play on words

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 47 What If My Kid Cries At School? A Pep Talk with Lizzie Assa Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

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 hello@bigcityreaders.com

Ep. 46 Understanding ADHD In Kids with Dr. Carrie Jackson Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

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 it’s 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 superpower

Whether 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

Ep. 45 Summer Structure + Camp Success with @dayswithgrey Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

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 you’re 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.

Don’t 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
⁠Big City Readers⁠

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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 summer safe, fun, and memorable for all children.

Ep. 44 Don't Wait Out Your Child's Reading Progress with Naomi O'Brien @readlikearockstarteaching Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

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 it’s not just about phonics—explore 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: ⁠Read Like a Rockstar Teaching⁠
Big City Readers website: ⁠Big City Readers⁠
Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠
Subscribe to our ⁠YouTube Channel⁠

Don'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.

Ep. 43 Are We Going To Get Canceled For This? Toddler Bedtimes to School Choices with Rachael Shepard-Ohta @heysleepybaby May 08, 2024

Show notes

"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

Ep. 42 How Do I Talk To My Child's Kindergarten Teacher About The Reading Curriculum? Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Listener question: “How do I talk to my child’s veteran kindergarten teacher about them saying to memorize sight words, I don’t want to be rude.”

Let’s be clear: it’s 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 that’s WILD to think in their free time they’re researching and teaching themselves everything. And then writing their own curriculum and often hiding that they’re doing it one they learn if their district hasn’t approved the switch yet 😳

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 do’s and don’ts of sight words. Message @bigcityreaders on instagram the phrase: sight words and I’ll send it to you!)

4 tips on talking about this:

⚡️Remember you’re on a team- school admin, teachers, parents. We all have the same goal. We all want kids to succeed.

⚡️Be curious. Don’t go into a conservation with “I’m right” but I’m curious- “can you tell me more about the schools reading curriculum, this is new for me!” Be ready to learn more, not to have a “gotcha I know more than you” moment. Maybe we don’t have all the information. Maybe the school is in the process of changing. Maybe you are the first person bringing this to their attention.

⚡️Great schools LOVE when parents ask questions. You’re showing how invested you are in the entire school community. Check how you’re asking. Is it accusatory or is it actually to advocate for your child and other kids?

⚡️Be ready to be a part of the change!

More info: bigcityreaders.com/podcast

Ep. 41 Let's Talk About Dyslexia with Sher Marshall Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

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 it’s how they’re 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 child’s 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

Ep. 40 How Do I Teach My 4 Year Old Vowel Sounds? Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

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: ⁠Instagram.com/bigcityreaders

All Behavior is Communication: Learning to Talk with Stephanie Cohen @learntotalkwithme Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

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

Forget What You've Heard About Teaching Your Child To Read Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

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: hello@bigcityreaders.com

More resources: bigcityreaders.com/podcast

Courses for kids: bigcityreaders.com

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