When children begin their reading journey, they encounter two categories of letters: vowels and consonants. While vowels often receive special attention for their variable sounds, consonants form the reliable framework upon which reading skills are built. In fact, of the 26 letters in the English alphabet, 21 are consonants. These letters create the structure and […]
While phonics often takes center stage in early reading instruction, another powerful language system is equally important: morphology. Did you know that over 60% of unfamiliar words can be understood if students have strong morphological awareness? When a child encounters a word like “unhelpful,” understanding the meaning of “un-” and “-ful” immediately provides clues to […]
Did you know that a child who can recognize and produce rhyming words by age four is more likely to become a proficient reader by third grade? It might seem like a simple nursery game when your little one giggles at “cat” and “hat,” but what’s actually happening is profound brain development. Those playful rhymes […]
That patient voice guiding your child through their first letters. The gentle hands helping little fingers hold scissors correctly. The enthusiastic celebration when your kindergartner reads their first sentence. Early childhood educators shape our children’s foundational years with a dedication that often goes beyond the classroom walls. As Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025) approaches, […]
Have you ever watched a child’s eyes light up when they meet Ramona Quimby for the first time? Beverly Cleary, one of America’s most cherished children’s authors, created characters that generations of young readers have befriended during their journey to reading fluency. What makes Cleary’s works so special isn’t just their humor and relatability—it’s how […]
When your child begins to recognize the squiggly shapes that make up our alphabet, they take their first crucial steps toward literacy. Children’s knowledge of letter names and shapes is one of the strongest predictors of reading success. But did you know that understanding different letter formats—from the physical formation of alphabet letters to the […]
As we step into 2025, a whole bunch of captivating children’s books are set to hit the shelves, offering young readers a diverse range of adventures, lessons, and inspirations. Below is a curated list of recent or upcoming releases, complete with reading levels, summaries, and who they’re best for. Gracie’s Corner: Today Is Gonna Be […]
Did you know that the first Saturday in February marks Take Your Child to the Library Day? This special celebration gives you a chance to remember the incredible free resources public libraries offer to families. However, the magic of libraries isn’t limited to just one day—these literacy havens provide year-round opportunities to nurture your child’s […]
Reading scores have plummeted to their lowest point in three decades, leaving educators and parents scrambling for solutions. Whether you’re a teacher facing a classroom with wildly diverse reading abilities or a parent worried about your child falling behind, the current literacy crisis demands our attention and action. Recent findings from national assessments paint a […]
When you sit down to read with your child, you’re doing more than sharing a story — you’re actively shaping their brain development. Thanks to advances in neuroscience and brain imaging, we now understand exactly what happens in your child’s brain during storytime and why reading together is so powerful for literacy development. The Reading […]
