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 […]
Parents often wonder whether Dr. Seuss books help or hinder their children’s reading development. With their whimsical made-up words and playful language patterns, these beloved stories spark questions about their role in early literacy. Let’s explore the impact of these classic books on emerging readers and how to use them effectively as part of a […]
When you share a picture book with your child, you’re doing more than just reading a story—you’re actively shaping their emotional development. Regular exposure to picture books plays a crucial role in developing emotional literacy, the ability to understand, express, and manage emotions effectively. Story-Based Learning Recent neuroscience studies have uncovered fascinating insights into how […]
As parents, we often celebrate when our children show early signs of reading. After all, isn’t early reading a sign of academic success? While early reading can indeed be a positive milestone, sometimes it might signal a condition called hyperlexia—where exceptional word-reading abilities don’t match up with comprehension skills. If you’re wondering about your child’s […]
