Parent Talks and Workshops
Helping K–3 parents raise confident, connected readers
If you're looking for a speaker for your next parent event, here's what families can expect.
Joyful Reader presentations give parents practical, research-informed strategies to support children who struggle with reading and to help emerging readers build strong habits from the start.
Parents leave with simple tools they can begin using right away at home.
Speaking Topics and Workshops
Joyful Reader talks are designed to meet families where they are, offering practical tools parents can use immediately.
Anna’s talks draw on over a decade of Montessori classroom experience, Science of Reading research, and real-world parenting.
No matter the topic, parents leave with clear, realistic action steps to help their child become a confident, connected reader.
Popular Speaking Topics
From Reluctant Reader to Confident Reader
Phonics 101: A Guide for Parents
ADHD-Friendly Reading Strategies at Home
Books Kids Actually Want to Read
Preventing the Summer Reading Slide
The 10+10 Method: Building a Daily Reading Habit
Talks can also be tailored to the needs or goals of the hosting organization. Examples might include:
Back-to-School Reading Habits
Supporting Struggling Readers at Home
Keeping Reading Joyful During School Breaks
Starting Strong: Building a Reading Habit Before Struggles Begin
Talk and Workshop Formats
Pilot Year for Community Partners
Joyful Reader parent talks and workshops are currently being offered free of charge for the 2025–2026 school year as part of a pilot year supporting local schools, libraries, and community organizations.
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, standard speaking rates will apply.
If your organization is interested in hosting a parent event during the pilot year, I would love to connect.
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A short, engaging presentation perfect for PTAs, YMCA programs, and library events.
Easily fits into existing event schedules, while giving parents a few practical strategies they can begin using right away.
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A focused talk that allows time to explore key ideas and practical strategies while still fitting comfortably into most parent education events.
This format offers the best balance of depth, practicality, and time for audience questions.
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A deeper, more interactive experience for groups who want to explore strategies in greater depth.
Workshops may include guided role-play, hands-on activities, and opportunities to practice new approaches so parents leave feeling confident applying them at home.
“Anna’s Joyful Reader presentation was engaging, practical, and incredibly helpful for our families. Parents left with simple strategies they could start using right away to support their child’s reading at home.” (Dec. 2025)
Amy Deter
Executive Director of YMCA Youth Services