When most adults think about Dav Pilkey’s books, they probably picture giggling children and eye-rolling parents wondering about all that bathroom humor. But here’s a delightful secret: behind the silly jokes and cartoon illustrations lies one of the most brilliant approaches to children’s literature in recent decades. Pilkey has mastered the art of sneaking sophisticated […]
What if you could help your child understand plot, sequence, and story structure using something as simple as painted rocks? Picture rocks, stones decorated with images that tell stories or represent story elements, offer a hands-on way to develop crucial reading comprehension skills. This tactile approach to storytelling helps young learners grasp narrative concepts that […]
Picture a beautifully braided rope, each strand essential to its strength and purpose. Now, imagine that rope represents everything your child needs to become a skilled reader. This powerful visual, created by Dr. Hollis Scarborough in the early 1990s, has become one of the most influential tools for understanding reading development. But how does this […]
“Mom, can we read the scary book tonight?” If you’ve heard this plea from your young reader, you’ve discovered the magnetic power of R.L. Stine’s storytelling. While your child might not be ready to tackle Goosebumps independently, these beloved books offer incredible opportunities as read-aloud goals and vocabulary builders. Let’s explore how to harness the […]
Here’s a beautiful truth: when teachers and parents work as a team, magic happens for young readers. Let’s explore how to make parent-teacher conferences productive, supportive, and focused on helping every child succeed. Why Reading Conversations Matter So Much Reading forms the foundation for all academic learning, making it one of the most important topics […]
For decades, American classrooms have been shaped by different philosophies about how children learn to read. Several prominent approaches have contributed to the conversation. Two of those are Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study (often called balanced literacy) and the Science of Reading. Understanding these approaches can help teachers make informed decisions about supporting their readers. […]
When we think of Lois Lowry, our minds often jump to her profound middle-grade and young adult classics like “The Giver” or “Number the Stars.” Yet this celebrated author’s rich storytelling tradition can begin much earlier in a child’s reading journey. While her most famous works might wait for later years, Lowry’s engaging style, memorable […]
For many children, learning to read flows naturally from exposure to books, letters, and sounds. But for others, the path to literacy is filled with unexpected challenges and frustrations. If you’re a parent watching your child struggle despite their intelligence and effort, you know how heartbreaking this journey can be. The good news? Learning disabilities […]
In a world where screens dominate children’s attention, there’s something wonderfully special about the arrival of a physical magazine addressed specifically to your child. That moment when the mailbox reveals a colorful publication filled with stories, activities, and discoveries creates an excitement that digital notifications simply can’t match. Kids’ magazines offer a unique blend of […]
Imagine watching your child open a book and read confidently, without stumbling over every other word. That magical moment when reading transforms from a laborious process to a flowing, enjoyable activity is often built on a foundation of high frequency words. These seemingly ordinary little words—think “the,” “and,” “is,” “of”—are actually reading superheroes in disguise! […]
