What’s the most important trait you’d like to develop in your child? If you’re like most parents, intelligence is probably at the top of your list. We all want bright, smart children, which is why we spend so much time choosing the right schools and making sure teachers are exceeding expectations. … [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...]
Best Books for 6-Year-Olds
Your 6-year-old might already feel confident reading on her own—or she might still be putting the pieces together. No matter where she is on her reading journey, she will still greatly enjoy and learn from the time you spend reading to her. This list of Best Books for 6-Year-Olds is a fun way to … [Read more...]
Best Books for 5-Year-Olds
Your child is starting on the journey toward reading independently, but this is a more important time than ever to keep reading books out loud to him. Here’s why: Kids this age still enjoy beautiful picture books, but they can also focus on and enjoy chapter books. Their listening … [Read more...]
The Best Read-Aloud Books for Kids 4-7
What was the last book you read that was so good you couldn't put it down? If you're anything like me, you stayed up until the wee hours just to finish the next chapter—and then walked around like a zombie the next day. You just couldn't wait to find out what happens next. It's no different for … [Read more...]
How Not to Go Insane When Rereading Your Child’s Favorite Book
We've all been there. It's reading time. To your horror, your child reaches for the shelf, then walks your way waving the same book you read to her the night before. And the night before that. And, well, come to think of it, ten minutes ago. "Read." You stall for time. "Say it … [Read more...]
Stuck for a Good Story?
We're very excited to welcome children's author Dan Elish to the Hooked on Phonics blog. In addition to writing the Broadway show 13, Dan has written for children's television and is the author of several young adult novels, including The Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks and Confessions of an 8th … [Read more...]
Great Books to Read Aloud
Looking for some good books to read aloud to your child? Here are a few to get you started. Miss Spider's Tea Party, by David Kirk. Whenever my daughter lets me choose bedtime books, I reach for this lovely book. The art is gorgeous, and the verse flows off the tongue with rhymes like: Her … [Read more...]
The Read-Aloud Handbook
Long before I became a parent, I read The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. It planted a little seed about the importance of reading aloud that has influenced my parenting since my daughter was born. Oops! scratch that, since before my daughter was born. I read her Harry Potter in utero to help … [Read more...]
5 Easy Tips for Reading Aloud
Reading to your kids is one of the best gifts you can give them. Not only is it a great way to bond, but you're also preparing child to read on his own. It takes a while to get used to reading aloud. It was a good year after my daughter was born before I felt like I was getting good at it. But … [Read more...]