What if the biggest predictor of your child becoming a lifelong reader has nothing to do with phonics programs, library incentives, or natural talent and everything to do with protecting space in their day? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Daniel Willingham joins Ginny to reveal the surprising truth about how kids learn, why background knowledge matters more than ever, and why reading aloud long past early childhood gives kids an academic and emotional advantage. With warmth and clarity, Dr. Willingham explains the “fourth grade slump,” the power of expertise, and how AI is reshaping the skills our kids will need most in the future.
This episode offers a hopeful and doable path for families who want to reclaim reading in a screen-saturated world. You’ll learn why limiting screens is the single most effective way to help kids choose reading for pleasure. Dr. Willingham shares why children don’t need perfection, programs, or pressure; they need a home where learning is valued, distractions are dialed down, and reading is woven into the family rhythm. Encouraging, practical, and deeply grounding, this conversation shows that every parent can raise a reader starting today. Have fun. Start now.
Get your copy of Why Don't Students Like School here
Get your copy of Outsmart Your Brain here
Get your copy of Raising Kids Who Read here
Please support our advertising partners who help keep the show going!
Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
SelectQuote: Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOUR FAMILY, for LESS, at selectquote.com/1000hours
BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS.
Quince: Go to Quince.com/outside for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
NIV Application Bible: Find out more at NIVapplicationbible.com.
Omaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout.
Mercy Ships: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.