What if your child's biggest reading obstacle isn't their skills, but their belief about themselves as readers?

Many children struggle with reading not because they lack the fundamental abilities, but because they've developed a negative reading identity. When kids say "I'm not good at reading" or "books aren't my thing," they're revealing something profound about how they see themselves in relation to text. This identity shapes everything—their willingness to try, their persistence through challenges, and ultimately, their reading success.

This episode dives deep into three transformative strategies that rebuild a child's reading confidence from the inside out. First, we explore the surprising power of genuine book choice—why letting children select anything that excites them (yes, even those "too easy" graphic novels or Minecraft manuals!) creates the autonomy essential for developing reader identity. You'll hear a poignant bookstore story that demonstrates how well-meaning adults can inadvertently crush a child's reading enthusiasm, and learn how to create a "Yes Shelf" that rebuilds reading confidence through easy wins.

We also challenge the myth that read-alouds should stop once children can decode independently. Continuing to read to older children provides them with rich language exposure without the pressure of performance, creates positive emotional associations with books, and strengthens your connection. The final strategy transforms reading from something kids passively endure into something they actively do through makerspace thinking—building, creating, and problem-solving their way into stories.

Ready to help your child discover the reader within? Download our free STEM story station resource and join us on this journey to create joyful, confident readers—one page at a time. Subscribe for weekly tips that bring connection and confidence back to reading, because helping a child believe they're a reader doesn't start with fluency—it starts with how they feel about books.

🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11
🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Reading battles don't have to be your nightly reality. Behind every "I hate reading" declaration, focus struggle, or mechanical page-turning lies an opportunity for transformation.

Remember that little girl who proudly announced she hated all books? Two years later, she left my classroom as an enthusiastic reader. What changed wasn't her ability—it was her experience. When children resist reading, they're rarely rejecting stories; they're avoiding feelings of inadequacy or failure. The shift begins when we respond with "I get it, reading can feel hard sometimes" instead of frustration or disappointment.

This episode walks you through practical solutions for three common reading frustrations. For the reluctant reader, we explore how offering choices (graphic novels, joke books, audio books) creates low-pressure wins. For the fidgeter who can't sit still, learn how breaking reading into micro-chunks, allowing intentional movement, and changing environments (reading forts, park visits, trampoline bouncing) can dramatically improve engagement. And for children going through the motions without connection, discover how makerspace thinking transforms passive reading into creative adventures.

The beauty of these approaches lies in their simplicity. You don't need special materials or educational degrees—just a willingness to shift perspectives and prioritize joy. Try tonight's challenges: read anything your child chooses with zero corrections, build a reading fort with a flashlight and snacks, or turn a story into a hands-on project using the free Communication STEM Story Station resource.

Reading struggles aren't roadblocks—they're invitations to try something different. Your child deserves to love books, and you deserve peace at story time. One small change today could spark the reading breakthrough you've been waiting for.

🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips to help kids love reading—for life!

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

What if raising a reader didn't require battles, bribes, or boredom? What if the secret wasn't about forcing more reading minutes, but about transforming how your child feels about books?

This eye-opening episode reveals three deceptively simple daily habits that turn reluctant readers into book lovers. As both an experienced teacher and parent, I share research-backed strategies that make books a natural, joyful part of children's lives rather than another task to check off their to-do list. The approach focuses on creating environments and rituals that foster a love of reading, helping children develop lasting reading identities that extend beyond school assignments.

We examine how traditional approaches often backfire, rendering reading a chore rather than a pleasure. I share personal stories from my classroom and home that demonstrate the power of no-pressure reading rituals, modeling genuine reading enjoyment, and making books interactive experiences. Parents frequently tell me they are primarily concerned with test scores and academic performance. Still, I challenge this perspective by showing how children who love reading naturally excel without the relationship-damaging battles that can arise from forcing them to read.

You'll learn specific, actionable strategies you can implement today, including creating cozy reading moments without rigid rules, making books visible and accessible throughout your home, and transforming reading into a social and interactive experience rather than a solitary task. I also share my "Five-Minute Reading Fix" for busy parents who need quick solutions that actually work.

Ready to raise a child who reaches for books by choice? This episode provides the blueprint for growing readers who not only know how to read but genuinely want to do so. Subscribe now and join our community of parents creating confident, joyful readers one page at a time!

Five Minute Reading Fix

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

What if the pages of a book could literally come to life in a child's hands? That's the transformative power of combining makerspace activities with reading—a strategy that's changing how kids experience stories.

When I first became a school media specialist, I inherited a neglected library where students dreaded their visits. Books were piled high, the space was uninviting, and enthusiasm for reading was non-existent. My goal wasn't just to get kids reading; it was to make them beg to come to the library. The solution? Letting them play. By introducing Legos, building materials, and creative supplies, I created a gateway to literacy that worked like magic. Kids who came to tinker soon became kids who came to read.

This episode explores three powerful makerspace projects that turn passive reading into interactive adventures. First, engineering a story setting allows children to build the Three Little Pigs' houses or Mr. McGregor's garden from Peter Rabbit using simple materials. Second, character-inspired design challenges have kids creating solutions for story problems—like designing a raft for the Gingerbread Man or the perfect chair for Goldilocks. Finally, stop-motion animation brings storytelling into the digital age as children create mini-movies of their favorite tales.

These hands-on approaches work because they engage multiple learning styles, foster empathy, strengthen comprehension, and preserve imagination. When children physically interact with story elements, reading transforms from a chore into an exciting creative process. The subtle shift from "have to read" to "get to read" makes all the difference.

Ready to try these activities with your own young readers? Download my free Makerspace Story Guide from the description for book recommendations perfectly suited for these projects. Then share your experiences in the comments—I'd love to hear how your children respond to these hands-on reading adventures. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss future episodes where we'll continue creating joyful, confident readers, one page at a time!

Freebies:

Makerspace Book List:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/elabooksformakerspace

Makerspace Start-Up Kit:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/msstartupkit

5-Minute Reading Fix For Parents:

https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/500af75f4b

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Does your active child struggle to sit still during reading time? You're not alone. That constant fidgeting, restlessness, and apparent disinterest in books isn't a sign they don't like reading—it's their body telling you they need to move to learn effectively.

I share the story of my son Jackson, who walked at nine months and was physically advanced but struggled with traditional sit-still activities like reading. Many children—especially those with ADHD or sensory needs—process information better when movement is incorporated into learning. Science confirms what many parents observe: physical activity activates brain functions that improve focus, memory, and comprehension.

The heart of this episode reveals three game-changing strategies that transform reading from a dreaded chore into an exciting adventure. First, try yoga poses tied to story elements—like superhero stance when characters make brave choices or jumping jacks when settings change. This mind-body connection dramatically improves retention while making books feel interactive. Next, create story-based scavenger hunts by hiding objects that match elements in the book, turning reading into an active treasure hunt that kinesthetic learners love. Finally, act out parts of the story using movements and different voices, bringing characters to life and deepening understanding.

These simple techniques require minimal preparation but yield powerful results—children who not only comprehend better but actually enjoy reading. Best of all, these movement-based approaches create joyful connections between you and your child rather than reading battles. Ready to transform reading time? Download my free Five-Minute Reading Fix and try just one strategy tonight. Share how it works in the comments, and subscribe for more practical ways to raise confident, enthusiastic readers who love books their way.

The 5-Minute Reading Fix for Parents!
🚀 Want a simple, stress-free way to build your child’s reading confidence?
🎁 Grab my FREE 5-Minute Reading Fix!
📌 Quick, actionable strategies to help your child enjoy reading—without frustration.
📌 Perfect for busy parents who want real solutions fast!
👉 Download it here:

https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/500af75f4b

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Reading doesn't have to be a battleground. After a long hiatus, I'm back with a critical message for parents and educators alike: we may be unknowingly turning kids away from books through three common mistakes.

The first mistake is forcing children to read only "just-right" books. When kids can only access books at their exact reading level, reading becomes a constant test rather than a joyful experience. The solution? A 60-40 approach where most reading time is spent with books they genuinely love, with the remainder dedicated to skill-building. Let that dinosaur-obsessed child explore paleontology books, even if they're technically "too easy" or filled with pictures. Their enthusiasm will naturally lead to growth.

Next, we often make the devastating error of using reading as a punishment or obligation. "No screens until you finish reading" transforms books from treasures into chores. Instead, reframe reading as a special activity: "Let's have a cozy reading break!" Create reading picnics, try flashlight reading under blankets, or listen to audiobooks while drawing. These simple shifts make reading feel like a privilege rather than a penalty.

Finally, our obsession with reading speed over comprehension damages understanding and enjoyment. Rather than counting words per minute, encourage children to "read like you're telling a story." Pause to discuss characters' choices, make predictions, and connect stories to their lives. Echo reading—where you model expressive reading and they repeat—builds confidence without pressure.

Download my free five-minute reading fix in the show notes for quick, actionable strategies that will transform your child's relationship with books. Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or caregiver, these research-backed approaches will help children discover the true magic of reading.

The 5 Minute Reading Fix for Parents

The 5 Minute Reading Fix for Teachers

Readers in the Making Newsletter

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a good old-fashioned Christmas story?

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Forget about stuffing yourself with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a moment because we're going on a literary feast!

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!