play on words

In this episode of the Play On Words podcast, host Beth Gaskill welcomes KC Rickerd to dive into the quirks and oddities of the English language, sparked by a viral TikTok video. They explore why certain words are spelled and pronounced the way they are, sharing humorous anecdotes and personal stories along the way. The conversation touches on topics like the origins of words, the science of reading, and the impact of language on childhood education. With a mix of laughter and insight, Beth and KC engage in a lively discussion that highlights the complexities and peculiarities of English. Takeaways: * The word 'cue' is just a 'Q' with four silent letters. * Why do we hammer with a hammer, rake with a rake, but sweep with a broom? * The English language loves turning nouns into verbs. * Misheard Monday is a segment where people share funny misheard lyrics and words. * The science of reading includes understanding word morphology. * The word 'fridge' is spelled with a 'D' to maintain the 'j' sound. * The pronunciation of words can change based on their origins. * The concept of 'survivor bias' in education and language learning. * The importance of teaching reading skills based on research and evidence. * Humor and personal stories make language learning engaging. Keywords: English language, word origins, TikTok, reading science, language education, humor, podcast, KC Rickerd, Beth Gaskill, Play On Words

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, and when to worry about letter reversals. If you've ever watched your child scribble their name with letters facing the wrong direction, you're definitely not alone! This is completely normal and part of your child's natural development. Miss Beth explains why backward writing is so common in early learners and shares the encouraging news that most kids naturally outgrow this phase by around age seven. You'll also discover why proper letter formation matters, how reading and writing skills work hand-in-hand, and some practical, fun ways to support your budding writer at home. So grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let's chat about writing development. Your child's literacy journey is just beginning, and we're here to help you every step of the way! ⁠Tracing Letters A-Z Handwriting Graphic⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/blog/2025/5/30/tracing-letters-a-z-the-complete-guide-free-worksheet] For more info visit ⁠https://www.bigcityreaders.com/podcast⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/podcast] Message me your questions on Instagram ⁠@bigcityreaders⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/231175467376275/big-city-readers/?hl=en] Check out Big City Readers picks on ⁠Amazon⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders?ccs_id=edcb4b9f-0e3e-4452-97bb-7b5c3af5e78d&isPublicView=true&linkCode=sl2&tag=bigcityreader-20&linkId=11779dd6606a346b9c9eac09e9f8eda8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl]

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) and what actually matters: understanding what drives each person and building an environment that doesn't work against them. Miss Beth chats with Dr. Carrie Jackson about ADHD motivation in kids (and adults!), executive function challenges, dopamine regulation, and neurodivergent strategies. If you're tired of surface-level advice and want strategies that hold up over time, this one's for you.   For more info visit https://www.bigcityreaders.com/podcast Find Dr. Carrie on Instagram @dr.carriejackson  Message me your questions on Instagram @bigcityreaders  Check out Big City Readers picks on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4a6VMl0]

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 — while offering alternatives, middle-ground solutions, and scripts you can actually use. Inside this 35-minute episode, we talk about: * Why the elf's surveillance storyline doesn't align with many families' values * The comparison chaos (especially in 2nd–4th grade) * The emotional load on kids AND parents * Moms drowning in the nightly setup expectations * Kids feeling sad or left out * Why some parents absolutely love the elf and why others are DONE You'll also get middle-ground ideas, alternatives, and scripts for navigating questions like: "Why doesn't our elf bring gifts?" "Why don't we have an elf at all?" "Why do my friends have elves that do more?" Whether you love the elf, hate the elf, or forgot to move the elf… this episode is for you. In this episode: The 25  Books of Christmas [https://bigcityreaders.myflodesk.com/iw5hdvwnf4]

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 build lifelong readers and writers. From invented spelling to letter reversals, from the dreaded sight word "said" to why she cannot stand the book The Rainbow Fish, Miss Beth gets real about what's developmentally normal, what to gently support, and what to leave alone. Whether your child is in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, this episode gives you practical, science-backed tools to help your child feel confident while still building strong reading and writing foundations. ✏️ What We Cover in This Episode 👉 Should You Correct Your Child's Spelling? 👉 Does Writing Letters the "Right Way" Matter? 👉 Why I Don't Love The Rainbow Fish 👉 How to Teach the Sight Word "SAID" (And Why It Matters)  ...And So Much More * Building confidence through "productive struggle" * Why correcting too much can accidentally shut kids down * How to model writing without perfectionism * What to do when your child hates writing * When spelling concerns are worth a deeper look For all the resources I mentioned- free and on demand courses- visit bigcityreaders.com and connect with me on instagram @bigcityreaders

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 know before hiring a tutor in first grade. You'll learn: * what schools are expected to do before recommending outside tutoring * the key questions to ask when a teacher brings it up * how to advocate for your child (even if you don't realize you need to) * what first-grade support should look like * a simple script to get clear answers and keep communication collaborative If you've ever wondered whether tutoring is the right next step — or if your school should be doing more — this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and the exact words to say. First Grade RESET doors now open [https://bigcityreaders.thrivecart.com/first-grade-reset/]! Until 11/23

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 foster successful readers, including behavior charts, memorizing sight words, and the "letter of the week" approach. She emphasizes the importance of connection, regulation, and adaptive teaching methods over outdated practices. Timestamps: * 00:00:00 Introduction and Viral Trend * 00:03:00 Beth's Full Betrayal List * 00:06:00 Behavior Charts * 00:09:00 Reading Levels and Sight Words * 00:12:00 Letter of the Week * 00:15:00 The Giving Tree and Rainbow Fish   •  00:18:00 What's Not Cancelled? Follow Miss Beth Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@bigcityreaders More Resources: Bigcityreaders.com

Episode 74 Miss Beth from Big City Readers reads Room On The Broom, our Halloween favorite! Julia Donaldson is one of the best authors we love to promote. Find more Halloween stories ⁠here⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders/list/28CPOTTKD7LP2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_WYEA56NR5Q0NJ6YRSS14]! And Follow on ⁠Youtube⁠ [https://youtu.be/WAFjxPt9e3Y] for more story time for kids! Check out our ⁠on demand classes⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/] to raise readers- toddlers to third grade.

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, this episode is for you. Drawing from her years of working with families, Beth shares practical, playful, and totally doable strategies to ease anxiety and help your child feel confident about school. What You'll Learn in This Episode: * The Power of Routine: Why the same breakfast at the same time can reduce stress. * Connection Items: How a matching bracelet, heart doodle, or silly ritual helps kids feel close to you all day long. * Drop-Off Rituals That Work: From synchronized car door slams to secret handshakes, small traditions make big transitions smoother. * Practice Runs: How Saturday morning school visits (plus donuts!) can transform how your child feels about the building. * Timing Anxiety Talks: Why Saturday mornings beat Sunday nights for reading "first day of school" books and having big feelings conversations. * The Hardest Step for Parents: How to keep goodbyes short, sweet, and empowering—without feeding the worry loop. Why It Matters Instead of letting anxiety take over, these routines give kids jobs to do, helping them channel nervous energy into action. Parents and children become a team, turning the hardest part of the day into a moment of connection and pride. ✨ This episode isn't just about managing anxiety—it's about building confidence, connection, and joy around school routines. Mentioned in this episode:  Big Feelings Booklist [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders/list/3UGTRRVHOHMSU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_C1CKDPJT27CADBN0WWRK] Printable Routine [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/free-resources] Read about it on the blog  [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/blog/drop-off-tears]

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 consider redshirting as a good fit aside from age alone? * Is it better to make the decision based on academic readiness or emotional/maturity? * Does birth order influence the choice? * Does research show it's better to hold back a boy vs. a girl? * Where do we draw the line? (March birthdays redshirted) * HELP! 4YO July Bday. Language/reasoning/comm 💯, Social-emotional 😱 ⚖️ Pros, Cons & Impact * What are the top 3 signs to redshirt? * Long-term implications of 6–7-year-olds in K — does it raise expectations too much for 4–5-year-olds? * Is fear of "boredom causing behavior issues" a reason NOT to redshirt? * Can kids get bumped up a grade if it ends up not being a good fit? 💡 Situational Scenarios * My child is smart, early Aug birthday, but can't sit still and struggles to participate. * My child can read since 2.5 and is advanced in math but struggles emotionally (Sept bday). * Late August birthday — can tell social/emotional differences but not academic ones. * Very extroverted, very tall, late July birthday, reading level H — teacher says she's okay. * Twins with developmental delay — early intervention or more time? * Late birthday + IEP for ADHD — repeat K or will the IEP be enough for 1st? 📍 District/Policy Questions * Why don't some schools (like CPS) allow redshirting? * Is it allowed in every school district? Is it really up to parents? * NYC with a Dec 31 cutoff — is that developmentally inappropriate? 🛠 Practical Tips * I'm holding my son back (Aug 17) and sending him to TK — tips for avoiding regression? * We're redshirting KG but likely going to 1st — what should we focus on? * Should we repeat kinder in a multi-age class (K/1) or switch to a different class? * When would you do it? 😅 Other * I already did it. How do I explain it to him? * How common is this? * Did it — bad idea. Had to fight to skip ahead due to immature classmates. * My answers as a principal were easier than as a parent.

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 consider redshirting as a good fit aside from age alone? * Is it better to make the decision based on academic readiness or emotional/maturity? * Does birth order influence the choice? * Does research show it's better to hold back a boy vs. a girl? * Where do we draw the line? (March birthdays redshirted) * HELP! 4YO July Bday. Language/reasoning/comm 💯, Social-emotional 😱 ⚖️ Pros, Cons & Impact * What are the top 3 signs to redshirt? * Long-term implications of 6–7-year-olds in K — does it raise expectations too much for 4–5-year-olds? * Is fear of "boredom causing behavior issues" a reason NOT to redshirt? * Can kids get bumped up a grade if it ends up not being a good fit? 💡 Situational Scenarios * My child is smart, early Aug birthday, but can't sit still and struggles to participate. * My child can read since 2.5 and is advanced in math but struggles emotionally (Sept bday). * Late August birthday — can tell social/emotional differences but not academic ones. * Very extroverted, very tall, late July birthday, reading level H — teacher says she's okay. * Twins with developmental delay — early intervention or more time? * Late birthday + IEP for ADHD — repeat K or will the IEP be enough for 1st? 📍 District/Policy Questions * Why don't some schools (like CPS) allow redshirting? * Is it allowed in every school district? Is it really up to parents? * NYC with a Dec 31 cutoff — is that developmentally inappropriate? 🛠 Practical Tips * I'm holding my son back (Aug 17) and sending him to TK — tips for avoiding regression? * We're redshirting KG but likely going to 1st — what should we focus on? * Should we repeat kinder in a multi-age class (K/1) or switch to a different class? * When would you do it? 😅 Other * I already did it. How do I explain it to him? * How common is this? * Did it — bad idea. Had to fight to skip ahead due to immature classmates. * My answers as a principal were easier than as a parent. For more support visit bigcityreaders.com [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/]

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 walk you through what's really going on beneath that explosive reaction, how to support emotional growth without crushing their drive, and my go-to book list that helps kids build resilience and empathy. You'll learn: * Why competitive kids sometimes struggle with losing * Simple strategies to talk about frustration and fairness * How to create a home culture that balances effort and empathy * My favorite children's books that build emotional vocabulary and self-regulation 📚 Shop the book list here: 👉 ⁠Miss Beth's Amazon Storefront – Competitive Kid Book List⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders/list/3UGTRRVHOHMSU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_WFCFVVZ6341TP6P3KW1E] 💌 Want more like this? Follow⁠ @bigcityreaders⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/] on Instagram for daily tips, free book recs, and support for raising strong, kind readers.

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 Bennett on Two Parents and a Podcast, Beth is sharing real, practical tips to help you figure out what you actually want for your child (and what matters on a tour). From the toddler room snack tables to the kindergarten playground, Miss Beth is giving you my insider advice on: * What to look for (spoiler: it's not the fancy toys) * What to ask the staff * How to trust your gut * Why "socialization" might not be as crucial as you think for babies * And how to tell if the vibe is right for your family Whether you're a first-time parent or looking for your next school, this episode will help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. ⁠Follow along on Instagram @bigcityreaders⁠  View more of  ⁠Miss Beth's Tips⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/the-blog]

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 ⁠ [https://bigcityreaders.myflodesk.com/springbooklist] Read about WHY this book checks off all the boxes for me as an early childhood literacy specialist on my ⁠substack [https://bigcityreaders.substack.com/p/the-picture-book-that-got-us-through?r=2k27xb]

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  [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/sing-sign-grow] 🎧 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: ⁠@ [https://www.instagram.com/mamafreshchi/]MamaFreshChicago⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/mamafreshchi/?hl=en] 📍 Learn more about Mama Fresh: ⁠mamafreshchicago.com⁠ [http://mamafreshchicago.com/] 📍 Connect with me on Instagram: ⁠@BigCityReaders⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders] Mentioned in this episode: ⁠FIRST GRADE BOOTCAMP⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/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  [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/podcast]

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 [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/first-grade-bootcamp] 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 [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/on-demand]