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 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...]
it’s FINALLY here! Raising A Rock-Star Reader
Welcome to the world, little book. I feel like I need cake and ice-cream and party hats and dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. Because today is the birthday of Raising a Rock-Star Reader: 75 Quick Tips to Help Your Child Develop a Lifelong Love of Reading. Super-big title for a totally awesome book, if I do say so myself. I'm partying it up over here on the east coast while my co-author and partner in crime, Allison McDonald is partying it up over there on the west coast. So … [Read more...]
show your kids how to study: 5 easy ways
One thing I have come to realize, after years of teaching and tutoring, is that kids really don't know how to study. We may tell them to study before a test or quiz, but that doesn't mean they know what that really means. Their teachers remind them to study, but that doesn't mean that kids really will. Kids may believe they know how to study, but I'm willing to bet that they honestly have no clue. It's time, with the start of a new school year, that parents actually sit down with … [Read more...]
trace, copy, recall–learn those spelling words!
originally published November 8, 2010 Maddy has been so proud of her spelling and word-learning progress over the last few weeks (and so are we!). She really is borderline excited when I print out a new list of Spelling Word Cards for each list, which makes this teacher-mama want to do a jig of joy. Maybe it's that we've upped the 'fun factor' of word learning, or maybe she's riding the high of her success; either way, I'm loving it because her spelling … [Read more...]
photo books for kids and family: 15 best, coolest, most clever and creative
I'm a hardcore fan of the photo book. Actually, I'm a fan of any book, but photo books have a special spot in my heart because I love to make them, and I love to get them. And? They have happily replaced the ole book o' photos that once took me for-ev-er and a day to assemble. Photo books are super as gifts, and they're super as learning tools for kids. Once you get those creative juices flowin' you can really come up with some pretty awesome ways to use photo … [Read more...]
best books as gifts for kids and family
I am so embarrassed about this, but I've talked about doing a post like this for years. I think I've even promised one the week after each of my 2012 gift guide and 2013 gift guide but never did it. Ugh. But this year, finding books for Maddy, Owen, and Cora has been so, so, so much fun. I'm not sure why. Maybe because they all can read now? Maybe because the book choices we have at our fingertips for our kids--and even extended family--are … [Read more...]
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