In this episode, host Katie invites Rebecca McAllister, one of the founders of Active Reader, to explore the importance of reading and literacy skills in early childhood. Parents often feel lost, discouraged, or anxious about teaching their children how to read. However, Rebecca reveals that parents can feel just as empowered and can be more involved and confident in guiding this learning path for their children. Rebecca sheds light upon ways to get started in supporting your own child in their reading journey, as well as ways to advocate for your child’s literacy learning within and outside of the educational system. Rebecca shares in the episode her personal experience, not just as an educator, but as a mother and someone who has personally experienced the struggle of reading. The Active Reader provides many easy-to-use tools and resources, giving parents the potential to strengthen their child at home. Every child is unique and learns at their own pace. It is never too late to practice these skills to support them now.

Time Stamp:

[00:00:00] Welcome and episode introduction

[00:01:14] Introducing Rebecca, one of the founders of the Active Reader

[00:01:40] Common questions and concerns of parents teaching their child how to read

[00:02:37] Every child learns at a unique pace, it is okay to give grace

[00:04:18] First steps to take to introduce literacy

[00:05:25] Talking to the child paves the path to pre-literacy development

[00:06:15] Incorporate sequencing skills in daily conversations as a start to pre-literacy skill

[00:06:48] It is never too late to start these literacy skills

[00:08:10] Give your child grace and room to develop at their own pace

[00:08:35] Guidelines and red flags

[00:08:54] Introduction to Orton-Gillingham approach: A multi-sensory approach to reading —

touching, hearing, seeing

[00:09:30] Struggles with Dyslexia

[00:10:00] Rebecca’s experience with teaching her children with reading

[00:11:23] Setting a reading goal

[00:11:30] Contribution to reading success

[00:11:45] Tactile flashcards (Link at the bottom)

[00:12:09] Children should first focus on learning lowercase letters

[00:12:40] Use the letter equation method: Name of the letter, keyword, letter sound

[00:13:58] Incorporate literacy into play

[00:14:12] Start with CVC words

[00:14:52] Invite child to read words they will be able to decode

[00:16:00] Decodable words v.s. Sight words

[00:17:50] Benefits of a reading routine

[00:19:10] Overcoming resistance: Read a little at a time

[00:20:00] Bonding opportunity between parents and child

[00:21:20] Tips for setting a reading routine

[00:24:00] Selecting the right books

[00:26:00] When to consult the teacher or extra tutoring assistance with the child’s reading level

[00:26:37] Speech delay can be a factor to reading difficulties

[00:28:40] Parents should not solely rely on the education system to teach our children how to read

[00:29:08] How to start the conversation with the teacher about your child’s progress

[00:33:05] Advice for navigating and advocating for your child’s learning with teachers

[00:35:45] The schoolwork your child brings home can be clues of their in-class participation

[00:37:42] The Active Reader resources and social media (@the_active_reader)

[00:41:25] Wrap-up and final advice

[00:41:55] How to follow, review, or connect with the show

Notable Quote:

“All parents should feel empowered when it comes to their children’s education and their reading” Rebecca McAllister

Resources & Tools Mentioned:

● Early Learning Readers Pack – Flashcards

○ Recommended for age 1 to all struggling readers

Link: https://theactivereader.com/the-early-reader-pack

● Active Readers Summer Club (COMING SOON in July)

○ 5 weeks program for parents to follow and provide at home over the summer

Link to Join: https://theactivereader.com/summer-club-signup

● The Active Readers Early Childhood Reading Program

○ 30 weeks curriculum for daycares, preschools, and kindergartens

Link for Curriculum: https://theactivereader.com/active-reader-curriculum

Connect with Katie

https://www.heartinhome.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartinhomeliving/

heartinhomepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Katie introduces Heart in Home Living's new Book Club!

Beginning in July, a new book will be chosen each month. A mix of fiction and non fiction books will be chosen. Every book chosen will have audio books as an option.

At the end of every month, a podcast episode will be dedicated to unpacking the book and discussing take aways.

Katie discusses the benefits of reading regularly and how research shows reading can positively impact your mental health, reduce stress levels and increase your writing capabilities and vocabulary.

The book club is low pressure. Book Club episodes will all be recorded here on the podcast so if you fall behind you can watch when it's convenient for you!

To join the book club:

www.heartinhome.ca or on Instagram @heartinhomeliving

Connect with Katie: heartinhomelivingpodcast@gmail.com

In this solo episode, Katie discusses how busy the summer can get and ways that we should try and be intentional with our summer plans/schedules.

Why do we always feel the need to jam pack our summers?

Summer concerts, patio lunch dates, summer camp for the kids, play dates, etc. the list goes on and on...we see an empty spot on the calendar and think what can I plan for that day?

If your schedule or calendar feels overwhelming, that most likely means that you will feel overwhelmed through the summer too! To help be more intentional this summer- I have put together some strategies to help with your summer plans this year!

Some research based strategies have shown the importance of 1) Time Blocking 2) Finding your why 3) Prioritizing joy and rest

Some questions to ask yourself:

What do I or my family need this summer?

How do I or my family want to feel this summer?

Think about your and your family needs and let that answer be your guide!

1. Make a summer bucket list but put a limit to the amount of items that each person puts on the list. Make it realistic and achievable
2. Make room for slow mornings
3. Allow at least one slow week where you have nothing planned. No where to be at no set time- I highly recommend it! It is very freeing and such a good way to rest your mind.
4. Keep at least one day a week with nothing planned- I aim to make this Sunday every week.
5. Whenever plans or invites come up, always go back to what does your family need this summer?
6. Maintain a flexible mindset - enjoy the moments and live in the present
7. Try journaling! Keep a journal this summer about how you are feeling, memories, photos, etc. Reflect each week and do a check in to see how everyone is feeling. What was my favourite part of the week? what worked really well? Did anything make you feel overwhelmed or stressed?

If you do have little ones, tune into our "Raise them with Wisdom" podcast next week (June 19th) for evidence based strategies to keep in mind when planning your summer.

If this resonated with you, don't forget to like and leave a review. It goes a long way in supporting the show. Click subscribe to the show to catch all future episodes.

If you know of anyone who has been feeling overwhelmed with their calendars and needs to be intentional this summer- share with them today!

Connect with Katie Begley!

https://www.heartinhome.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartinhomeliving/

heartinhomepodcast@gmail.com