Promoting Language and Early Literacy Development Practical Insights from a Parent Researcher
Combining teaching experience, research findings, and first-hand parenting stories, this compelling and practical resource distills everything you need to know for a thorough understanding of language and early literacy development. Following the introductory chapter, each chapter focuses on a component of language and early literacy including oral language development, listening comprehension, vocabulary development, phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge and phonics instruction, handwriting and writing conventions, morphological awareness, digital literacy skills, and motivation for literacy.
Publications
- Beach, P., & Minuk, A. (in review). Preparing effective reading educators: Insights from a systematic review of teacher education practices. Journal of Teaching and Learning.
- Beach, P., Matheson, I., Liau D., & den Hartog, A. (forthcoming). Exploring pre-service teachers’ engagement with a visual model of reading development: Insights from an eye-tracking study.Current Issues in Education.
- Beach, P. (October 2024). Promoting Language and Early Literacy Development: Practical Insights from a Parent Researcher. Routledge—Taylor and Francis Group. https://www.routledge.com/Promoting-Language-and-Early-Literacy-Development-Practical-Insights-from-a-Parent-Researcher/Beach/p/book/9781032688541
- Beach, P. (2026). Fostering children’s rights to literacy through the Reggio Emilia approach. In M. Macy, E. Ring, & A. Landini (Eds.), Realizing children’s rights in a global context: Glocalization of the Reggio Emilia approach experience (pp. 89-110). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-3431-8.ch004Beach, P., & *Crump, H. (2026). Bridging the summer gap: A literature review on summer reading programs and their impact on elementary literacy. Reading Research Quarterly. E70092. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.70092
- Georgiou, G.K., Peyton, A.R., Antoniuk, A., Beach, P., Fraser, A., Kirby, J., Klein, P., Li, G., Metsala, J., Mousavi, A., Nickel, J., Savage, R., & Joshi, R. (2025). Pre-service teachers’ knowledge of language and literacy concepts: The skeleton in Canada’s closet? Annals of Dyslexia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-025-00351-0
- Beach, P., Matheson, I., Liao, D., & den Hartog, A. (2025). The influence of a summer reading program on students’ reading skills: A longitudinal study. Reading Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/02702711.2025.2566030
- Beach, P. (2025). Research on early literacy in Reggio and Montessori classrooms: A scoping review. Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 25(3), 694-722. https://doi.org/10.1177/14687984231186090
- Ahn, C., Beach, P., & Minuk, A. (2025). Elementary teacher candidates’ perceptions of and experiences with media literacy instruction. Literacy and Learning, 27, 234-252. https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/langandlit/index.php/langandlit/article/view/29672
- Beach, P. (2024). Literacy in Montessori schools: Perspectives from Canada, Mexico, and Italy. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-024-01821-7
- Minuk, A., Beach, P., & Favret, E. (2023). Evaluating online environments for elementary teachers’ literacy-oriented professional learning. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 69(1), 118–140. https://doi.org/10.11575/ajer.v69i1.75743
- Beach, P., Favret, E., & Minuk, A. (2022). Teachers’ self-directed online learning strategies and experiences: A longitudinal study. Online Learning Journal, 26(4), 1-25.https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/article/view/3441
- Minuk, A., Beach, P., & Favret, E. (2022). Self-directed online learning and special education teacher professional development: A case study. International Journal of Innovations in Online Education, 6(1). https://onlineinnovationsjournal.com/download/788dc1624fbed7ac.pdf
- Beach, P., Favret, E., Minuk, A., & Martinussen, R. (2022). Canadian teachers’ perceptions of online professional development. Journal of Educators Online. https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2022.19.3.6
- Beach, P., Minuk, A., & Favret, E. (2021). Online teacher professional development in Canada: A review of the literature. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 47(2). https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt27948
- McConnel, J., & Beach, P. (2021). “I’m not the only writer in the room”: A framework for confident writing classrooms. Language and Literacy, 23(3), 66-84. https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29517
- Beach, P., Favret, E., & Minuk, A. (2021). Exploring teachers’ cognitive processes and web-based actions during a series of self-directed online learning sessions. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education. http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/1191
- Bolden, B., & Beach, P. (2021). Integrating music and literacy: Applying music concepts to support prosody and reading fluency. General Music Today, 3(2), 5-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/1048371320926603
- Beach, P. (2020). Planning for literacy instruction: An evaluation of online resources used by preservice teachers. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (English). https://citejournal.org/volume-20/issue-3-20/english-language-arts/planning-for-literacy-instruction-an-evaluation-of-online-resources-used-by-preservice-teachers/
- Beach, P., Henderson, G., & McConnel, J. (2020). Elementary teachers’ cognitive processes and metacognitive strategies during self-directed online learning. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 26(5-6), 395-413. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13540602.2020.1863206
- McConnel, J., & Beach, P. (2020). Co-creating confident writing classrooms: A framework for teachers. Writers Who Care. https://writerswhocare.wordpress.com/2020/10/26/co-creating-confident-writing-classrooms-a-framework-for-teachers/
- Hagerman, M., Beach, P., Cotnam Kappel, M., & Hébert, C. (2020). Multiple perspectives on digital literacies methods in Canada. Special Issue on Teacher Education, International Journal of E-Learning and Distance Education, 35(1), http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/1159.
- Beach, P., McConnel, J., & Mendes, B. (2020). Unpacking the code: Exploring teachers’ professional development in reading.Proceedings of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education Conference, Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies. https://jcacs.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/jcacs/article/view/40480
- Beach, P., Kirby, J., McDonald, P., & McConnel, J. (2019). How do elementary teachers study and learn from a multimedia model of reading development? An exploratory eye-tracking study. Canadian Journal of Education, 42(4), 1022-1058. https://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/3919
- Cleovoulou, Y., & Beach, P. (2019). Teaching critical literacy in inquiry-based classrooms: Teachers’ understanding of practice and pedagogy. Teaching and Teacher Education, 83, 188-198. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0742051X17319868
- Beach, P., & Bolden, B. (2019). Word painting: A creative way to enhance vocabulary. The Reading Teacher, 72(6), 750-754. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1780
- Beach, P., & McConnel, J. (2019). Eye tracking methodology for studying teacher learning: A review of the research. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 42(5), 485-501. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1743727X.2018.1496415
- Beach, P., & Bolden, B. (2018). Music education meets critical literacy: A framework for guiding music listening. Music Educators Journal, 105(2), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.1177/0027432118808580
- Beach, P., McDonald, P., McConnel, J., & Kirby, J. (2018). Investigating how teachers interact with a visual model of reading development: An eye‐tracking study. Journal of Eye Movement Research, 5(11), 21. https://doi.org/10.16910/jemr.11.5
- Beach, P., Martinussen, R., Poliszczuk, D., & Willows, D. (2018). A window into the classroom: Examining the use of virtual classrooms in teacher education. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 18(3), 578-600. https://citejournal.org/volume-18/issue-3-18/current-practice/a-window-into-the-classroom-examining-the-use-of-virtual-classrooms-in-teacher-education/
- Beach, P. (2018). Examining elementary teachers’ use of online learning environments: An exploratory study. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 50(1), 34-47.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2017.1383216
- Beach, P. (2017). Self-directed online learning: A theoretical model for understanding elementary teachers’ online learning experiences. Teaching and Teacher Education, 61, 60-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.10.007
- Beach, P., & Willows, D. (2017). Understanding teachers’ cognitive processes during online professional learning: A methodological comparison. Online Learning, 21(1), 60-84. http://dx.doi.org/10.24059/olj.v21i1.949
- Beach, P., & Cleovoulou, Y. (2014). An inquiry-based approach to critical literacy: Pedagogical nuances of a second grade classroom. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 60(1), 161-181. https://ajer.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/ajer/article/view/1267/1151
- Beach, P., & Willows, D. (2014). Investigating teachers’ exploration of a professional development website: An innovative approach to understanding the factors that motivate teachers to use Internet-based resources. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 40(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.21432/T2RP47
- Beach, P. (2014). Virtual classroom visits in teacher education: An innovative and motivating approach to teaching and learning. In G. Sheppard (Ed.), Creating circles of hope in teacher education (pp. 52-61). Sudbury, Laurentian E-Press. https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/bitstream/10219/2185/3/circles%20of%20hope%20e-book.pdf
- Beach, P. (2012). Virtual classroom tours as an interactive online professional resource for elementary teachers and administrators. In S. Van Nuland & J. Greenlaw (Eds.), Social media and teacher learning (pp. 3-14). Oshawa, Ontario: UOIT E Press. https://shared.uoit.ca/shared/faculty/fed/documents/Social_Media_and_Teacher_Learning.pdf
Presentations
- Beach, P., Matheson, I., Liao, D., den Hartog, A. (July, 2026). The influence of a summer reading program on students’ reading skills and teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching reading: A longitudinal study. Society for the Scientific Study of Reading, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
- Scholle-Cotton, L., Holden, M., Chahine, S., & Beach, P. (May, 2026). Preservice teachers’ use of GenAI in teaching and learning. Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Beach, P., Matheson, I., Liao, D., & den Hartog, A. (July, 2025). How do pre-service teachers study and learn from The Reading Rope: An exploratory eye-tracking study. Society for the Scientific Study of Reading, Calgary, Canada.
- Beach, P., & Minuk, A. (June, 2025). How are initial teacher education programs supporting pre-service teachers’ learning about reading development and instruction? Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Toronto, Ontario.
- den Hartog, A., & Beach, P. (June, 2025). Exploring strategies homeschooling parents use to engage children with text during shared reading. Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Toronto, Ontario.
- Beach, P., Ogden, H., & Chin, J. (April, 2025). Teachers’ perceptions and practices of multiliteracies: A multiple case study. World Literacy Summit, Oxford, England.
- Beach, P. (June, 2024). Literacy perspectives and practices: Patterns across three countries. Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Montreal, Quebec.
- Beach, P. (April, 2024). Literacy in Montessori schools: Perspectives from Canada, Mexico, and Italy. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Ahn, C., Beach, P., Schwass, C., Hamilton, E., & Minuk, A. (May, 2023). Media literacy in the elementary classroom: Teacher candidates’ perceptions and experiences. Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Toronto, Ontario.
- Ahn, C., Schwass, C., Hamilton, E., & Beach, P. (May, 2022). Developing the foundations for media literacy in elementary classrooms. Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Virtual Meeting.
- Minuk, A., Beach, P., & Favret, E. (May, 2022). What’s in a website? An evaluation of literacy-oriented websites used by practicing elementary teachers. Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Virtual Meeting.
- Beach, P., Favret, E., Minuk, A., & Martinussen, R. (April, 2022). Teachers’ self-directed online learning strategies and experiences: A longitudinal study. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, San Diego, California.
- Beach, P., McDonald, P., & Martinussen, R. (April, 2022). Examining user characteristics and online behavioral patterns: A web analytics study. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, San Diego, California.
- Beach, P., Favret, E., Minuk, A., & Martinussen, R. (June, 2021). Canadian teachers’ perceptions of online professional development. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Virtual Meeting.
- *Minuk, A., Beach, P., & Favret, E. (June, 2021). Using time-sampling to analyze and understand teachers’ self-directed online learning: A case study. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Virtual Meeting.
- Favret, E., Beach, P., & Minuk, A. (June, 2021). A case study of a teacher’s thought processes during self-directed online learning: The benefits and challenges of the virtual revisit think aloud.Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Virtual Meeting.
- Beach, P., Minuk, A., & Favret, E. (April, 2021). Exploring teachers’ thought processes and web-based actions during a series of self-directed online learning sessions. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Virtual Meeting.
- Cleovoulou, Y., & Beach, P. (October, 2020). An inquiry-based approach to critical literacy: Lessons from early elementary educators. International Literacy Association Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio. (Cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Beach, P., McConnel, J., & Mendes, B. (July, 2020). Examining the transformative power of professional learning on teachers’ perceptions of reading development, disabilities, and instruction: An exploratory study. Annual Conference of the Society of Scientific Studies of Reading, Newport Beach, California. (Cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Beach, P., McConnel, J., & Mendes, B. (June, 2020). Unpacking the code: Exploring teachers’ professional development in reading. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, London, Ontario. (Cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Schira Hagerman, M., Beach, P., Cotnam-Kappel, M., & Hébert, C. (June, 2020). Technologies, literacies and education: Multiple perspectives on methods. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, London, Ontario. (Cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Beach, P., & Harrison, J. (April, 2020). A multi-sensory structured language course for primary teachers: A look at teacher education and professional learning. The Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, Toronto, Ontario. (Cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Beach, P., McConnel, J., & Henderson, G. (April, 2020). Elementary teachers’ cognitive processes and metacognitive strategies during self-directed online learning. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, California. (Cancelled due to COVID-19).
- Beach, P., Kirby, J., McDonald, P., & McConnel, J. (July, 2019). Examining how teachers study a multimedia model of reading development: Do eye movement patterns affect what teachers learn? Annual Conference of the Society of Scientific Studies of Reading, Toronto, Ontario.
- Beach, P., Henderson, G., & McConnel, J. (June, 2019). Examining elementary teachers’ learning experiences as they use the Canadian Financial Literacy Database. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Beach, P. (April, 2019). Planning for literacy instruction: An evaluation of online resources used by preservice teachers. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Toronto, Ontario.
- Beach, P., McDonald, P., Kirby, & McConnel, J. (August, 2018). Investigating how teachers interact with a visual model of reading development: An eye-tracking study. Scandinavian Workshop on Applied Eye Tracking, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
- Beach., P., & Willows, D. (July, 2018). Virtual classroom tours in literacy education coursework: Bridging the gap between coursework and field experiences. International Literacy Association Annual Conference, Austin, Texas.
- Beach, P., & Mietzger, C. (May, 2018). Self-directed online learning and literacy instruction: Pre-service teachers’ self-perceptions. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Regina Saskatchewan.
- Cleovoulou, Y., & Beach, P. (May, 2018). Critical literacy in inquiry-based classrooms: Teachers’ practices and pedagogies. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Regina, Saskatchewan.
- Beach, P., & Willows, D. (April, 2018). Self-directed online learners’ use of a professional development website: The power of web analytics. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, New York, New York.
- Beach, P., & Martinussen, R. (May, 2017). A window into the classroom: Examining the use of virtual classrooms in teacher education. Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Toronto, Ontario.
