TALK to Raise a Reader: How to Build Strong Reading Skills at Home :: Maya Smart [Ep 527]

Kids all read at different ages, stages, and times, but how can we, as parents, ensure they are getting all the tools and skills they need to become great readers? Today, Maya Smart joins me to talk about her new book Reading for Our Lives. She delves into the science of how kids become not just readers, but also comprehend and think critically. Here is some of what we cover:

• Why you are your child’s chief vocabulary builder
• TALK stands for: Take turns, Ask questions, Label and point, Keep the conversation going
• Why literacy still matters—even in an AI world
• Literacy is relational, not just instructional
• Early vocabulary and sound awareness are critical foundations

Connect with Maya Smart: 

• Website:  Maya Smart - Helping Parents Raise Readers | Become a Reader
• Facebook: Maya Smart
• Instagram:  Maya Smart - Parent Educator and Literacy Advocate (@mayasmarty)

Links Mentioned:  

• Reading for Our Lives: By Maya Smart

Related Episodes:

• How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin {Ep 88}
• “What is Typical When Learning to Talk?” :: Stephanie Cohen [Ep 486]
• Supporting Students with Dyslexia :: Kerri Irvin [Ep 317]

Featured Sponsors: 

• Active Skin Repair: Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA. 
• Remi: No waiting rooms. No overpriced bills. Just a better way to protect your teeth while you sleep. Try Remi risk-free at shopremi.com/DMA and use CODE DMA to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout.
• Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove.
• Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.