Everyone's favorite furry red monster is turning 3 1/2! In honor of the momentous occasion, we've compiled a list of our top 5 reasons kids (and their parents!) just can't get enough of the little guy. 1. He’s not afraid to try new things. Much like a toddler, Elmo spends his time … [Read more...]
Sabrina Grandhi Wants to Share her Love of Reading With Others
In high school, Sabrina Grandhi got involved with the Interact Club, a service organization at Centerville High School in Dayton, Ohio. When the club realized that students at nearby Eastmont Elementary School didn’t own a single book, Sabrina and the group decided on a book drive to get the … [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...]
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...]
Sticks and Stones: Books that Tackle Bullying
Bullying—it’s not just “kids being kids” anymore. The conversation and attitude surrounding schoolyard teasing, name-calling and intimidation has changed drastically in recent years. No longer viewed as an isolated problem or a coming-of-age inevitability, school boards, teachers and parents are … [Read more...]
Are You a Helicopter Parent?
You’ve probably heard of them: Helicopter Moms or Hover Parents. What is a Helicopter Parent? Parents who are extremely overprotective or who take an excessive interest in their kids’ lives by trying to "manage" all aspects of them might be considered Helicopter Parents. On the other hand, what … [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...]
5 Children’s Books That Teach Empathy
Empathy is a powerful emotion: it allows us to sympathize, share and relate to the experiences and emotions of those around us. For children, developing empathy is a key part of their emotional growth and socialization. It's something that should be fostered from a young age and what better way to … [Read more...]
Bedtime Stories: Well Read and Early to Bed
It’s amazing how incredibly intuitive children can be. A perfect example is bedtime. My kids always seem to sense the end of the night is approaching and suddenly become bereft with needs. Thirst, hunger, the desire for an extra-long bath, an urge to play with every toy in their bedroom—all of these … [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...]
Dr. Seuss Quotes Quiz: Who Said It?
Dr. Seuss quotes are a priceless blend of thought-provoking ideas and rib-tickling rhymes. His books are adored by generations of children and parents alike. Test your family's knowledge of Dr. Seuss quotes by by playing this guessing game, "Dr. Seuss Quotes Quiz: Who said it?" The more Dr. Seuss … [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...]
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...]