When young readers encounter words like”butterfly” or “elephant” for the first time, many freeze in their tracks. These longer, three-syllable words can look like insurmountable mountains to children who have only mastered simple one-syllable words. But with the right approach based on the science of reading and explicit phonics instruction, these seemingly complex words become […]
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 […]
Reading comprehension—the ability to understand, process, and connect with text—forms the cornerstone of successful reading. While many parents focus heavily on helping their child sound out words, true reading mastery happens when those decoded words transform into meaningful understanding. For children struggling with early reading skills, developing strong comprehension abilities can make the difference between […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
With DreamWorks’ new “Dog Man” movie delighting audiences in theaters, there’s never been a better time to explore why these beloved books by Dav Pilkey have such a powerful impact on young readers. Beyond their entertaining stories of a crime-fighting half-dog, half-police officer, these books actually align with many principles from the Science of reading. […]
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 parents, we all share the same dream: seeing our children thrive and succeed in life. Reading opens doors to learning, imagination, and opportunity. Yet sometimes, despite our best efforts, we notice our child struggling with reading in ways that leave us wondering whether we should seek additional help. If you’re having these thoughts, you’re […]
If you’ve been following education news lately, you might have heard about “the reading wars.” As a parent, you may wonder what these “wars” mean for your child’s reading journey. Let’s break down this decades-long debate and, more importantly, understand what the science tells us about helping children become successful readers. What Are the Reading […]
