Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/advancing-literacy-beyond-the-classroom Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom is designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home. From early literacy to essay writing, AI tools to choosing great books, we're covering it all for PreK-12 students. Join us each month for a new episode where we'll explore practical strategies grounded in the latest research. Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy at https://advancingliteracy.tc.columbia.edu/ . 2026 Teachers College Advancing Literacy b892b285-770b-5c2a-a7de-325062175b10 yes Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:09 -0400 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:05:59 -0400 https://img.transistorcdn.com/q6yWIDGFD2sjCPCQJsQILD_A1DYRpb5nLe9suSxLrQQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNDcx/OThhMDc2ZjdkMGFk/NTE4NzcyYjQ5YWZk/YTRjZC5wbmc.jpg Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom episodic Teachers College Advancing Literacy Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom is designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home. From early literacy to essay writing, AI tools to choosing great books, we're covering it all for PreK-12 students. Join us each month for a new episode where we'll explore practical strategies grounded in the latest research. Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy at https://advancingliteracy.tc.columbia.edu/ . Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom is designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home. literacy, reading, parenting, writing, school, students Teachers College Advancing Literacy No No All the Places for Meaningful and Joyful Writing in the World: Journals, Letters, and Essays and More! 4 4 All the Places for Meaningful and Joyful Writing in the World: Journals, Letters, and Essays and More! full 84f13f7c-edcc-48e7-a952-2e5aff70504d https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce6b4ef6 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: 


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 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: 


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

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Teachers College Advancing Literacy Teachers College Advancing Literacy 2609 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: 


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

]]> literacy, reading, parenting, writing, school, students No Fostering a Love for Fiction Reading in Kids of All Ages 3 3 Fostering a Love for Fiction Reading in Kids of All Ages full a3b6b716-bedb-4d9a-a33d-41a30bda15b1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7cdbd64b 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: 

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

]]> 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: 

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

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Teachers College Advancing Literacy Teachers College Advancing Literacy 1916 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: 

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

]]> literacy, reading, parenting, writing, school, students No What Does It Mean for a Book to be Decodable?: Recommendations for Reading with Your Beginning Readers 2 2 What Does It Mean for a Book to be Decodable?: Recommendations for Reading with Your Beginning Readers full fb7b6729-3918-4584-af4d-dcb3a6c7f5df https://share.transistor.fm/s/d351f13e 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: 

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. 


]]> 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: 

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. 


]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500 Teachers College Advancing Literacy Teachers College Advancing Literacy 2000 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: 

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. 


]]> literacy, reading, parenting, writing, school, students No Welcome Families, Caregivers, Educators and Friends to Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom 1 1 Welcome Families, Caregivers, Educators and Friends to Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom full 15b2c6b8-a6ee-49b9-9537-0b30b41e6cab https://share.transistor.fm/s/5794adc9 How can family members and caregivers support kids’ literacy development outside of school, beyond the classroom? In this introductory episode, Emily Butler Smith, Amanda Hartman and Natalie Louis share research, insights, and practical advice on supporting literacy development and connection with students of all ages. Bringing their experience as former classroom teachers and current staff developers, parents, and caregivers, they consider the everyday opportunities for joyful and meaningful literacy growth.


Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: 

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. 


]]> How can family members and caregivers support kids’ literacy development outside of school, beyond the classroom? In this introductory episode, Emily Butler Smith, Amanda Hartman and Natalie Louis share research, insights, and practical advice on supporting literacy development and connection with students of all ages. Bringing their experience as former classroom teachers and current staff developers, parents, and caregivers, they consider the everyday opportunities for joyful and meaningful literacy growth.


Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: 

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. 


]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:11:45 -0500 Teachers College Advancing Literacy Teachers College Advancing Literacy 3554 How can family members and caregivers support kids’ literacy development outside of school, beyond the classroom? In this introductory episode, Emily Butler Smith, Amanda Hartman and Natalie Louis share research, insights, and practical advice on supporting literacy development and connection with students of all ages. Bringing their experience as former classroom teachers and current staff developers, parents, and caregivers, they consider the everyday opportunities for joyful and meaningful literacy growth.


Episode Resources and Book Recommendations: 

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. 


]]> literacy, reading, parenting, writing, school, students No Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom trailer 22dcecdd-d950-4735-a3c0-440234fca917 https://share.transistor.fm/s/703c79ef Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom – a new podcast series designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home.

From early literacy to essay writing, AI tools to choosing great books, we're covering it all for PreK-12 students. Join us each month for a new episode where we'll explore practical strategies grounded in the latest research.

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

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.

]]> Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom – a new podcast series designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home.

From early literacy to essay writing, AI tools to choosing great books, we're covering it all for PreK-12 students. Join us each month for a new episode where we'll explore practical strategies grounded in the latest research.

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

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.

]]> Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:07:02 -0500 Teachers College Advancing Literacy Teachers College Advancing Literacy 34 Introducing Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom – a new podcast series designed for families, caregivers, and educators who want to support young readers and writers at home.

From early literacy to essay writing, AI tools to choosing great books, we're covering it all for PreK-12 students. Join us each month for a new episode where we'll explore practical strategies grounded in the latest research.

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

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.

]]> literacy, reading, parenting, writing, school, students No