Originally published on April 2, 2013, but republished today because it totally rocks. Kids need to learn the letters of the alphabet. And even if we play with the letters for ten minutes a day, it adds up--and before we know it, our kids will be ready for success in reading and in school. It's a perfect time of the year to throw in some sneaky before-nap or after naptime learning for our little ones, and though I know finding time can often be difficult, here's an easy one for you: … [Read more...]
go on an ABC hunt | reading tip 11 #raiseareader
As parents, we teach out kids so many foundational skills. We teach them to sleep, to walk, to eat, and to talk. We teach them how to dress, to tie shoes, to maintain healthy habits, and to stay organized. However, sometimes parents feel like teaching the 'school' things--like letters and numbers--is not their job. But it is, friends. It really is. And the more parents who jump on board with teaching the basics like the letters of the alphabet and numbers, the … [Read more...]
play with syllables so kids hear sounds in words | reading tip 10 #raiseareader
One of my earliest memories of feeling confused in school was the day my teacher tried to teach us about syllables. She had us put our hands on our chin and then feel our chin move up and down as we opened our mouths, vocalizing each syllable of a word. Yep. Except that because we were so young--and so many of us were confused--our chins were all moving at different times. There was no synchronous counting of syllables. Just a whole bunch of confused Kindergartners or first … [Read more...]
think aloud while reading — here’s how! reading tip 9 #raiseareader
Thinking aloud sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? Like the only people who would even think about thinking aloud might be a little 'off' or something? Well, friends, here's the thing: thinking aloud is actually something you want to do because it can help your kids become better readers. Check it out: Check it out: Like this video? Check out the whole #RaiseAReader playlist and definitely subscribe to our channel!Need -- or want more? Here you go: (click on the image … [Read more...]
reading tip 8: learn about authors
Learning about authors gives kids a chance to make even deeper connections with books. It's one thing to read about characters and conflict and setting and to appreciate a story, but it's another to step back and learn about the person behind the story. And learning about authors has always been something that has truly fascinated me. Check it out: Like this video? Check out the whole #RaiseAReader playlist and definitely subscribe to our channel!Need -- or want … [Read more...]
reading tip 7: books & travel
There are a few things I feel strongly about when it comes to reading: Books should be all over the house, not just stuck in one spot. Books should cover all forms of media--audio, video, you name it. Books should be read at all times of the day. Books should be well-used and well-loved. Books should be shared. Books should be taken on trips. That last one, Books should be taken on trips, is a big one. Books should be taken on all trips--not just big, … [Read more...]
reading tip 5: names!
All month long, I've been sharing daily reading tips for parents and caregivers. Quick, easy, inspiring tips that will hopefully make everyone who loves children realize that with a teeny bit of effort, he or she can make a really big difference when it comes to literacy learning for kids. I'm trying to keep the tips super short, but sometimes I get chatty. I'm trying. This one is geared toward the littler kids--but it's definitely worth watching even if you elementary school-aged … [Read more...]
alphabet hunt: on the road abc fun
This is one of my first ever posts, and it's one that I have shared hundreds of times. It was originally published on January 17, 2009, but I'm re-sharing it today with a few more photos and better links to the download. Enjoy! Have you heard about our simple but seriously fun Alphabet Hunt? Our fun way of searching for the uppercase or lowercase letters of the alphabet? Here it is: Today was a hectic travel day for us, but I was determined to use our travel window more wisely than I … [Read more...]
raise a reader: daily reading tips
Friends-- Read Across America Day is March 2nd, and this year I'm doing a little something different to ring in this exciting event. I'm sharing a quickie video each day. And each quickie video will have one quickie reading tip. Something you can use with your child that very day (or tomorrow at the very latest). Bam. I'll be doing this every weekday through the end of March. And I'm excited. Here are just two of 'em: What burning questions do you have … [Read more...]
best gifts for toddlers: must-have presents our little ones
Best gifts for kids and families, 2015. The post that takes me literally all year long to write. It's the list of all lists, and it's the most emailed, shared, and promoted post each year. It's finally here, my friends. And I am totally excited. However, I had to break it up because the post was becoming SO big and so long that even I was getting tired of looking at it. Here's the skinny. . . Best Gifts for Toddlers--Must-Have Presents for Our Little Ones, 2015: Remember to … [Read more...]
Raising a Rock-Star Reader: sneak peek and pre-order!
I cannot even BELIEVE that today is here, friends, but it is. I have co-written a book--a lifelong dream of mine--and to say I am excited is an understatement. I am completely and totally thrilled. Over the moon energized and elated, dance-around-the-room happy. The fabulous and totally rad Allison McDonald of No Time for Flashcards and I wrote this book. Allie and I are longtime buddies, and we co-anchor the Scholastic Parents Raise a Reader blog, so we put … [Read more...]
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