Your five-year-old insists they can’t read yet. Then you catch them “reading” their Spider-Man action figure packaging for the third time, narrating an entire adventure complete with sound effects. Your second grader claims books are boring, but they’ve memorized every detail about the Avengers from movie posters and cereal boxes. This could be a super […]
Your preschooler belts out “Let It Go” perfectly, but insists they can’t read their name. Your kindergartener knows every character in Encanto but freezes when faced with a simple sentence. Sound familiar? Here’s a secret weapon hiding in plain sight: the characters your child already adores can become their reading teachers. Disney books aren’t just […]
Movie and TV tie-in books aren’t inferior reading materials or shortcuts that undermine literacy development. They’re legitimate tools that parents can use strategically to build reading skills. The key isn’t whether to use them. It’s how to use them well. Why Screen Characters Belong in Reading Development Beginning readers face an enormous cognitive challenge. They […]
Your child, who refuses to sit still during storytime, suddenly becomes captivated when they hear that their favorite actor is reading a book online. Or your reluctant reader perks up at the mention that a YouTube star they follow has a reading channel. This is the power of celebrity and influencer reading initiatives. They use […]
You’re sitting in a waiting room singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” with your toddler for what feels like the hundredth time this week. Or perhaps you’re making exaggerated animal sounds during a diaper change while your baby giggles. These moments might feel repetitive or even silly, but here’s what you might not realize: you’re building […]
Your kindergartener is confidently sounding out words, blending individual letter sounds like a champion. Then they encounter the word “shop” and carefully pronounce it as “s-h-o-p,” creating a sound that’s definitely not a real word. You gently correct them: “It’s ‘shop,’ with the /sh/ sound at the beginning.” They look confused. “But there are two […]
Distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Grandparents across the country are discovering that video call reading sessions create powerful bonds with grandchildren they can’t see in person every day. The right books turn screen time into story time, building literacy skills while strengthening family relationships. Reading together over video requires books with specific qualities. Repetitive […]
The moment a child picks up their first chapter book marks a significant milestone. They’re leaving behind the safety of picture books and entering the world of longer narratives, fewer illustrations, and sustained reading. This transition deserves celebration, and the right book makes all the difference. First chapter books bridge the gap between picture books […]
The holiday season brings families together around traditions, warmth, and celebration. For many families, these traditions focus on winter wonder, acts of kindness, and quality time together rather than specific religious observances. Finding books that capture the magic of December without religious content can feel challenging, but it shouldn’t be. These books celebrate everything excellent […]
Your child sits down to read, and within minutes, they’re fidgeting, losing their place, and complaining that the words are “moving around.” You might think they’re just not focusing, but what if their eyes literally can’t follow the text the way they should? Visual tracking problems are real, measurable conditions that affect how children learn […]
