play on words

Latest Episodes:

Healing Math and Reading Wounds with Neily Boyd @countingwithkids Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

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 doesn’t have to be this way for our kids and it doesn’t 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! Hello@bigcityreaders.com

Banning Homework and Why Playing Matters with Lizzie Assa @theworkspaceforchildren Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

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

Get Rid of Spelling Tests with Amelia Capotosa Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

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!

Be Bad At Something (this one is especially for perfectionists) Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

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.

Daycare Transitions and School Tour Questions Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

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

Baby Brain Development and Attachment with Michelle Charriere @babiesandbrains Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

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

Science Of Reading in Elementary School with Jessica Farmer @farmerlovesphonics Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

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

Parent Teacher Conferences Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

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 – 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.

ABC's - What Letters Should We Start With? Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In this episode we dive into the essential foundations of early reading – 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

Emotional Resilience: The Power Of Books To Help Kids Deal + Heal Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

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