What Does It Really Take to Raise a Reader?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mrs. M, a Kindergarten teacher from the great state of Georgia, to talk about what parents can do at home to support the development of a reader.

And interestingly enough, she suggests getting outside to do some of the work.

As you listen, I want you to think beyond:

“What should I be doing with my child?”

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Let me remind you of something I said in the episode:

Learning to read is not a skill humans are simply born knowing how to do.

And parents?

You aren't expected to walk into this knowing how to teach reading.

That’s why I’m here.

If you have a preschooler through 3rd grader who is learning to read, come join me for the Parents as Co-Teachers Masterclass Series.

I’ll be teaching you the good stuff I coach seasoned educators through, including how the interconnected pieces of reading development actually work and how you can use that knowledge to become a stronger educational partner for your child.

Live teaching. No replays.

🎓 Parents as Co-Teachers Masterclass Series

Register here.

Want to Go Deeper?

I mentioned several areas of research during this episode. If you’re ready to move beyond social media sound bites and actually explore how reading development works, start here:

An Anatomy of the Science of Reading

If you’ve heard the phrase “Science of Reading” everywhere but still want to understand what researchers actually mean by it, this systematic review is worth exploring.

McLean, C. (2026). An Anatomy of the SoR: A Systematic Review of the Conceptualizations and Instrumental Uses of the Science of Reading. Reading Research Quarterly.

Read the research here.

How to Find High Quality Instructional Materials

A high-quality resource isn't simply a resource with good activities.

Hill & Charalambous (2012), Teacher Knowledge, Curriculum Materials, and Quality of Instruction: Lessons Learned and Open Issues

Their analysis found that both teacher knowledge and curriculum materials matter for instructional quality. Curriculum materials can create opportunities for richer student thinking, but they also place demands on teachers to enact them well.

Read the research here.

If this episode helped you understand your child’s reading development a little differently, send it to a friend who needs to hear it, too.

P.S. - Be sure to save your seat!

Parents as Co-Teachers Masterclass Series S

Register here.

P.P.S. Have a question, a story, or just want to say hi? I'd love to hear from you.

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📩 Email: inquiries@christenjoli.com