Early Literacy Made Easy: How to Support Pre-Readers from Birth to Preschool (Part 1) Artwork

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.

Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.

As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.

You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.

Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.

Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!

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Engaging Reluctant Readers

Early Literacy Made Easy: How to Support Pre-Readers from Birth to Preschool (Part 1)

May 08, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 7

Did you know your child starts developing reading skills long before they open their first book? From birth to preschool, kids are absorbing language, rhythm, and vocabulary—laying the foundation for a lifetime of reading success. But what should you be doing during this stage? And how can you support your child’s learning without pressure or overwhelm?

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook breaks down key early literacy milestones, how to spot potential struggles, and simple, playful ways to help your child fall in love with books from the very beginning.

Whether your child is just starting to babble or beginning to recognize letters, this episode is your parent-friendly guide to making early literacy fun, natural, and effective.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why early literacy is crucial—and starts way before kindergarten
✔️ Key milestones from birth to age 5 (and how to support them!)
✔️ What phonemic awareness is—and why it matters
✔️ Fun, low-pressure ways to build early literacy through play and routines
✔️ How to recognize red flags and what to do if your child needs extra support

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:01:28] Why early literacy matters
[00:03:27] What the science of reading says about phonics and sound awareness
[00:03:58] The power of everyday language exposure
[00:04:28] Literacy milestones from babyhood through preschool
[00:10:27] Boosting literacy through play & storytime
[00:20:25] Signs of early reading struggles
[00:23:01] When to seek extra support and how to trust your gut
[00:24:01] It’s not about speed—it’s about loving the journey
[00:24:31] Preview of Part 2: Elementary reading milestones and support tips

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📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: [INSERT YOUTUBE LINK]

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