Word hunts combine the thrill of a scavenger hunt with powerful literacy practice, creating an engaging way for readers to build essential skills. These activities tap into children’s natural love for games while secretly reinforcing key reading concepts. For parents watching their child struggle with early reading, word hunts offer a refreshing approach that feels […]
Writing is a foundational skill that many of us take for granted. For some children, however, the seemingly simple act of putting pencil to paper becomes an obstacle course of frustration and difficulty. If you’ve noticed your child or student struggling with handwriting despite adequate intelligence and effort, dysgraphia might be the underlying cause. What […]
There’s something magical about watching a young child connect with a beloved book series. Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama books have captivated children and parents alike with their relatable themes, rhythmic language, and expressive illustrations. These charming stories not only entertain but also serve as powerful tools for building early literacy skills. Why Anna Dewdney’s Llama […]
Each child’s brain processes information differently. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) embraces this diversity, offering a revolutionary framework that can transform how we teach reading to young children. What Is Universal Design for Learning? Universal Design for Learning is an evidence-based educational framework that optimizes teaching and learning for all students. Rather than forcing children […]
Understanding developmentally appropriate practices can transform how you support your child’s reading journey, replacing anxiety with confidence and frustration with joy. Let’s explore how to nurture your young reader in ways that honor their individual development while setting them up for literacy success. What Are Developmentally Appropriate Reading Practices? Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is an […]
When young readers encounter words like”butterfly” or “elephant” for the first time, many freeze in their tracks. These longer, three-syllable words can look like insurmountable mountains to children who have only mastered simple one-syllable words. But with the right approach based on the science of reading and explicit phonics instruction, these seemingly complex words become […]
Kate DiCamillo has captured the hearts of young readers and their parents for over two decades. From her debut novel Because of Winn-Dixie, to her recent works like The Hotel Balzaar, DiCamillo combines compelling characters, meaningful themes, and carefully crafted prose that make her books ideal companions for children developing their reading skills. Who Is […]
Imagine your child holding a book, their eyes lighting up as they successfully sound out their first word independently. That magical moment is often the result of effective phonics instruction, the cornerstone of early reading development. For parents watching their little ones struggle with reading, understanding what phonics is and how it works can be […]
Isn’t it amazing to watch a child’s eyes light up when they not only read words correctly but also grasp the full meaning of what they’re reading? This reading milestone occurs when children master sentence comprehension – the magical moment when individual words transform into connected ideas. While helping children decode individual words creates an […]
Reading comprehension—the ability to understand, process, and connect with text—forms the cornerstone of successful reading. While many parents focus heavily on helping their child sound out words, true reading mastery happens when those decoded words transform into meaningful understanding. For children struggling with early reading skills, developing strong comprehension abilities can make the difference between […]
