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:

• The Coquíes Still Sing by Karina Nicole González
• El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• The Bletchley Riddle by Steve Sheinkin
• Chinese Menu by Grace Lin
• Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Love of Fiction Reading - color | black/white

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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