Reading Readiness Series

Welcome to the Reading Readiness series with Yolande Robinson—Education Consultant and founder of the Learn and Lead Educational Center. In this 10-episode playlist, Yolande breaks down what it truly means for a child to be "ready to read"—going far beyond just knowing the alphabet. Each short, insightful video is designed to empower parents, caregivers, and educators with practical tips and clear guidance on how to support early literacy in everyday life. From building vocabulary through conversation to developing listening skills and fine motor control, these episodes will help you understand the foundational skills children need before they start reading independently.

Episode 1: What does it mean to be "Ready to Read?"
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Reading readiness is more than knowing the alphabet. In this episode, we explore what it really means for a child to be prepared to read—from listening skills and vocabulary to sound awareness and a love for stories. Learn how curiosity, conversation, and playful engagement with books lay the foundation for lifelong reading success, even before a child reads their first word.

Episode 2: Talking = Reading Prep
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Every conversation helps prepare a child to read. In this episode, we explore how everyday talk—during play, car rides, or daily routines—builds vocabulary, sentence understanding, and early literacy skills. Learn why talking, listening, and engaging with your child are powerful steps in the reading journey, long before a book is opened.

Episode 3: The Power of Phonological Awareness

​Phonological awareness is a key building block for reading. In this episode, we explore how playful activities like rhyming, syllable clapping, and sound matching help children tune into sounds and build the brain pathways needed for reading success. Sound play is powerful reading prep—made fun.

Episode 4: Letter Sounds come Before Letter Names

Letter sounds are more important than letter names when it comes to learning to read. In this episode, we explore why focusing on sounds helps children blend letters into words and build strong early reading skills. Learn simple ways to support reading readiness—one sound at a time.

Episode 5 : Rhyming Matters

​Rhyming is a powerful early literacy skill. In this episode, we explore how nursery rhymes and rhyming books help children hear sound patterns, build memory and listening skills, and develop the foundations for reading comprehension. Learn why sharing rhyming stories is both fun and brain-building for young readers.

Episode 6: Print Awareness: Words Have Meaning

Print awareness is a key step in learning to read. In this episode, we explore how understanding that words have meaning—and reading left to right—builds early literacy skills. Simple habits like pointing to words, exploring books, and noticing print in everyday life help children develop a strong foundation for reading.

Episode 7: Building Listening Skills
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Listening is an essential early literacy skill. In this episode, we explore how focusing, following directions, and enjoying storytime help children build attention and comprehension—key foundations for reading success. Simple activities like Simon Says or two-step directions make listening practice fun and effective.

Episode 8: Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are key to writing and reading readiness. In this episode, we explore how activities like coloring, playdough, and cutting help children build hand strength and coordination—skills that support letter recognition and early reading. Play truly makes learning hands-on and fun.

Episode 9: Stories Before Sounding Out

Children should fall in love with stories before learning to read. In this episode, we explore how being read to builds vocabulary, imagination, and listening skills. When reading is joyful and shared, children are naturally motivated to read on their own—sounding out words comes later.

Episode 10: What To Do If Your Child is Behind

​Every child develops reading skills at their own pace. In this episode, we explore how home routines like talking, reading, and playing build foundational skills, and why patience and consistent support matter most. If your child is behind, don’t worry—nurturing growth from where they are is a powerful place to start.