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 […]
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 […]
In many classrooms, every child is expected to climb the same reading ladder at the same pace, using the same tools. But not all students start from the same place. Some ascend with ease, while others struggle to reach the first rung or get stuck halfway. Differentiation in reading instruction offers a better way forward, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Walk into any classroom, and you’ll see it immediately: every student is unique. Some are racing through their books, others are carefully sounding out each word, and a few might be struggling to get started. As teachers, we’re tasked with helping each of these learners succeed, and that’s where differentiated reading instruction becomes our most […]
Understanding root words isn’t just another reading strategy—it’s a fundamental approach that unlocks thousands of new words for developing readers. As we explore the science behind root word instruction, you’ll discover why this method is so powerful for building strong readers. The Power of Root Words in Reading Reading theories show us that explicit vocabulary […]
As tablets and e-readers become increasingly common in homes and classrooms, many parents find themselves wondering about the role of digital reading in their children’s literacy journey. If you’ve ever watched your child navigate a tablet with ease while you’re still figuring out how to adjust the brightness, you’re not alone – and you might […]
When eight-year-old Thomas first sat down in Ms. Rivera’s third-grade class, he already knew what was coming. Another year of struggling to read aloud, watching other kids breeze through chapter books while he got stuck on simple words, and feeling that familiar knot in his stomach every time the teacher called on him. What Thomas […]
