We know that teaching early reading skills using methods that utilize the senses—not just by looking at printed words on a page—is very effective. The good news is that you can do this easily at home. Added bonus: it’s fun, too! Hands-On (Kinesthetic) This active approach helps engage your … [Read more...]
The Best Ways to Handle Separation Anxiety
Tearing yourself away from a screaming, distraught child is so tough. The vast majority of kids struggle with separation anxiety when faced with leaving their parents and caregivers at some point in their lives. They will eventually grow out of it—but that doesn’t make things any easier when you’re … [Read more...]
Help Your Child Focus: Decreasing Hyperactivity and Distraction
Our modern, busy lifestyles often lead to an unintended consequence for our kids. Rushing from one activity to another, grabbing less-than-nutritious meals along the way, and spending lots of time on screens and not enough on exercise and sleep can all quickly add up to kids who are scattered, … [Read more...]
How Screen Time is Affecting Your Child, and What to Do About It
Kids are drawn to screens—whether TV, tablet, phone, or computer—like moths to a flame. And it would be tough to find a parent who hasn’t handed over a screen of some sort to keep their child occupied. Like most things in life, a little is fine; but if your child is spending a chunk of time each day … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading Aloud to a First Grader
The emotional rewards of reading aloud to your 6-year-old are many--for both you and your child. Kids this age typically can read on their own. Most are proud to show off their newly acquired skills to an appreciative audience of parents, siblings, and grandparents. Taking turns reading aloud can … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading Aloud to Your Second Grader
For many kids, second grade brings the excitement and challenge of reading books with fewer pictures and more words--chapter books. Kids also spend more time learning about their world through non-fiction books. But that doesn't mean that the emotional rewards of reading aloud to your 7-year-old … [Read more...]
Emotional Benefits of Reading Aloud to Your Third Grader
Although most third graders can read independently, the emotional benefits of reading aloud continue to be important. Reading aloud to kids 8 years (and older!) helps keep the lines of communication open between you and your child, which is so crucial to bonding--especially as your child approaches … [Read more...]
Prenatal Reading: The Emotional Rewards
Have you ever thought about the emotional benefits you can receive from taking a minute out of your day to sit down and read aloud to your "baby bump"? It might sound silly, but there are many reasons to try it. Emotional Benefits Reading gives you an excuse to put your feet up—a welcome … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading to Your Child: 5 Years Old
As your 5-year-old is most likely thinking about starting school, reading can be an emotionally rewarding way to reconnect for both parent and child: As your child starts school, she will be exposed to reading in a more academic way. But keeping it personal and fun at home is important. In … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading to a Preschooler
At 4, your child is mostly likely beginning to recognize letters and their sounds. If you want to foster the emotional rewards of reading in your child, be sure your child has access to a home library of books that you read together. It helps children start to view themselves as readers, which … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading to Your Baby
Congratulations! You and your baby have made it through the first year of late-night feedings and sleepless nights. At 1, your baby is much more aware of the world around him, and the emotional rewards of reading to your baby have evolved. Reading books can continue to be a treasured part of your … [Read more...]
Emotional Benefits of Reading Aloud: Age 3
All those years of reading to your child as a baby and toddler should be really paying off! At 3, you may start to notice that the emotional benefits of reading aloud are beginning to change with your child's development. Reading aloud together not only help your child grow to love reading, but it … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading Aloud: 2 Years Old
Your child is now two—or as some have referred to it: the "terrible twos." But don't despair! As with every stage in child development, each offers something exciting and new. And (just like your little one) each stage can be wonderful and amazing in its own way. The emotional rewards of reading … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading to Your Baby: 6—12 Months
As your baby goes from being stationary to becoming more mobile and alert, reading aloud offers significant emotional benefits to your child. Reading gives your little crawler, cruiser, or walker an excuse to rest and cuddle at different points in the day. This can help your child come to regard … [Read more...]
Emotional Rewards of Reading to Your Baby from Birth
Reading to your baby right from birth can have profound emotional benefits for your little one. And it's never too early to start. Babies thrive on routine and habit. It’s a perfect time to introduce reading as a habitual activity. Helps associate stories with bedtime or naptime, so sharing a … [Read more...]