Enhancing Kindergarten Reading Readiness Within the Science Classroom

Presented by Dr. Erin Bailey, Former Educator, Current Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research, Reading Is Fundamental Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. Did you know that reading readiness begins long before a child enters kindergarten? Today’s kindergarten classrooms are welcoming a unique generation of learners: those born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research shows that many students are entering school with weaker early literacy skills than children did just five years ago. As schools work to address these evolving needs, every learning opportunity matters. In this edWebinar, former reading specialist and literacy expert Dr. Erin Bailey will explore how science instruction can become a powerful vehicle for building the language and literacy foundations that support future reading achievement. Attendees will discover how meaningful science experiences help students develop background knowledge, academic vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension skills that are essential for reading success. Join us to learn how intentional science instruction can help address literacy gaps, strengthen language development, and build the foundational knowledge students need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-12 school leaders, district leaders, science supervisors and coordinators, and any administrators involved in science or curricula. Erin Bailey, Ed.D., is the Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), joining the organization in 2021. Dr. Bailey specializes in curriculum and instructional development, guiding the creation and curation of high-quality, research-based literacy content for educators, families, and PreK–middle-school students nationwide. She leads efforts to foster reading joy while ensuring alignment with best instructional practices and actively designs professional learning experiences that empower educators and support classroom success. With teaching experience in both U.S. and international settings across PreK–8, Dr. Bailey has served as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, English language learning specialist, and university instructor. Her research explores family and community engagement, strategies for multilingual learners, and play-based literacy instruction. An interdisciplinary scholar, Dr. Bailey investigates learning in informal environments and leverages art-based qualitative inquiry. She has presented at major conferences and published in leading academic journals. Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. Join the STEM Learning community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. From its beginnings in 1927, Carolina® Science has grown to become the leading supplier of science teaching materials in the world, p