Reading aloud to young children is one of the most powerful ways to foster a lifelong love of books. When it comes to engaging pre-readers and early readers, few authors capture imagination quite like Shel Silverstein. His unique blend of humor, heart, and quirky illustrations creates the perfect introduction to the joy of reading. Why […]
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 […]
Picture this: your child, curled up with a book, giggling as they turn page after colorful page, completely absorbed in the story world. Now imagine that same child, who might otherwise struggle with traditional text-heavy books, begging to read “just one more chapter” before bedtime. This is the transformative power of graphic novels for young readers. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
