When a child is learning to read, every tool in our literacy toolbox matters. Text readers, which convert written words into spoken language, have become increasingly popular in both homes and classrooms. But like any educational tool, they come with both benefits and limitations. As parents and teachers, understanding when and how to use text […]
Books open worlds of imagination, knowledge, and connection for all children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As a parent of a child with ASD, you may wonder how to support your little one’s reading journey in ways that honor their unique learning style while building essential literacy skills. The path may look different, […]
As parents, navigating educational standards can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as reading. Let’s break down the specific Common Core reading standards for Pre-K and early elementary students and explore practical activities that align with these standards to support your child’s reading journey. Key Common Core Reading Standards for Early […]
Imagine a child staring at a giant puzzle, eager to put the pieces together but unsure where to start. Now, picture handing them a guide that shows how each piece connects, turning confusion into clarity. That’s what concept maps offer our early readers—a visual way to organize new information and build connections that make reading […]
Have you ever noticed how some children seem to read in choppy, disconnected sentences while others flow smoothly from one idea to the next? That difference often comes down to understanding transitional phrases – those small but mighty connecting words that bridge ideas together. These seemingly minor language elements can actually be a major key […]
Have you ever wondered why some children thrive in their reading journey while others struggle despite access to seemingly quality resources? The answer might lie not in the child’s ability, but in the methodology behind the reading tools they’re using. Educators and parents face a bewildering array of reading platforms, apps, and resources—each promising to […]
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 […]
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 […]
