Celebrate Read Across America Day with Tips for Raising a Reader This is a big week for literacy! We celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday AND Read Across America Day on Wednesday March 2nd. The National Education Association declared March 2nd the first annual Read Across America day in 1998, and it has … [Read more...]
Elmo’s Birthday Printables
Today's the day to celebrate with Elmo! His 3 1/2 year birthday happens every year on February 3rd, and is the perfect occasion for coloring pages and activities! Just click on a picture to download the Elmo's birthday printables below. … [Read more...]
21 “Sense-ational” Ways of Teaching Early Reading Skills
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...]
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...]
Screen Time vs. “Me” Time
Here’s something I’ve realized about myself and parenting: Sometimes, I don’t wanna. Which, y’know, is an inconvenient feeling once you’re a parent, because you kinda lose the option. It's at those times a little voice in my head says I should plop the kids in front of a screen and let them "veg" … [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...]
How to Improve Your Child’s Attitude Toward Reading
Sometimes children are reluctant to make reading a part of their daily routine, whether it’s because of their frustration with learning new words or the fact that they’re far more tempted by cartoons on TV or games on an electronic device. As a parent, it can be easy to get frustrated, too, but it’s … [Read more...]
How to Judge a Just Right Book for Your Child
As easy as it is to buy a book based on the recommended ages listed on it, sometimes it may not be the most appropriate—not a just right book for your child. Your little one may struggle with the text, or maybe he or she will find the content a bit too challenging to grasp. To help you, we have … [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...]
The Adorable Stages of Learning to Read
This. Video. Cracks. Me. Up. Do you remember learning to read? For most of us, it comes after many years of exposure to books and being read to by our parents. When my kids were really little, I couldn't get enough of the deep belly-laughs that would erupt from them when I read the punchline of … [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...]