In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, hosts Emily Smith and Amanda Hartman — staff developers at Advancing Literacy at Teachers College, Columbia University — explore the many ways families and caregivers can make writing a meaningful and joyful part of everyday life. Drawing on research from scholars they discuss how writing (from grocery lists and thank-you notes to letters of advocacy and fan fiction) can build purpose, connection, and a sense of community in children of all ages. The episode offers practical, creative recommendations for weaving writing into daily routines beyond school requirements.

Episode Resources and Book Recommendations:

• Tips for Engaging your Child in Joyful Writing - color | black/white
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
• The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
• I Can Write The World by Joshunda Saunders
• Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
• More to the Story by Hena Khan
• The Cat I Never Named by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess
• Together We Are Sunshine by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
• A Sea of Lemon Trees by María Dolores Águila
• World Without End by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe Blain

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes.

The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

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In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, hosts Emily Smith and Kristin Smith — staff developers at Advancing Literacy at Teachers College, Columbia University — explore how families and caregivers can nurture a lifelong love of fiction reading in children of all ages. Drawing on research by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop (windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors), brain science, and vocabulary development studies, they discuss how fiction builds empathy, expands language, and helps kids navigate real-life challenges. The episode also offers practical tips for making fiction reading a joyful part of everyday life.

Episode Resources and Book Recommendations:

• The Coquíes Still Sing by Karina Nicole González
• El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• The Bletchley Riddle by Steve Sheinkin
• Chinese Menu by Grace Lin
• Supporting Your Beginning Reader Beyond the Classroom - color and black and white

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes.

The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

Connect with us on Social Media

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

What types of books should beginning readers spend time reading? In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, we dive into decodable books — what they are, why they matter for beginning readers, and the research behind them. We'll break down the use of decodable books in plain language, share what makes a decodable book a good one, and give you practical tips for reading alongside your young learner. If your child is a beginning reader or if you just want to learn more and feel more confident with the support you provide, this one's for you.

Episode Resources and Book Recommendations:

• Supporting Your Beginning Reader Beyond the Classroom - color and black and white
• The Day the Books Disappeared by Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin
• Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea by John Schu
• Plátanos are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
• Little Rebels by Yuyi Morales
• Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
• How to Bird by Rasha Hamid

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes.

The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.