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:

• Tips for Engaging your Child in Joyful Writing - color | black/white
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
• The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
• I Can Write The World by Joshunda Saunders
• Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
• More to the Story by Hena Khan
• The Cat I Never Named by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess
• Together We Are Sunshine by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
• A Sea of Lemon Trees by María Dolores Águila
• World Without End by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe Blain

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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