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 the U.S. reading crisis — 67% of fourth graders cannot read proficiently — and shares the success story of Mississippi's reading instruction reforms. Mississippi's evidence-based approach to teaching reading, including intensive teacher training in phonics and the science of reading, has transformed student outcomes and proves that reading failure is preventable.This episode is essential listening for parents of struggling readers, those struggling with fear of rejection, and anyone who wants to understand how to advocate for better reading instruction in schools. Whether you're concerned about dyslexia, phonics instruction, or your child's literacy development, this conversation offers practical strategies and hope.

⸻

In This Episode About Reading Advocacy and Literacy Crisis, You'll Learn:

Why perfectionism holds parents back from advocating for their children's education
How rejection sensitivity and ADHD can make it harder to ask for help
What Mississippi's reading reforms teach us about science-based reading instruction and phonics
Why evidence-based reading instruction (structured literacy) is critical for all students
How to overcome fear of rejection when advocating for your struggling reader
Practical steps to build confidence in educational advocacy, starting small

Mentioned in This Episode:Big Feelings, Bigger Reactions: Parenting Kids With ADHD

⸻

About the HostBeth 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:Instagram: @bigcityreaders
Website: bigcityreaders.com
Podcast: Play on Words from Big City Readers