About this episode
Beth Gaskill discusses overcoming challenges in children's reading education amidst America's literacy crisis.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Miss Beth
Guest: Beth Gaskill
Topics covered
- reading advocacy
- literacy crisis
- education reform
- phonics instruction
- parenting strategies
Keywords
- reading
- literacy
- education
- dyslexia
- phonics
- advocacy
- rejection sensitivity
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Mississippi, America
More episodes of play on words
- Why Reading Hasn't Clicked Yet (Hint: It's Not About Reading Faster) · June 8, 2026 · 24 min
- The Hidden Skills Your Child Needs to Thrive in Kindergarten (Beyond Reading) · May 26, 2026 · 23 min
- What Your Child's Report Card Actually Means · April 10, 2026 · 22 min
- Understanding Your School's Reading Curriculum · March 20, 2026 · 22 min
- Sight Words Aren't the Problem · February 25, 2026 · 22 min
- Is Your Own Nervous System the Secret to Happy, Resilient Kids? with @JennieMonness · February 13, 2026 · 49 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the play on words podcast page.