Reading the same books you read as a child can bring you back to your own childhood. Here are some of my favorites that I just had to share with my preschooler. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey Set in a small town in Maine, this is the story is of a little girl Sal and her mother as they … [Read more...]
May Is Get Caught Reading Month
Did you know, May happens to be Get Caught Reading Month? Get Caught Reading is a campaign sponsored by The Association of American Publishers (AAP) to promote literacy nationwide, with a special focus on children's literacy: Because of research indicating that early language experience actually … [Read more...]
How often do you read to your kids?
Learn what education experts recommend. List of Polls Next Poll … [Read more...]
Celebrate Read Across America Day: Printable ‘Tips for Raising a Reader’
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...]
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...]
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 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...]
Favorite Books from Childhood: Toddler to Third Grader
I'll bet you had a list of favorite books when you were a child. Maybe it was a book that spirited you away to new worlds or introduced you to a character you admired. Maybe you loved the sound of an adult reading to you as you got ready for bed. Perhaps it was the discovery that the words strung … [Read more...]
5 Favorite Third-Grade Books from My Childhood
As a third grader, I remember curling up in a window seat to read. As I became more proficient, more books became accessible for me to read on my own. Here are some of favorite books that I just had to share with my own kids. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell Narrated by a horse, Black Beauty tells of … [Read more...]
6 Favorite First-Grade Books from My Childhood
Reading to your first grader is great fun! For this age, there are chapter books and ongoing series that keeps kids asking for more. Here are some of my childhood favorites. Thank you, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish Amelia Bedelia is the housekeeper for Mr. and Mrs. Roger, who gets everything … [Read more...]
5 Favorite Second-Grade Books from My Childhood
I loved to read as a child and I loved being read to. While there are wonderful new children's books being published all the time, here are some favorite second-grade books from my childhood that I had to share with my own children. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Mary Lennox is a … [Read more...]
Using Facial Expressions in Reading to Help Your Child Learn About Emotions
Reading out loud to your child should be fun for both of you! The more personality and drama you can put into your reading, the more entertaining it will be—and the more your child can learn. This is especially true in helping your child learn about emotions. You can help your child develop in this … [Read more...]
Take Our Survey
Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? What Is My Child’s Learning Style? … [Read more...]
Bonding Time: Creating a Cozy Reading Nook Checklist
You don’t need every item on this checklist to create a cozy reading nook for you and your child, but the key ingredients are here! Choose a good space. A corner away from the action is best for any reading nook. Good lighting is key! A window is great, but lights your child can turn on and off … [Read more...]