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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Catina Taylor, founder and CEO of Dreams KC, a nonprofit focused on empowering parents to become active partners in their children’s literacy journey. A former law student turned educator and advocate, Catina shares her powerful story of returning to Kansas City classrooms and realizing the urgent need to address literacy gaps. She explains how her organization equips families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support reading at home, challenging myths like “reading to your child will teach them to read” and addressing barriers such as time, resources, and adult literacy struggles.
Catina also highlights how she makes literacy engaging for families—using decodable texts, gamified activities, rap, and spoken word to build phonological awareness and confidence. She emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive materials, safe spaces for parents to learn, and fostering true partnerships between schools and families. From her belief that “literacy is liberation” to her call for educators and communities to get comfortable being uncomfortable, Catina offers both inspiration and practical strategies for breaking generational cycles and helping every child become a confident, competent reader.
Key Moments
06:08 Law Grad Turned Literacy Advocate
09:20 "Adapting Education to Parents' Needs"
13:12 Modernizing Phonological Learning 2025
15:58 Making Learning Fun & Motivating
18:26 Creating Engaging Decodable Books
21:37 Addressing Adolescent Literacy Challenges
24:47 Welcoming Educational Environments for Parents
27:24 Addressing Parents' Social-Emotional Biases
31:56 Success Formula: Will Over Resources
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you believe that parents are key partners in literacy, this episode will inspire and energize you. Catina Taylor combines personal experience, deep expertise, and community-driven innovation to show how families can break generational cycles and build confident, competent readers. You’ll leave with practical strategies for engaging parents, fresh ideas for making literacy fun, and a renewed conviction that every child—and every adult—can become a stronger reader when given the right support.
Connect with Catina Taylor:
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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/- Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
- Company Website: https://mindplay.com/
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