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 you do if your child’s school is sending home flashcards and calling it a day?

Whether you’ve got a preschooler being told to memorize a word list or you’re just trying to figure out what “high frequency” really means—this one’s for you.

✨ We’ll cover:

• The difference between sight words and high-frequency words (yes, there’s a difference!)
• Why some approaches to teaching sight words are actually holding kids back
• What you can do to help your child recognize words with confidence
• Open vs. closed syllables (in a way that actually makes sense)
• Miss Beth’s favorite sight word activities that don’t rely on memorizing

📩 A real parent question kicks things off:
“My child goes to a play-based preschool. I asked what their literacy goals are and they said they’re introducing memorizing sight words. Is this the right track?”

Spoiler: Miss Beth has thoughts. And she’s not afraid to say what’s helpful—and what’s just hype.

Grab your headphones, kiss your brain, and let’s talk about what really works when it comes to growing strong, confident readers.

Miss Beth from Big City Readers shares one of her favorite authors and her favorite story for spring: When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes.

Watch it here and read more about why this early childhood literacy specialist says this book checks off all the boxes for one she recommends!

More spring books ⁠here ⁠

Read about WHY this book checks off all the boxes for me as an early childhood literacy specialist on my ⁠substack

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®. She’s the author of Understanding Your Baby and Understanding Your Toddler, two incredible resources that remind parents: you don’t need fancy toys or complicated activities—your everyday interactions are already powerful learning moments.

We talk about:
🧠 Why you don’t need more stuff to help your child learn
✨ How to feel confident that you’re doing “enough”
👶 The surprising ways babies and toddlers learn best
📚 Simple, evidence-based ways to support early development
🎵 Why everyday routines (yes, even diaper changes!) are packed with learning opportunities

If you’ve ever doubted yourself as a parent, this episode is your reminder: you are enough. 💛

📖 Resources Mentioned:

• Ayelet’s books: Understanding Your Baby & Understanding Your Toddler
• Follow Ayelet on Instagram: [@LearnWithLess]
• Big City Readers Baby Course SALE 

🎧 Listen now & share with a parent who needs this reassurance today! #ParentingConfidence #EarlyLearning #LearnWithLess #BigCityReaders

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 celebrated.

We talk about:✨ The story behind Mama Fresh and why community is essential for moms✨ How Jenny balances social media with real-life parenting✨ The importance of representation in parenting spaces✨ Raising kids with confidence while honoring cultures and traditions✨ Her favorite family-friendly spots in ChicagoJenny’s energy is infectious, and this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to embrace the season of motherhood you’re in—without losing yourself in the process.

Resources & Links:

📍 Follow Jenny on Instagram: ⁠@MamaFreshChicago⁠

📍 Learn more about Mama Fresh: ⁠mamafreshchicago.com⁠

📍 Connect with me on Instagram: ⁠@BigCityReaders⁠

Mentioned in this episode: ⁠FIRST GRADE BOOTCAMP⁠

If you loved this episode, be sure to rate, review, and share it with another mama who needs a fresh perspective! 💛

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 it’s a good fit
✅ Ways to make a positive experience at any school—even one with low scores
✅ The key questions parents should ask teachers and principals
✅ Why engaged parents matter more than test scores

If you’re in the middle of making this big decision, this episode will help ease your worries and give you a plan moving forward. Remember, a number on a website doesn’t tell the whole story!

Ask your question! Visit Big City Readers 

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 to hear.

But this episode isn’t just about what can go wrong; it’s also about what parents love about schools that truly support their kids. I’m sharing insights from families on what makes a school feel like the right fit, along with my own BIG feelings about what kids really need to thrive.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The one question I think every parent should ask when touring a school.
• What parents say they love about schools that prioritize safety, connection, and growth.
• Why aligned behavior policies across an entire school are critical for kids’ safety and ability to learn.
• What happens to a child’s ability to learn when they’re in a disregulated state—and how schools can do better.
• My own experiences as a deeply feeling kid in a Catholic school, and what those memories taught me about creating safe, supportive environments for children.
• A little side note on leprechaun traps and why open-ended play should always take the lead in early childhood classrooms.

Whether you’re a parent wondering if your child is in the right school or just curious about what makes a truly supportive learning environment, this episode will give you practical insights and lots to think about.

💡 Bonus: If you’re considering my First Grade On-Demand Course, stay tuned for a special offer at the beginning of the episode! Enroll HERE

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend! And as always, you can find me on Instagram @BigCityReaders to keep the conversation going.

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 addresses how the article overlooks decades of reading research, dismissing the rigorous, evidence-based approaches that are finally gaining ground in schools. She reflects on why labeling the Science of Reading as “trendy” is harmful, especially when it’s the key to unlocking reading success for every child, not just the privileged few.

Join Miss Beth as she explores:

• Why the Science of Reading is not a passing trend, but the result of decades of research on how the brain learns to read
• The impact of educational inequality and how access to effective reading instruction is tied to privilege
• Her personal take on the conversation around Gen Alpha’s reading development and the gap between the haves and have-nots
• What parents and educators can do to advocate for their children and push for evidence-based reading practices in every classroom

Get ready for a passionate discussion, because Miss Beth isn’t holding back when it comes to fighting for every child’s right to learn to read.

Find your class and get started on your child's reading journey today: ⁠bigcityreaders.com⁠

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 Elf on the Shelf, we’ll explore why these stories and traditions can feel tricky for parents and educators. We’ll also share practical tips for teaching kids about boundaries—both in their relationships and in the stories we share with them. Whether you’re a fan, a skeptic, or just looking for alternatives, there’s something for everyone in this discussion.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

1. The Controversy Around Classic Books:Why some parents and educators hesitate to read The Giving Tree and I’ll Love You Forever.
   Themes of self-sacrifice, overbearing love, and their modern-day interpretations.
   How to approach these books thoughtfully or find alternative stories.
   
2. Elf on the Shelf: Fun or Frustration? The pressure parents feel to participate in this growing tradition.
   Why the Elf is so polarizing—modeling mischief, behavior tracking, and adding to holiday stress.
   Should the Elf be in classrooms?
   Tips for balancing holiday magic without burnout.
   
3. How to Teach Good Boundaries:Why boundaries matter for kids—and how to model them in everyday life.
   Using books and traditions to open conversations about consent, respect, and reciprocity.
   Alternatives to “behavior management” tools like the Elf and what they teach kids.
   

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Whether you’re deciding how to handle a beloved (or dreaded) tradition or reflecting on the stories shaping your child’s world, this episode offers a compassionate, judgment-free look at how to navigate it all. You’ll leave with practical ideas for making choices that work for your family while helping your kids build strong, healthy boundaries.

Join the Conversation:
We want to hear from you! What’s your take on The Giving Tree, I’ll Love You Forever, or Elf on the Shelf? Share your thoughts and creative alternatives with us on Instagram @BigCityReaders or send us a message!

Get my favorite books here: amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders

Rate & Subscribe:
If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us create content that inspires and supports you!

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 feeling informed, confident, and ready to embrace this stage of parenting.

Here’s what we cover:
🎁 Do babies really need toys to thrive? (Hint: Less is more!)
🍼 Is it normal for a baby to roll at 3 weeks? What’s typical, and when should you seek support?
💡 What is an OT, and how can they help with everything from motor skills and sensory needs to bonding and beyond?
💬 Attachment: Can you be too attached? How much should I play with my baby?
😴 Sleep and soothing strategies: How to bond while helping your baby self-soothe.
🍼 Lactation, feeding, and how they connect to development.
📚 Flat heads, tummy time, and how to promote healthy growth while easing common concerns.
🏫 Choosing the right preschool: structured vs. unstructured, play-based learning, and what to look for when making your decision.
📖 Children’s books that are both adorable and thought-provoking—yes, even about death and the big questions in life.

This episode is packed with expert advice and practical tips to support your parenting journey, all while reminding you that you’re doing an amazing job.

Links mentioned in this episode:
👉 Connect with Brooke: Infant Insights on Instagram
👉 My Baby and Toddler Courses: bigcityreaders.com
👉 Send me your questions or thoughts on Instagram: @bigcityreaders

Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review—it helps more families find the show! ❤️

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 common parenting challenges like meltdowns at dinner, unexpected outburst biting and hitting and why your kid might be rolling on the rug or have trouble sitting still in school, while giving practical tips for emotional regulation and learning.

Key topics include:

• What is Sensory Processing? Understanding how your child's brain processes sensory input and how it impacts their behavior.
• When Your Kid Pushes Out of Nowhere: Why it happens and how to respond calmly.
• Minute 16: Should you tell kids to sit still in school? How to recognize when it's a sensory need versus a behavior issue.
• Regulating a Whole Classroom: What to do when your classroom is calm and how this helps everyone learn better.
• Is Deeply Feeling or Highly Sensitive Real? Exploring what it means for a child to be highly sensitive and how to support their emotional needs.
• Helping Your Nervous System Calm Down: How to teach yourself and your child to recognize non-threatening situations and reduce stress responses.
• Why Your Kid Throws Fits at Dinner: What after-school restraint collapse is and how it explains end-of-day meltdowns.
• Proactive Regulation: How to prevent meltdowns before they happen by supporting your child's sensory and emotional needs.
• Heavy Work: Why physical activities like pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy things can help kids (and adults!) regulate their emotions.
• Lizard Brain: Understanding your child’s 'survival mode' reactions and how to help them feel safe and calm.
• What Your Brain Likes: Learning how your child’s brain prefers to process information and how to use that knowledge for better behavior and learning.
• Minute 38: "Fire together, wire together"—how learning to write letters affects brain development and behavior.
• Does Letter Writing Matter?  Why teaching your child to form letters properly is key to their regulation and emotional control.
• Foundational Skills Matter: (Minute 47) Why early motor skills are the foundation for better learning, behavior, and emotional regulation.
• Boomer Mom Text: (Minute 50) A fun moment where Miss Beth reads a classic 'boomer mom' text, sparking a conversation about generational differences in parenting.
• How to Stop People-Pleasing as an Adult: Courtney and Miss Beth discuss the roots of people-pleasing behavior in children, how it affects us as adults, and strategies to break the cycle for good.
• ⁠Heavy Work Freebie⁠

Join Beth Gaskill and Courtney English for an honest, practical conversation packed with science-backed insights that will help you better understand your child’s behavior, meet their emotional needs, and stop the cycle of people-pleasing—for both you and your kids!