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...]
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...]
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 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...]
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Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? What Is My Child’s Learning Style? … [Read more...]
Write One Yourself
Ever been reading a picture book to one of your kids and thought to yourself, "Who wrote this garbage?" Ever walked the aisles of your local bookstore, stunned by the tonnage of tomes on the shelves, and thought, "I could do better than this." I haven't done an official survey, but I imagine … [Read more...]
Starting Sound of the Day
When you're out walking or driving with your child, why not use that time for a little phonemic fun? Pick a Starting Sound of the Day. For preschoolers and kindergartners, this can be a single letter, like the letter b. For first and second graders, this can be a consonant blend, like the letters … [Read more...]