Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental

In this episode, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Daris McInnis, an educator with a unique journey from the military to early childhood teaching. Erin and Daris discuss the developmental milestones in K-2 writing, emphasizing the importance of handwriting, fine motor skills, and authentic writing experiences for young children. Daris explains concepts like invented and phonetic spelling, and offers practical advice for families to encourage writing at home, including bridging oral storytelling traditions with written expression. The conversation also touches on how parents can inspire a writing identity in their children, even if they don’t see themselves as writers. The episode concludes with Daris sharing how reading inspires him to ask questions and imagine new possibilities.