Reading Tutor, Early Childhood Educator, Outschool Educator.
Supporting parents to raise confident and creative kids by building a strong literacy foundation through quality, everyday experiences.
Parents, if your child already knows these things, that is great! But most kids will learn these skills, plus many more, during their kindergarten year. Remember, it takes time for kids to develop, every kid is different, and early does not mean better. I'm an early childhood educator and a literacy tutor. Follow if you'd like to learn more.
Parents, we've all seen those lists of reading "readiness skills" that tell us what kids should know or be able to do before they start kindergarten. But these are the skills that are supposed to learn throughout the kindergarten year! Developmental research does not support pushing kids to learn things they aren't ready for yet. Let's slow down and let five year olds be five year olds!
08/25/2026
“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” RIP Dolly Parton
08/25/2026
We usually think of Early Childhood Education for kids up to age 5, but the National Association of the Education of Young Children includes children up to age 8. The reason? Years of research indicates that it takes about 7-8 years for a child to be ready for academic instruction. That means kids in K-2 are not ready for a lot of the demands placed on them. We often assume kids are behind, but are they really behind if the expectations are too high?
Parents, if school is hard for your child in K-2, remember that they're still growing the systems in their brains and bodies to make academic learning possible. I'm an early childhood educator and a literacy tutor who loves to read research while drinking my morning coffee. Follow if you'd like to learn more.
When we expect kids to start kindergarten with skills already in place, it can only mean that we’re planning to teach them skills they’re not ready for. Earlier is not better. What do you think?
08/23/2026
If you're a first time kindergarten parent, you might be wondering if your child is expected to learn how to read in kindergarten. I explore this topic in my latest blog post. Check it out on my website, or follow me on FB or IG for more about literacy and early childhood education.
Should My Five-Year-Old Be Learning to Read Already? — Oak Tree Literacy Maybe this isn’t a popular opinion amongst educators, but kindergarten shouldn’t be where kids learn how to read. I realize that some kids can learn and do learn to read in kindergarten and even earlier. There are always exceptions, but most typically developing kids should not be expected to le...
08/21/2026
Kindergarten is the time for kids to become emergent readers, not early readers. Emerging readers are curious about books, learning letter names and sounds by hearing stories, rhyming, and singing, and building their foundational skills through play, exploration, and conversations.
08/20/2026
You can’t rush your child into reading readiness! Most kids going into kindergarten haven't developed these abilities yet, so expecting them to learn how to read isn't fair to them. But there's lots you can do at home to support them! You can look at books together, expose them to lots of interesting experiences, talk to them, read stories to them, listen to music & sing together, and let them play! And follow me for more ways to support reading growth in your child.