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 questions every parent should ask their child's teacher, and simple at-home checks you can do right now to figure out exactly where your child is and how to help.

• What "declining" really means on a report card (hint: it's not what most parents think)
• Why report cards in K–2 are broad skill buckets, and how to get more specific information
• What to do if your child's teacher says they should "get tested"
• The five questions to ask your child's teacher for real clarity
• How to do a simple at-home reading and writing check in under 10 minutes
• Why writing reveals what reading can hide
• What phonemic awareness and blending actually look like and how to spot gaps

Topics science of reading · phonemic awareness · phonics · early literacy · report cards · reading struggles · parent advocacy · blending · structured literacy · kindergarten · first grade

Links Mentioned

Kindergarten Ready

First Grade Bootcamp

Kinder & First Grade Beginning Middle & End of Year Guide

About the Host Beth Gaskill (Miss Beth) is a reading specialist, early childhood educator, and founder of Big City Readers. She helps parents support their children's literacy development through research-backed, science of reading strategies.

Follow Miss Beth on Instagram @BigCityReaders

Browse Big City Readers resources at BigCityReaders.com