#DearReadingTeacher

If you are looking for a real story about a Black parent who navigated dyslexia advocacy in a time when no one wanted to name the disability in US schools, listen to this episode. The esteemed guest, Winifred Winston, shares her empowering story and honest challenges she faced ensuring her child learned how to read.  Winifred A. Winston is a dedicated community organizer and a powerful voice for parents of students with disabilities. She co-hosts the award-winning Black and Dyslexic Podcast with LeDerick Horne, authored the engaging Dyslexia Word Search Puzzle Book with her daughter, and founded Dyslexia Advocation, Inc. to help families access quality, affordable remediation for struggling readers. As a member of the Maryland State Department of Education's Blueprint Special Education Workgroup, she actively contributed to discussions to ensure that parent voices inform policy.  Winifred shares actionable tips and clarifies so many misconceptions. Bottom line, parent education is a must. Follow the Guest on all social media: @soallcanread @blackandyslexic on Instagram Guest's Recommended Resources: BLACK AND DYSLEXIC PODCAST DYSLEXIA WORD SEARCH PUZZLE BOOK The Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children - THE COMPLETE ROADMAP  Black Literacy Matters FB Page   Dr. Dyslexia Dude's 8 Week Word Analyst Course Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates Teach Your Child to Read with resources designed for families based on the science of reading research at School.ReadingGardenClub.com.

Parents invest in their children’s education through time, energy, money, and often a second language. Part two of “Bilingualism via Books” with my guest Miss Vale Quintero explores how we invest in learning more than one language within our families. Miss Vale is passionate about how to improve her children’s lives through multilingualism. She shares how to leverage technology to provide equity or igualdad in multilingual education. She is a bilingual homeschool mom and teacher from Colombia, South America that inspires families on social media to teach English to their children. She is actively teaching her child to read and write in English and Spanish. Visit the Reading Garden Club School Store for free early reading resources, including a “Good Readers” or “Los buenos lectores” awards or certificates for children. They celebrate early readers in Spanish and English and can be used by families or educators. Guest Information: Instagram - @⁠⁠MissVale.Teacher⁠ TikTok - @⁠MissVale.Teacher⁠ Website - ⁠https://missvaleteacher.my.canva.site/⁠ Follow #DearReadingTeacher on social media: Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub Teach your child to read using a new paperback coloring book available at Amazon ⁠⁠⁠Teach Your Child to Read: A Mommy + Me Coloring Book⁠⁠⁠ or download from the Reading Garden Club ⁠⁠⁠School Store⁠⁠⁠.

Many parents around the world already live in bilingual households, but many of us do not. For those parents working to teach their child a new language, what obstacles do we face? We discuss this and more in part one of “Bilingualism via Books” with the Bilingual Spanish-English Teacher, Miss Vale Quintero. Miss Vale lives and teaches in Colombia, South America. She is a bilingual homeschool mom and inspires others in her home country to try bilingual homeschooling. She is actively teaching her child to read and write in English and Spanish. Download or view the “Good Readers/Los Buenos Lectores Reading Affirmations'' free PDF. This free tool will support anyone teaching their child to read in Spanish and English. The 4 accordion style books were created in collaboration between #DearReadingTeacher podcast and @MissVale.Teacher. They encourage good reading habits for early readers in Spanish and English.  Guest Information: Instagram - @⁠MissVale.Teacher Email - dannavale20@gmail.com Follow #DearReadingTeacher on social media: Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub Get started teaching your child to read using the new ⁠⁠Teach Your Child to Read: A Mommy + Me Coloring Book⁠⁠ available at the Reading Garden Club ⁠⁠School Store⁠⁠.

This special episode of the #DearReadingTeacher Podcast was recorded via Instagram LIVE on May 12, 2024. I answer the question many Parents ask themselves - Can I teach my child to read? Yes, Parents can! In fact, I explain why, how, when, and where. If you have any additional early reading questions - big or small - ask me via social media! Follow @DearReadingTeacher on Instagram or Facebook. Get started teaching your child to read using the new Teach Your Child to Read: A Mommy + Me Coloring Book available at the Reading Garden Club School Store.

Listen to the last minute of this episode! Dr. Destiny Huff, a licensed mental health professional, researcher, and special education advocate, is the guest for the 15th episode. Using her personal experience, Dr. Huff explains what drove her to research bibliotherapy and how she uses it in her daily life as a Parent. Dr. Huff also illuminates how her research in bibliotherapy to benefit children can have ripple effects among the adults that support children. Guest Information: destinyhuffconsulting.com Instagram - @destinyhuff_iep_advocate Facebook - @DestinyHuffConsulting Follow #DearReadingTeacher on social media: Instagram - @DearReadingTeacher Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub Get started teaching your child to read using the new ⁠Teach Your Child to Read: A Mommy + Me Coloring Book⁠ available at the Reading Garden Club ⁠School Store⁠.

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 the final episode of season 1 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/Facebook - @DearReadingTeacher Instagram/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 January 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 & Reading Garden Club on Social Media: Instagram/Facebook - @DearReadingTeacher Instagram/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/ Do you have an early reading question? ⁠⁠elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

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/Facebook - @DearReadingTeacher Instagram/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/ Do you have an early reading question? ⁠⁠elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

Listening to the 7th episode of #DearReadingTeacher is pre-work for Parents of struggling readers. This episode is designed to help families that want guidance on their role, rights, and options when starting the special education journey in the United States. Special Education Advocate, Leroy Smith, M.Ed., gives excellent advice and provides actionable next steps that families should consider as they navigate the evaluation process for students with disabilities in American schools. Share these episodes and the guidance document (see link below) with any Parents that may have fears of how to get their child evaluated for a reading-related disability. Recommended Resources for Parents: Parent Evaluation Flyer - https://tinyurl.com/evaluationflyer COPAA - https://www.copaa.org/ One example of one state's specific definition of what "dyslexia" and "specific learning disability or SLD" means (always check your state definition) - https://or.dyslexiaida.org/parentsgrid/specific-learning-disability/ Guest Information: Instagram - @RealizedCurriculumSolutions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realizedsolutionsllc/ Website - https://www.realizedcurriculumsolutions.com/ Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Social Media: Instagram/Facebook - @DearReadingTeacher Website - https://school.readinggardenclub.com/ Reading Garden Club Instagram/Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub 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/ Do you have an early reading question? ⁠⁠elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

Parents of struggling readers should listen to this first part of 2 episodes if they have a student in a U.S. public school. My guest for Episode 6 and 7 is Leroy Smith, M.Ed. Leroy is the founder of Realized Solutions, LLC and an advocate for students with disabilities. In this honest conversation between two special educators, we discuss all the things we want Parents to understand before contacting their child’s school for an evaluation for special education services. Share these episodes and the guidance document (see link below) with any Parents that may have fears of how to get started getting their child evaluated for a reading-related disability. Guest Information: Instagram - @RealizedCurriculumSolutions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realizedsolutionsllc/ Website - https://www.realizedcurriculumsolutions.com/ Recommended Resources for Parents: Parent Evaluation Flyer - https://tinyurl.com/evaluationflyer ParentCenterHub (for Parents of Students with Disabilities) - https://www.parentcenterhub.org/ Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Social Media: Instagram/Facebook - @DearReadingTeacher Website - https://school.readinggardenclub.com/ Reading Garden Club Instagram/Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub 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/ Do you have an early reading question? ⁠⁠elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

First grade teachers are Nation Builders. My guest in the 5th episode of the #DearReadingTeacher Podcast is a first grade teacher in the United States. @MindfulTeacherRachel teaches children how to read every day. She is also a children’s author and advocates through social media for applying the “science of reading” research and evidence-based methods in classrooms. In this episode, @MindfulTeacherRachel gives Parents a checklist to help families determine which literacy resources are based on the science of reading research. Guest Information: Instagram/Facebook - @MindfulTeacherRachel Website - https://beacons.ai/rachelsor Recommended Resources for Parents: Reading Rockets Glossary of Terms - https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/glossary Reading Buddies Show - https://www.youtube.com/c/readingbuddiestrl UFLI Parent Resource Hub - http://ufli.education.ufl.edu/resources/parent/ IMSE FREEBIES - https://imse.com/digital-resources/?categories=38 Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Social Media: Instagram/Facebook - @DearReadingTeacher Website - https://school.readinggardenclub.com/ Reading Garden Club Instagram/Facebook - @ReadingGardenClub Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to share? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast⁠⁠⁠ Do you have an early reading question? ⁠⁠elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

Missy Purcell is a Parent and Teacher that faced a public school system that was totally ill-equipped to teach her child to read. Missy's experiences continue to empower her to face all of our fears as teachers and parents. Missy is a true advocate for applying the Science of Reading research to schools today. Her advocacy work demonstrates why Parents are driving the sea changes we already see in 2023-2024 school year. What can we do to lead to more evidence-based reading instruction? Guest Information: Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/groups/scienceofreadingforadvocates/ Youtube - @untilEVERYkidcanread Twitter - @missypurcell1 Blog - https://www.thedyslexiainitiative.org/post/dear-balanced-literacy-teacher Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-128-dear-balanced-literacy-teacher-with-missy-purcell/id1463219123?i=1000581894049 Follow #DearReadingTeacher on Social Media: Instagram - @dearreadingteacher Facebook - @dearreadingteacher Reading Garden Club Facebook/Instagram - @ReadingGardenClub YouTube - @ReadingGardenClub Website/Transcripts - https://www.readinggardenclub.com/drt Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - ⁠⁠https://www.tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast⁠⁠ Do you have an early reading question? ⁠elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

Early speech struggles can also be signs of dyslexia. By the end of the third episode of #DearReadingTeacher, @HoneybeeLiteracy answers a listener’s question about the early signs in speech of dyslexia. The founder of Honeybee Literacy, Tiniyja Burney, M.A., CCC-SLP, illuminates why Speech-Language Pathologists should always be included in the early reading conversation. @HoneybeeLiteracy is a Speech-Language Pathologist owned and operated pediatric private practice that specializes in reading disorders, such as dyslexia. Website: https://honeybeeliteracy.com/ Facebook/Instagram: @honeybeeliteracy Services Early On (Michigan) - These services are for birth to three populations. https://www.1800earlyon.org/ (This may be referred to as Early Intervention in other states) Contact your local school district to have your child evaluated for services You may also seek services at local private practices and outpatient facilities Show Notes/Research: Children's English Consonant Acquisition in the United States: A Review; Kathryn Crowe and Sharynne Mcleod; https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-19-00168 Reading Risk in Children With Speech Sound Disorder: Prevalence, Persistence, and Predictors; Sherine R. Tambyraja, Kelly Farquharson, and Laura Justice; https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1281182.pdf Understanding Dyslexia in the Context of Developmental Language Disorders; Suzanne M. Adolf and Tiffany P. Hogan Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - ⁠https://www.tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast⁠ Do you have an early reading question? elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

@TheNeuroAffirmingParent shares a Mom’s personal journey supporting early readers at home and in the public school system in the second episode of #DearReadingTeacher. The “Sold a Story” podcast dramatically changed this Parent's perspective on education in the United States. “It just made me feel so empowered as a parent because it no longer was me just lost and just relying on the school for that information.” Now she advocates for her children's education, for structured literacy for all, and for neurodiversity with confidence. Instagram: ⁠@TheNeuroAffirmingParent Facebook: ⁠@TheNeuroAffirmingParent⁠ “Sold a Story” Podcast: ⁠https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/ Cox Campus: https://coxcampus.org/ Nessy Science of Reading explanation: https://www.nessy.com/en-us/science-of-reading Episode Transcripts: ⁠https://readinggardenclub.com/drt Show Notes: Please find the Dyslexia Initiative interview I referenced in which Dr. David Kilpatrick discusses reasons to rename dyslexia. https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1299815080576296 Do you have an early reading/struggling reader story to tell? Are you a homeschool Parent or reading educator? Contribute as a guest - ⁠https://www.tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast⁠ Do you have an early reading question? elisabeth@readinggardenclub.com

My name is Elisabeth Forde and I will be Your Reading Teacher. In this first episode of #DearReadingTeacher, I share the story that started this early reading podcast for Parents. The short version of why I left the classroom and decided to homeschool, and why I empower Parents who want literate children. Instagram: ⁠@DearReadingTeacher⁠ Facebook: ⁠@ReadingGardenClub⁠ Website: ⁠https://school.readinggardenclub.com⁠ Do you have a story to tell? Do you have an early reading challenge you want my support working through? Are you a fellow homeschool Parent or early reading educator? Here is the form to contribute as a guest - https://tinyurl.com/readingteacherpodcast. Contact me directly for early reading questions via social media.