a superpowerWhether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you support children with ADHD. Don't miss it!
Resources and show notes: bigcityreaders.com/podcast
Get Dr Carrie Jackson's free evaluation https://www.drcarriejackson.com/blog/parents-guide-to-an-adhd-diagnosis-amp-evaluation
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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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