PODCAST · education
play on words
by miss beth
Learning to read starts with learning to play. This is the podcast for parents and teachers of kids ages 0-8 who want to have FUN learning evidence backed early development and literacy strategies in a short amount of time. This is the podcast for the teacher who needs a bestie to ask questions to and the parent who wants to know the best developmental practices to implement in the 3 minutes a day they have. You're not alone. Ask your questions here. If I can't answer them, one of my friends will be on to help! There are so many confusing parts about the learning to read journey. Miss Beth is here to simplify it, affirm you are the best person to teach your child, and give you the confidence you need in the early childhood education years. This podcast is for fun, community and confidence making tough topics more bite sized for every parent teacher and child.
Episodes
-
Can You Hold Your Baby Too Much?
Have you ever wondered if you're doing everything wrong when it comes to your child's attachment? Or worried that holding your baby all the time is creating a "clingy" kid? This episode is your permission slip to put that worry down. In this episode, Miss Beth sits down with Michelle Charriere of...
-
Should I Cry in Front of My Child & Why is Starting Therapy as a Parent So Scary?
Mental health has been top of mind for so many parents lately, making this throwback episode feel more relevant than ever. In this rerelease, Miss Beth sits down with therapist and Big City mom Jamie Kreiter to talk about naming our feelings, crying in front of our kids, and why so many moms...
-
The Back-to-School Questions Parents Don't Know to Ask
It's back to school season, and if your child's classroom is hosting a back to school night or curriculum night, you may be wondering what to actually listen for, what to ask, and how to ask it without feeling like "that parent." In episode 97, Miss Beth kicks off a new series on curriculum and...
-
What If My Kid Cries At School? A Pep Talk with Lizzie Assa
We're bringing back this fan-favorite as we head into a new school year! This conversation about raising independent kids and navigating school anxiety is just as relevant now as when we first recorded it. Raising independent kids, saying no to homework and how well behaved babies rarely make...
-
The Reading Wars Never Ended—and Your Child May Be Caught in Them
In honor of Episode 96, Miss Beth is going back to 1996, a pivotal year in the history of reading instruction and the year one of the most iconic book-loving children arrived on the big screen: Matilda. What did Matilda get right and wrong about literacy and the American Education System? In this...
-
What Your First Grader Should Know Before the First Day of School
Is your child really ready for first grade? The answer has a lot less to do with reading a whole book independently — and a lot more to do with whether the right foundational skills are in place. In episode 95, Miss Beth breaks down the specific literacy skills rising first graders should be...
-
Reading Doesn't Start with the Alphabet: The Skills Every Preschooler Needs First
Have you ever worried that your preschooler isn't interested in letters yet? Or wondered if you should be doing more alphabet practice at home? This episode is your reminder to take a deep breath. In episode 94, Miss Beth breaks down the developmental skills that come before the ABCs — and…
more -
Is My Child Being Bullied? How to Tell the Difference Between Bullying and Normal Friendship Conflict
Is everything bullying now? One day your child comes home saying someone wouldn't let them play. The next day they say they say they are being bullied. As parents, we want to protect our children—but we also want to help them build the confidence and resilience to handle everyday disagreements.…
more -
Third Trimester: What's Worth Doing... and What's Just Internet Noise with Lo Mansfield @TheLaborMama
Episode 92: If you've spent even five minutes on pregnancy TikTok, you've probably wondered: should I be bouncing on a birth ball every night? Do dates actually help? Can I sleep on my back? Do I really need every prenatal appointment? Should I hire a doula? And is there anything that actually...
-
Reading or Memorizing? The Difference Matters
Episode 91: This week Miss Beth dives into her viral video that sparked thousands of comments and a lot of strong opinions. After sharing that children who can read familiar words but struggle with nonsense words may be relying on memorization rather than decoding, the internet had questions: is...
-
Why Reading Hasn't Clicked Yet (Hint: It's Not About Reading Faster)
Episode 90: In this episode, Beth breaks down one of the most important (and most misunderstood) reading skills: fluency. She explains why knowing letter sounds doesn't automatically lead to easy reading, what the real bridge between decoding and comprehension looks like, and simple…
more -
The Hidden Skills Your Child Needs to Thrive in Kindergarten (Beyond Reading)
Episode 89. In this episode, Beth breaks down what kindergarten readiness actually looks like and why reading is just one small piece of the puzzle. She walks through the practical skills children need before they start kindergarten, why an extra year doesn't automatically make reading easier…
more -
What Your Child's Report Card Actually Means
Episode 88: In this episode, Beth breaks down one of the most anxiety inducing moments for parents: getting a report card or teacher feedback that says your child is struggling with reading, but not really explaining why. She walks through what vague report card language actually means, the five...
-
Understanding Your School's Reading Curriculum
Episode 87: In this episode, Beth answers one of the most common questions she gets from parents: What reading curriculum should I be looking for and how to I know what my school uses? She breaks down why reading is not a natural process, what phonological awareness really means, and what to look...
-
Sight Words Aren't the Problem
Episode 86: In this episode, literacy expert Miss Beth breaks down the biggest misconceptions about sight words and reveals what the science of reading actually tells us about how children learn to read. Beth explores orthographic mapping (the brain-based process behind how readers store and...
-
Is Your Own Nervous System the Secret to Happy, Resilient Kids? with @JennieMonness
Episode 85: In this episode, Beth is joined by Jennie Monness (@jenniemonness), early childhood educator and founder of Union Square Play, who shares insightful strategies for parents navigating big feelings, regulation, and self-compassion. We explore how understanding your own nervous systems,...
-
Progress Over Perfection: When Spelling Errors Are a Good Sign
Episode 84: A parent of a second grader recently asked a question I hear all the time: “Do I need to care that much about spelling if my child is improving—even if there are still lots of errors?” Her child recently started spelling MY correctly (it used to be MI), which is real progress—but the...
-
Why Kids Can't Read
Episode 83. In this episode of Play on Words, reading specialist and early childhood educator Beth Gaskill discusses overcoming perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, and learning to advocate for your child's education during America's literacy crisis.Beth explores the alarming statistics behind…
more -
Letting Kids Be Bored (Without Feeling Like a Bad Parent) with Lizzie Assa
Episode 82. What do you do when your child says, “I’m bored” — and why does that moment feel so hard? In this episode of Play on Words, Beth Gaskill sits down with Lizzie Assa (@theworkspaceforchildren), early childhood educator, parenting strategist, and founder of The Workspace for Children, to...
-
Why is English so Confusing? Breaking it Down with KC Rickerd of @milestonesandmotherhood
Episode 81. This week, Miss Beth welcomes KC Rickerd (@milestonesandmotherhood) for a fun dive into the wild, weird world of English spelling and pronunciation! In this episode, Miss Beth and KC explore why English words are so quirky, the origins behind confusing spellings, the science of…
more -
Why Does My Child Write Their Letters Backwards?
Episode 80. This week, Miss Beth dives into a question she hears all the time from concerned parents: "Why does my child write their letters backwards?" In this episode, Miss Beth goes over backward letter writing in children, reversing letters and numbers, typical writing development milestones,...
-
Big Feelings, Bigger Reactions: Parenting Kids with ADHD Without Losing Your Mind with Dr. Carrie Jackson Ep 79
Episode 79 - ADHD and motivation—let's cut through the noise. This episode breaks down why so many people get motivation wrong when it comes to ADHD, and what actually works to move the needle. Dr. Carrie gets real about the myths we need to retire (like motivation being some tank you can empty)...
-
Elf on the Shelf Haters Club (Holiday Meeting Now in Session)
EP 78: Beth and Susan host the first-ever meeting of the Elf on the Shelf Haters Club, a hilarious and heartfelt look at why this tradition stresses so many parents out. Using real listener DMs, we break down the surveillance storyline, comparison culture, mom mental load, and kid confusion —…
more -
How to Correct Your Child's Spelling Without Crushing Their Confidence
Episode 77 In today’s episode of Play on Words from Big City Readers, Miss Beth breaks down one of the top questions parents ask: Should I correct my child's spelling? Spoiler: correcting isn’t the enemy… but how you do it absolutely matters if you want to protect your child’s confidence and…
more -
Is Tutoring Really The Answer? What To Expect From For Your First Grader
Episode 76 When a school or teacher suggests tutoring, it can feel confusing, triggering, or even alarming — especially if you don’t understand the school’s actual plan to support your child. In this quick episode, Miss Beth breaks down what to do in that moment and what every parent needs to…
more -
Things I Wish Were Canceled: Sight Words, Letter Of The Week, Behavior Charts, Reading Levels and MORE
Episode 75 of the Play On Words podcast from Big City Readers, host Beth Gaskill dives into the viral trend inspired by Taylor Swift's song "Cancelled," exploring the concept of a "betrayal list" in education. Beth shares her own list of educational practices she believes should be "cancelled" to...
-
Back-to-School Anxiety: Parenting Tips & Morning Routines That Work
Welcome back to episode 73 of Play On Words from Big City Readers! In this kickoff episode, Miss Beth dives into one of the most common challenges families face each fall: back-to-school anxiety. If mornings feel chaotic, drop-offs end in tears, or your child worries about school all weekend…
more -
EP. 72: Kindergarten Redshirting Part 2: How Do I Know If I Should Delay Kindergarten?
The principal is BACK. Part 2 or 2 with principal, educator and friend of the pod: Jon Arens. We are answering all ALL your questions about learning to read and starting kindergarten. Questions YOU asked and we discuss in these two episodes: 🧠 Decision-Making Factors What factors would make you...
-
EP. 71: Kindergarten Redshirting Part 1: Can You Learn To Read At Home Depot?
The principal is BACK. Part 1 or 2 with principal, educator and friend of the pod: Jon Arens. We are answering all ALL your questions about learning to read and starting kindergarten. Questions YOU asked and we discuss in these two episodes: 🧠 Decision-Making Factors What factors would make you...
-
EP. 70 My Kid Turns Into a Rage Monster When He Loses
The Psychology Behind Competitive Kids (and What Helps) If your child is the kindest kid on the block… until they lose a game and suddenly you’re dealing with a rage monster - this episode is for you. Competitive kids often have big hearts and even bigger feelings. In this quick pep talk, I’ll…
more -
Ep. 69 What I'd Tell Alex Bennett on Her First Daycare Tour—And You Should Hear It Too
Ever find yourself standing in a daycare hallway thinking, “Wait… what exactly am I supposed to ask on this tour?” Same. In this episode, Miss Beth is breaking it all down Big Sister style—whether you’re looking for daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. Inspired by a recent conversation from Alex...
-
Ep. 68 Sight Words: The Good, the Bad & the What Were They Thinking?!
In this episode of Play On Words, Miss Beth is bringing the heat—and the research—on one of the most asked-about early reading topics: sight words. What even are sight words? Should your child be memorizing them? Is there a better way? What do syllables have to do with all this? And what should…
more -
Ep. 66 Am I Doing Enough? Understanding Your Baby & Toddler with Ayelet Marinovich @Learnwithless
Are you constantly wondering if you're doing enough as a parent? Do you feel pressure to “get it right” when it comes to your baby or toddler’s development? In this episode, I’m joined by Ayelet Marinovich, pediatric speech-language pathologist, parent educator, and founder of Learn With Less®....
-
Ep. 65 Modern Motherhood: Confidence, Culture & Connection with Jenny LeFlore (Mama Fresh!)
Today’s episode is all about modern motherhood, community, and keeping things fresh! Beth Gaskill (Big City Readers) is joined by Jenny LeFlore, the powerhouse mama behind Mama Fresh, a movement dedicated to creating spaces where families—especially Black families—feel seen, supported, and...
-
Ep. 64 Kindergarten School Search: Should You Trust Online Rankings?
Are you stressed about choosing a school for your child? Maybe your neighborhood school has low ratings, and you're wondering if that means it’s a bad choice. In this episode, Miss Beth breaks down: ✅ What school ratings actually measure (and what they don’t!) ✅ How to tour a school and know if...
-
Ep. 63 Choosing a School: What Most Parents Forget to Ask
On today’s episode of Play on Words from Big City Readers with Beth Gaskill I am diving into a recent consultation I had with a family about choosing a preschool. I asked a simple question: Why are you leaving your current school? The answer they gave me shocked me—and it’s one I know you’ll want...
-
Ep. 62 The Myth of 'New and Trendy': Breaking Down the Business Insider Article on Gen Alpha and the Science of Reading
In this episode of Play On Words from Big City Readers, Miss Beth dives into the Business Insider article titled, "For Gen Alpha, Learning to Read is Becoming a Privilege" and breaks down her frustration with its portrayal of the Science of Reading as “new” and “trendy.” Miss Beth passionately...
-
Ep. 61 What Do The Elf On The Shelf, The Rainbow Fish, and The Giving Tree Have In Common?
In this solo episode of the play on words from Big City Readers we’re diving into some hot topics that spark debates in classrooms, on playgrounds, and at the family dinner table. From controversial children’s books like The Giving Tree and I’ll Love You Forever to the polarizing tradition of the...
-
Ep. 60 Do Babies Need Toys? How Much Should I Play With My Baby? OT Answers on Attachment, Sleep, and Play Routines with Brooke Boruff @InfantInsights
In this jam-packed episode, Beth is joined by Brooke Boruff, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Infant Insights, to tackle all your biggest questions about baby and toddler development. From bonding and soothing to choosing the right preschool, Brooke’s expert advice will leave you...
-
Ep. 59 Understanding Your Child's Behavior: Brain-Based Parenting and Teaching Regulation Strategies with @CourtneyEnglish.OT
In this episode of Play On Words, from Big City Readers, Miss Beth chats with pediatric occupational therapist Courtney English about the real reasons behind your child's behavior—from sensory needs to nervous system regulation—and what you can do to support them (and yourself!). They break down...
-
Ep. 57 Nostalgia & Popcorn Reading Panic: 90s School Days with @justme.rod
In this episode, Miss Beth sits down with her best friend and popular influencer, Just Me Rod, for a hilarious and nostalgic trip down memory lane. Together, they reminisce about the joys of Book-It and those coveted Pizza Hut personal pan pizzas, the strange traditions of 90s elementary school...
-
Ep. 56 Building Better Schools: A Conversation with a Chicago School Board Candidate
Hear from Chicago School Board candidate Ellen Rosenfeld about what school board elections mean. Now, I’ll be the first to say that I’m not an expert on the financial management of public schools or all the ins and outs of policy-making, but what I do know is that the decisions made at the school...
-
Ep. 55 Lockdown Drills, School Boards and Transfers, and Asking the Right Questions: Part 2 of my Interview with the Principal
In this part two episode with Principal Jon Arens, we continue exploring crucial topics that every parent and educator should know. We dive into lockdown drills, school transfers, and more, including: Lockdown drills and the tough realities of school safety. Transferring schools: What qualifies…
more -
Ep. 54 When Do I Start Correcting My Child's Spelling?
In this solo episode, Miss Beth from Big City Readers answers parent question "what do I say when my child asks if this right and when do I start correcting their spelling?" We explore how to support children, especially perfectionists, when they ask, "Is this right?" while using inventive…
more -
Ep. 53 Red Flags, Bluey and Behavior Charts: My Interview with the Principal
In this episode, we sit down with Principal Jon Arens, a special education teacher and dad to 3 little ones in the learning to read stages! We dive into the realities of education, parenting, and navigating the school system. This is part 1 of 2. We cover a wide range of topics, including: Why...
-
Ep. 52 3 Cueing and Reading Struggles: Why Your Child Might Be Falling Behind
In today’s episode from Big City Readers, I’m diving deep into one of the most debated topics in early literacy: the 3 cueing strategy and how it may be affecting your child’s ability to learn to read. If your child is struggling with blending sounds or progressing in reading, it’s essential to...
-
Ep. 51 Ruffle Feathers, Save Lives: Making a Difference in Education with Naomi O'Brien
In this episode of Play On Words from Big City Readers, Beth Gaskill is joined by Naomi O’Brien, reading teacher, advocate and speaker, to talk about shaking things up in education and empowering both teachers and students to thrive. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Reflections on...
-
Ep. 50 Universal Screeners, RTI, MTSS, and Navigating Parent-Teacher Conferences
In this episode of Play On Words from big city readers, we're diving deep into the world of school reading support with a reading specialist and a parent who's been through the process. If you've ever wondered what a universal screener is or how Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered...
-
Ep. 49 How Many Words Should My Toddler Know? Speech, Reading + Milestones With Katie & Carly of @WeeTalkers
Today on the Play On Words Podcast from Big City Readers we are talking about supporting your toddler's language development and how it connects to learning to read with speech-language pathologists Katie and Carly of Wee Talkers. We dive deep into the world of toddler speech development, reading...
-
Ep. 48 Should I Cry In Front Of My Kid & Why Is Starting Therapy As A Parent So Scary?
Miss Beth sits down with Jamie Kreiter, a therapist and Big City mom, to explore some of the most pressing issues in early childhood development and parenting like getting ready for your child to go to school, repair, and why some moms might hesitate about starting therapy. Jamie and Beth tackle...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Learning to read starts with learning to play. This is the podcast for parents and teachers of kids ages 0-8 who want to have FUN learning evidence backed early development and literacy strategies in a short amount of time. This is the podcast for the teacher who needs a bestie to ask questions to and the parent who wants to know the best developmental practices to implement in the 3 minutes a day they have. You're not alone. Ask your questions here. If I can't answer them, one of my friends will be on to help! There are so many confusing parts about the learning to read journey. Miss Beth is here to simplify it, affirm you are the best person to teach your child, and give you the confidence you need in the early childhood education years. This podcast is for fun, community and confidence making tough topics more bite sized for every parent teacher and child.
HOSTED BY
miss beth
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does play on words have?
play on words currently has 90 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is play on words about?
Learning to read starts with learning to play. This is the podcast for parents and teachers of kids ages 0-8 who want to have FUN learning evidence backed early development and literacy strategies in a short amount of time. This is the podcast for the teacher who needs a bestie to ask questions to...
How often does play on words release new episodes?
play on words has 90 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to play on words?
You can listen to play on words on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts play on words?
play on words is created and hosted by miss beth.
URL copied to clipboard!