3 Simple Ways to Help Your Child Achieve Academic and Reading Success

Photo Melissa Kaufman

“I just don’t want to go to swim lessons today because I missed last week and I’m afraid I won’t do a good job,” my five-year-old explained to me right after having a sudden tantrum. 

I gathered my composure after discovering what triggered the tantrum. I tried to downgrade the perfectionism that I solely instilled in her five short years and then she said, “Well, maybe if I can’t make it to the end of the pool, I’ll just wait a second and Coach Sam will push me to the end.” 

Eeeee. Facepalm. 

Not what I was hoping she would say. 

But my daughter was doing exactly what I trained her to do – to only try when she knew she would succeed. 

I’ve also noticed that my five-year-old isn’t overly interested in reading. Yep, daughter of a reading teacher - not interested. After this swim lesson, a light bulb went off that perhaps she’s avoiding reading because it’s a newer skill. I am attempting to practice in my own home what I preach as a learning specialist in a school with other parents. I desire for my children to feel positive about their learning and school experience, more than I care about their other achievements because I know this base will allow them to encounter all challenges and opportunities in life. 

In the classroom, I witness firsthand how some children succeed or do well in school because they believe they can, while others hide their talents and abilities. As a mom, I’m attempting to implement some of the strategies I use in the classroom in hopes to better my relationship with my kids and instill more confidence. 

Here are a few things I'm trying at home that I practice at school:

1.    Praise effort 

Children are seeking an identity, and at the same time, they are assessing their abilities as their image–creating labels such as “good at math” or “doesn’t love reading.” Carol Dweck’s research in her book, Mindset, supports praising and modeling effort to instill a growth mindset. By doing so, we can help our children feel more confident in tackling new tasks, regardless of ability.

2.    Redefine success

As you can see from my story above, children pick up on what your idea of success looks like by watching and listening. They are eager to please and will quickly interchange love with success. 

Help your child redefine both success and failure by taking a step back. Stepping back can be challenging to do when you have the heavy responsibilities of keeping your child safe, helping them set appropriate boundaries, and still allowing them to take risks. So start small. Let them put on their own shoes, even if they are on the wrong feet or help set the table even if all the tableware is glass. For older children, let them do their homework without checking it so that they can learn what skills they need to improve. I know these things might make you cringe but wait for a moment and see if you recognize a positive emotional response after they complete the task on their own. 

3.    Create a strong foundation

You do not need to start a phonics program or force "learning time" to give your kids a strong foundation in phonics and handwriting. For example, take advantage of commute time to rhyme or bathtime to spell. Sounds impossible? Try keeping it simple. How about getting Munchkin alphabet letters in the bath and setting up a few consonant-vowel-consonant words in the tub before your child gets in the bath. See if they notice the words and help them sound out the words on their own. Here is a step-by-step how-to and a list of words to get you started!

Picture Books on Being Mindful and Present

As a working parent and a teacher, I'm often pulled in a million directions, feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. I recognize the mounting and unnecessary stress this puts on my children and me. I'm attempting to be thankful for small moments, even the ones that make me feel like I’m going crazy or running in circles.  I'm not always giving thanks at 8:00 a.m. drop-off when my child dumps her lunch box out in the back seat, but I'm trying to seek out moments of gratitude with my family each day. I'm practicing modeling mindfulness and patience because, as a teacher, I see the many benefits when children are able to calm themselves and breathe in stressful moments. 

If you are in need of slowing down or resetting to gain perspective, check out the books below that will remind you how truly fortunate we are to be here and to know one another.

Book suggestions on instagram

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers. How we learn to grow and take in the world around us is a wonder. A book about a child's smallness in this universe, Jeffers provides some relief for parents as he points out that others will be here to take care of our children when we no longer can do so.

Forever or a Day by Sarah Jacoby.  For any parent who is attempting to say yes more often, this book is a beautiful reminder of all the reasons we should do just that. Time is the one thing we can never get more of, and in this book, a child asks if we can stay a little longer–so maybe we should.

Life by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel. Cynthia Rylant does a fantastic job of keeping complex concepts simple. Life is no exception. "Life is not always easy. There will probably be a stretch of wilderness now and then. But wilderness eventually ends. And there is always a new road to take."

All In a Day by Cynthia Rylant and Nikki McClure. Another Rylant book because when paired with McClure’s die-cut illustrations, it’s too beautiful not to mention. “A day brings hope and kindness too…a day is all it’s own.” A sentimental reminder of how much connection we can share in a single day. 

Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems by Kate Coombs and Anna Emilia Laitinen. A Montessori teacher friend recently suggested this book. She said that she randomly grabbed it from the shelf on the last day of school when the children sit together and express their thoughts or feelings about the year. She is now using it as a yearly tradition. What a special find. "There's a quiet place in my head like an egg hidden in a nest. A place I go when the world is loud."

Do you have any book suggestions or tips on being present with your children and family? I'm all ears. 

Simple Steps to Teach Your Child to Read

Photo by Joyce

When you recognize that your child is interested in learning to read and ready to begin sounding out words, you might feel that you need to introduce a phonics program or get out flashcards. Less is often more when learning at home. Your role as a caregiver is to reinforce skills they are learning and to do so in a particular order. You will notice that your child will start to examine words on signs and start sounding them out. Reading requires three different parts of the brain to work together to sound out words. So there's no need to force the process on a child before they are neurologically ready.

Quality over quantity

The type of strategies and words you are pointing out to your child will make more of a difference than the number of words your child is learning at one time. Maintaining the child's confidence and interest is the first and most important priority. Think of a time that you tried something new. Did you take up tennis or running, or learn a new software program for work? How did you learn the new skill? If you were given all of the information at one time, chances are that you didn't continue implementing it over time. You might have quit, felt overwhelmed or lost interest. If you had a great teacher or program that introduced one concept at a time and allowed you to master each, perhaps you stuck with it.

Where to start?

So where to begin? We will keep it simple. Once a child knows all of the letter names and their sounds, then they can start to decode three letter words. We call the first words that a child reads CVC words, which stands for consonant-vowel-consonant.

For a list of CVC words that you can practice, sign up for my mailing list using the button below, and it will be sent to you! Enjoy! Feel free to email me with questions if I can help.

Short Vowels

Focus on short vowels and pointing out only one short vowel at a time. Practice that same vowel for about a week or two. The only thing you need to do is to recognize the letter or word as you are traveling or reading, seeing signs, and just going through everyday life. For example, a sign says, "No Dogs." You might say, "Oh look, that word has the short vowel o in it for o/octupus. D-o-g. It says dog!" You are modeling how to sound out a short vowel word. If your child is frustrated by this then back off. Most likely they want more control and might start pointing the letters out on their own after they watch you do it first.

How to keep it simple and practice at home

To practice, you might also want to put letters in the tub or magnetic letters on the fridge and practice CVC words during down times like making dinner or bath time. Make spelling and reading a part of play, and it will feel more natural to your child. It's also the perfect time to have a few decodable books around the house. Start with the short vowel BOB books. You might want to leave them on the kitchen table or in a box in your family room. 

As always, please reach out to me and let me know how these suggestions work for you and your child! 

Back to School Books

Photo by Happily Ever Elephants

The first day of school brings a wide range of emotions for the entire family. These books should help bring a little laughter and emotional support for first-day nerves. 

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube. Every child (and parent) feels nervous on the first day of school. Fear of the unknown is difficult for us all. This book shows a relatable progression of a girl’s first day of school and how she transforms from nervous to excited and hopeful. 

The World-Famous Book of Counting by Sarah Goodreau and The Greatest Opposites Book on Earth by Lee Singh and Tom Frost. These books are full of creative ways to engage a young reader from pop-ups to flaps. Kids love them and adults love the artistic designs and illustrations. This book is perfect for Pre-K children but also fun for Kindergarten and beginning readers who can retell the story themselves and feel they are reading to build a little confidence.

Adventures to School: Real-life Journeys of Students From Around the World by Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul, Illustrated by Isabel Munoz. This nonfiction book is a refreshing way to introduce children to school. It shows thirteen different children's journeys to school from around the world. Children will also enjoy learning a little about each country, as the book highlights the country’s flag and some key details.

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh, Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. One of my favorite books of the year! Sometimes you are searching for true friendship or something new in life, while everything you need is right in front of you.

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex, Illustrated by Christian Robinson. Everyone gets nervous on the first day of school, even the school building itself. Nothing goes as planned for the building on its first day with children, but all is okay in the end and everyone wants to try it again the next day. A unique take on first-day jitters.

The Teacher’s Pet by Anica Mrose Rissi, Illustrated by Zachariah OHara. A class bands together to help their teacher when his love for the class pet clouds his judgment. The tadpole grows into a hippo. The pet's size and needs are destroying the classroom. Kids love the idea of being in on a secret and knowing more than a teacher.

The Smallest Girl In The Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts, Illustrated by Christian Robinson. This book reminds us that you can make a big impact on those around you by speaking up. Sally McCabe might be small, but she’s an observer of the world, and so one day she realizes she can make a difference despite her age or size.

The I'm Not Scared Book by Todd Parr. I should probably just carry all of the Todd Parr books in my back pocket for every messy life situation. The author writes about the most complex topics and feelings and makes them simple for children. This book is a beautiful reminder that when we feel scared, we often can take a simple step to feel calmer or to laugh.  

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. This book will resonate with perfectionists and worriers. It helps our children see the beauty in the process rather than the product. You might also want to check out The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. 

A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen, Illustrated by Mark Lowery. This book is a cute story about the power of writing and getting started. You don’t have to know how to write everything or anything to create something beautiful.

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10 Winnie The Pooh Quotes To Get You Through Any Life Situation

This beautiful quote by design roots

Winnie the Pooh turned 90 this year! Do you remember how you felt when you watched it or read it as a child? I always had a sentimental feeling and an almost sad one. Rereading it now, I can see A.A. Milne was actually speaking to the adults who had seen more days, more happiness and more sorrow than to their children. He used the sweetest characters to get the message across in a childlike way. 

Perhaps the best piece of advice comes from Christopher Robin: "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."Here are a few of the most moving quotes from Winnie the Pooh to get you (and your children) through almost any life situation:

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." 

"Life is a journey to be experienced not a problem to be solved."

"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude."

"Some people care too much, I think it's called love."

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

I asked SusieCakes to make something for the occasion and they more than delivered. honey bee cupcukes, yes please!

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

"When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen."

"It wasn't much good having anything exciting like floods, if you couldn't share them with somebody."

"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?" 

Well Happy Birthday, Winnie the Pooh! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world.

Books for Moms

Sometimes the best gift for a mom is an easy bedtime with a sentimental story or just actually having time to order a family portrait or jot down some notes about this stage of parenting before it changes again. Gifting one of these sweet books for mother's day, a baby shower, or her birthday could help create a meaningful memory.

Mom's One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book by Chronicle Books. As someone who is still working on their oldest child's baby book (four years later), I find this memory book to be very refreshing. I don't keep up with it every single day, but it's easy enough to jot down thoughts each week and it warms my heart to look back and see some of the funny things my daughter was saying when she was only two years old. It's simple, very pretty and comes in either pink or blue or this beautiful updated version. Perfect for moms who want to take the pressure off. 

If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden, Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. This book is stunningly beautiful with intricate illustrations that resemble die-cut prints. The words are poetic and the story touches on the tiny treasures that make up our world, which children value and adults often overlook. Speaking of die-cuts, I must remember to ask for one of these amazing family portrait prints for mother's day next year! So cool, right?

My Mom Is Magical by Sabrina Moyle, Illustrated by Eunice Moyle and Designed by Hello! Lucky. I bought this book for myself at Target one day as a pick-me-up. It’s easily one of our favorites. It’s simple, so kids can retell it or reread it on their own, silly, and fun.

Someday by Alison McGhee, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynold. Fair warning: read it beforehand or bring tissues to bedtime. This book is a tear-jerker. What I love most about this book is it brings everything full circle and helps us gain perspective when we can often get lost in the tiresome day-to-day. The author even shares the perspective of a parent thinking about his or her own childhood. McGhee writes, "Someday you will look at this house and wonder how something that feels so big can look so small."  

Love Is by Diane Adams, Illustrated by Claire Keane. We all thought parenthood would be strolling through the park with an iced-coffee and a cute stroller, but it looks a little messier now. While this book isn't about a traditional mother-child relationship, it touches on the realness of parenthood and reminds us to laugh through it. The little girl in the story takes care of her duck and realizes that "Love is tidying up. Love is messy bath times." 

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin. With modern illustrations of hip families who decorate with zebra wallpaper and dress their kids in cool vintage wear, this book is perfect for a new parent. It captures the thoughts of mothers who are truly in awe with their child's uniqueness. "When you were too small to tell me hello, I knew you were someone I wanted to know."

If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond. Of all the books I've come across about parenthood, this one speaks to my heart in a specific way. Letting your children go is difficult for every parent, and this book reminds us that we aren't alone in the feeling, but that it's part of the job. Richmond writes, "If I could keep you little, I'd push your ducky float. But then I'd miss you feeling the wind behind a summer's boat." "If I could keep you little we'd nap in our fort midday. But then I'd miss you sharing adventures from camp away."

How to Raise a Mom and How to Babysit A Grandma by Jean Reagan, Illustrated by Lee Wildish. This book is very funny and will make any preschooler or grade-school child laugh out loud. It's written from the perspective of two siblings setting out to make sure their mother gets proper exercise, a well-balanced diet and some rest time in her day. And for the grandmothers in your life, check out How To Babysit a Grandma. 

How To Celebrate Everything by Jenny Rosenstrach. I added this to the list even though it isn't a picture book because it's simply heartwarming and can remind today's busy mom how to enjoy the little things of parenthood that make it all worth it. This book is highly sentimental and acts just as much as a parenting guide as it does cook-book. When I gift it to like-minded moms who read a little more than we cook, I always suggest reading the last page first. 

Interactive Books for Kids Who Like to Move

If you have a child who would rather be moving or talking than sitting and listening to an entire book, you aren't alone. Not all kids love sitting, but most kids love a good story. Below are a few interactive books with great story lines for those kids who might feel more engaged when participating.  

ABC3D by Marion Bataille. This book has been on my shelf for probably ten years and I use it every single year. I taught one particular student who struggled with reading, and getting through our sessions was tiring for him. Looking through this book always served as a fun reward. It's a design lover's dream, and can be given as a gift to either kids or adults. If your child loves this book, they might also enjoy Scanimation picture books, which includ actual moving illustrations. 

Herve Tullet books. The author, illustrator, and artist has a way of fully captivating kids with his fun books and use of bright primary colors. He's even come out with some board games to accompany the books, Press Here Game and ZaZaZoom! A Game of Imagination: Mix. Match. Connect. Play. 

Press Here by Herve Tullet. My kids can't get enough of this book at bedtime. It asks for the reader to interact with each page through a dialogue of fun activities that will have parents and kids laughing. 

Let's Play by Herve Tullet. A game of hide and seek within in a book. What a creative idea! This book does exactly that; it plays with the reader.

Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet This fun book teaches colors and perspectives on art while also engaging readers to participate in the process. 

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novack - "Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say." Both kids and parents love this one and Novack has recently come out with a new one, The Alphabet Book With No Pictures.

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda. In this book, the author tells the classic story of the three little pigs with a twist. In this version the reader can huff and puff through a hole in the book, acting as the big bad wolf. The pages have short and sweet sentences which appeal to young readers and learners.  

Shhh! This Book is Sleeping by Cedric Ramadier, Illustrated by Vincent Bourgeau. A funny nighttime book, this creative story asks the reader to help put the book to bed. Make sure the book has finished all of the nighttime duties like brushing its teeth and going to the restroom.  

Please Open This Book by Adam Lehrhaupt. The monkeys in this story are trapped inside, What's happened while the book was shut? This very creative story line is a sequel to Warning, Do Not Open This Book.

Poke-A-Dot books by iKids. Just as fun as playing with bubble wrap, these books contain little raised buttons that kids can push. Designed for younger children, toddlers can explore colors, animals, and transportation all through fun interactive activities.

Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson. This book is charming and sentimental. Your child will touch a firefly and rub an owl's head as they say good night to the world and all its magical creatures. This is a super sweet one for nighttime and a personal favorite. Many are raving about the author's most recent book, Plant the Tiny Seed, which seems perfect for Spring. 

Now I'm Reading! Plays: by Nora Gaydos. These plays are the absolute best for brand new beginning readers and struggling readers. They are leveled and come with fun masks, though a little hard to track down. If you can find them they are worth the hunt. With classics, like Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk, children are typically familiar with the story line, which helps readers focus on the phonics and words rather than getting confused by the comprehension. 

Just remember, you aren't alone if your child doesn't want to sit down through an entire book, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will dislike books altogether. As always, feel free to email me if you have questions or need more specific suggestions.

Best Bunny Books for Easter

While Peter Rabbit and Pat the Bunny will always be sweet classics, there are many new options out there today. If you are looking for ways to modernize your child's Easter basket and remind kids about the love of family and the importance of gratitude, check out these interesting and fun books for the season. 

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, Illustrated by Zachariah OHora. In this book, the Bunny family takes in a baby wolf, who is left on their doorstep. Dot, the baby Bunny, is less than pleased with the family's newest member. A great one for design lovers, OHora's illustrations have appeared in the New York Times and The Atlantic.

Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Bunny enjoys yoga and its positive effects, though his friends are too busy and upset to participate. Bunny begins his yoga anyway and pretty soon all of his friends are participating and feeling happier. The book is a cute story that touches on self-care and mindset, while also teaching children actual yoga poses. 

Eggs Are Everywhere by Chronicle Books, Illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. Eggs Are Everywhere is designed for babies but will also appeal to Pre-K and Kinder students who still enjoy flipping the flaps to find eggs.

Dear Bunny by Bianca Gomez. A story about friendship, this book is simple and very touching. A girl writes a letter to her bunny explaining what she loves most. This is another great book for parents who appreciate design and illustrations, as Gomez's prints also make beautiful additions to a child's room. I'm thinking of ordering this one or this one. 

Love by Emma Dodd. A baby bunny and her parent experience love all around throughout the day by simply playing and being with one another. A sweet story that will appeal to a wide range of ages with short sentences and beautiful photos. This book is part of a touching series named Love You books. Wish and Forever are two of my favorites. 

Bunny Roo, I Love You by Melissa Marr, Illustrated by Teagan White. With an Anthropologie, vintage feel to its illustrations, this story is a beautiful addition to any nursery. The book shows children in the sweetest way that their caregivers will always comfort them when they need it.

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson. This story is a great lesson for parents and children. Rabbit loves his carrots so much and his greed starts to take a toll on him and his friendships. Through generosity, kindness, and gratitude, Rabbit starts to see the benefits of sharing and looking out for others. 

Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes. A very sweet story about the love of family. The story shows an adventurous bunny who imagines what it would be to be different. He wonders what it would feel like to be green, or tall or to fly like a butterfly and eventually sees that he has so much to enjoy just as himself.

Kevin Henkes's, Egg is another great one with sight words and lots of repetition. Egg is great for children to practice early and preliteracy skills. I hope you are able to find something here you enjoy sharing with your family. 

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10 First Chapter Book Read Alouds

Photo by Jia Min

When your child reaches the age that they can sit and listen to a chapter book, it can be a bedtime game-changer. It's fun, magical and rewarding for you both. You will likely be looking forward to bedtime to see what happens with your favorite characters. Below are a few age-appropriate chapter books to get you started. You might remember some from your own childhood. These are appropriate for children ages 4 and up. Enjoy!

Amelia Bedelia by Herman Perish. With short and quick chapters, this series is a perfect fit for young children. Kids will laugh and it provides the opportunity for silly conversations about vocabulary words. A friend of mine recently made a lemon meringue pie with her kids just like Amelia Bedelia does in the first book after reading it. What a fun idea!

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. With short chapters, engaging illustrations and an adorable pig named Mercy, these books are guaranteed to be a favorite with your kids. They act as a nice bridge between picture books and longer chapter books. 

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Clearly. The story of a curious and adventurous mouse, Ralph finds trouble and fun when he arises to the challenge of driving a toy motorcycle. 

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne. You will feel sentimental while reading this innocent and classic book. The characters provide lots of opportunities for conversations about emotions and friendships. Plus, that Pooh bear is pretty wise and can teach a thing or two to adults.

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Elmer Elevator runs away from his family to save a baby dragon. Kids love the boy's name, his goodhearted nature, and the adventurous storyline.

Stuart Little by E.B. White. We are currently in the middle of reading this book with my four-year-old. A mouse is born into a family of humans in New York City. The story is one of adventure and family bonding. Children will probably love Stuart's endearing character most of all. 

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has a way with children. She is able to help parents in the neighborhood when they don't know what to do with their child's behavior. Kids love the idea that a parent doesn't know what to do all of the time and you will both have a laugh at some typical preschool-aged problems like not wanting to go to bed or take a bath. Be aware that the book was written over fifty years ago and contains stark gender stereotypes. In order to get past the gender roles, I simply interchanged Mr. and Mrs. for the primary caretaker in every other chapter.

Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic by Emily Jenkins. With a Toy Story feel, this book explores the friendship between three toys belonging to a little girl and their adventures.  

The Adventures of Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green. With lots of illustrations and easy to read language, these books are fun and engaging.

A Mouse Called Wolf by Dick King-Smith. Named after Wolf Gang Amadeus, this little mouse loves music and learns that he has talent too! Through his talent and practice, he develops a skill but something even more important: a much-needed friendship. 

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10 Picture Books About Girls Who Changed the World

Photo by Vanessa Blanchet

While March marks Women's History Month, I believe we all agree that there is much work to be done year-round on cultivating confidence in and opportunities for girls. Below are ten books about women who overcame obstacles at a young age and went on to make a big impact in the world.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirt Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike for women’s labor rights. When no one in her union proposed dramatic action to gain attention, she started the movement herself. Markel writes, "The speakers, mostly men, want everyone to be careful. Two hours pass. No one recommends a general strike….So Clara does." 

Little Melba and her Big Trombone Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, Illustrated by Frank Morrison. Melba Doretta Liston taught herself how to play the trombone at age seven. She went on to perform with many jazz legends like Duke Ellington and utilized her talents overcoming much misogyny, sexism and racism. 

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. This book tells the story of Sonia Sotomayor's upbringing in the South Bronx. It shows that it doesn't matter where you start in life, and it emphasizes the importance of not only hard work, but encouragement from family and friends. Written in both English and Spanish, the book is inspiring and hopeful for children and adults. 

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. At the age of nine, Audrey became the youngest child to be arrested during a civil rights protest in 1963. She confidently and bravely stood up for civil rights. 

Malala: Activists for Girls' Education by Raphaele Frier, Illustrated by Audrelia Fronty. When she was only fifteen years old, the Taliban attempted to assassinate Malala for her activism. Yet, she was convicted to make change, acted courageously and continued fighting for the rights of young women. The book tells about Malala's life as a girl in Pakistan and how she first recognized her own inequalities. She continually refuses to accept norms and ultimately became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at age seventeen.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Chelsea Clinton shows that what you do and what you say, even at a young age, truly matters. It takes one person to change the course of history, and that one person certainly doesn’t need to be a grown-up. Clinton highlights many activists in our country who have made a big impact, including Nellie Bly, Oprah Winfrey, and Sonia Sotomayor.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. When Hillary was a young girl she traveled with her church youth group to see Martin Luther King Jr. speak. Listening to King’s speech, Clinton was moved in that moment to become an activist and to serve others. At only 21-years-old she gave a speech for her commencement at Wellesley College. She went off-script, speaking her mind, and Life Magazine featured her for the moving remarks. 

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, Illustrated by George Ford. Ruby was only six-years-old when she was selected by a judge to integrate a white school during desegregation in New Orleans in 1960. In order to enter school each day, she walked passed angry mobs and attended an empty school classroom. The book shows her strength and also her forgiveness, as Ruby would pray each day for the protesters. 

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, Illustrated by Elizabeth Braddeley. As a young girl, Ruth was encouraged to speak her mind. When Ruth met prejudices that stood in her way, she continued to reach for her goals. The book contains many rich vocabulary words, yet appeals to young readers through vivid illustrations.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by David Diaz. Wilma was born a small baby and was not expected to live beyond her first birthday. When she was five-years-old she came down with polio, which led to her left leg being paralyzed. Wilma was told she would not walk again. Yet, she learned to run and became a three-time Olympic gold medal winner. Highly regarded, Wilma used her platform to propel civil rights agendas.

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Inspiring Picture Books for Saint Patrick's Day

A few years ago I had the privilege of working at an all-girls Catholic school in Manhattan as a reading specialist. The teachers treated St. Patrick's Day with almost the same enthusiasm as Christmas. They would go all out planning late the night before to prepare the classrooms. In the morning you could hear screams down the hallway from the girls when they entered the room to find it covered in gold and glitter the leprechauns left behind. Those teachers are saints (no pun intended) for doing so much work to create a little magic for their students. If you are looking for a few ways to celebrate the holiday with your kids, check out the following picture books to inspire fun activities and writing.

How to Trap A Leprechaun by Sue Fliess - A group of friends sets out to catch a leprechaun so that they might have their wishes granted. The book is funny and colorful and will have kids laughing, crafting and plotting to catch a leprechaun this year. This book could also act as a fun writing prompt for kids who want to write about their wishes. 

Fiona's Luck by Teresa Bateman -  Fiona tricks the Leprechaun King who has put a spell on Ireland by taking their luck and hiding it away. This book is a story of perseverance and determination and can appeal to a wide range of ages. Great for a character study!

O'Sullivan Stew by Hudson Talbott - Kate brings peace to her village after someone has stolen the witch's horse. The book is a funny and adventurous tale that highlights the Irish tradition of storytelling. 

Fiona's Lace by Patricia Polacco - You can never go wrong with Patricia Polacco. Fiona's Lace tells the story of an immigrant girl who has a talent for creating beautiful lace. As the girl struggles to adapt to America the lace unites the family. This book will spark timely and significant conversations. 

Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure by Robert D. San Souci - A classic fairy tale with a female heroine makes for a well-crafted and exciting plot line. Margaret battles the storms and sea serpents, and in the end she saves her knight. 

If you find yourself taken by the idea of Ireland and daydreaming of a family vacation, check out Miroslav Sasek's traveling collection, This is Ireland. You will love both the illustrations and the fascinating facts about the country. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that Ireland elected its first female president in 1990? 

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How to Teach Your Child Sight Words Effectively

One of my funniest teaching moments was when a kindergarten student who struggled to learn letters and sounds asked me where the letters came from. "Did you make this up?" she asked. "Make what up?" I replied. "Letters?" she said. "No, people did when they wanted another form of communication," I explained. She looked at me puzzled, and before I could correct my mistake of using the general and inclusive term people, she screamed, "Oh no! Not me! I sure did not do make this stuff up." Her frustration was endearing, and we had a good laugh. I explained that I wasn't trying to make things more difficult. 

Genetics, personality, home and learning environments all come into play when a child learns to read. Most children arrive as readers when their brains are ready to begin reading. Despite our best efforts to mold our children, we must also take into account their unique learning styles. 

I'm a fan of less is more when teaching at home. My goal is first to preserve confidence and help you empathize with your child. Secondly, I provide developmentally appropriate material that allows the student to master a skill. In other words, I try to meet them where they are. However, there is one component of literacy in which all children, despite their skill level, can benefit from ample practice, and that is sight words. These words make up almost 65% of all text.  When a child can automatically recognize sight words, reading becomes more enjoyable and fluent. Below are three simple things you can do to help your child practice sight words without losing the fun or the magic of reading at home.

1. Explain that there are two types of high-frequency words

Some sight words follow phonetic rules, and some do not. Many schools teach all high-frequency words under the same umbrella of sight words. This is understandable but can sometimes cause unnecessary confusion. Try explaining that the reason we practice and memorize these words is that we want to recognize them instantly. If you have curious kids that really need to understand, then you can call words that do not adhere to phonetics 'red words' or ‘oddball words’ and the ones that do 'sight words.' 

2. Utilize the senses

When we teach in sensory ways, not only is it more fun for kids, but the information is more likely to transfer into the child's long-term memory. An easy and fun way is to do this is to mix food coloring and salt and trace the words in the salt. Practice the word using sand, washi tape, sandpaper, paint or shaving cream. If you practice on an iPad, try applying this tactile overlay on the screen. One of the best ways to initially teach the word is to have them write the word 'in the sky.' The child uses a straight arm and pretends to trace the words very largely in the sky, picturing an airplane writing words or their arm painting the word in the sky. To make this fun, I always ask the child to tell me what color paint they are going to use to paint the sky.

3. Only teach two words at a time

Instead of drilling with lots of flashcards, spend quality time on two words a week. Keep track of the words that your child has learned by recording them in a notebook or a sight word ring. Read the words in context with picture books during nightly reading. Then try to point out those two words in your child's reading and writing. This will allow your child to feel accomplished and successful when they look back at all they have learned. 

I hope this helps you get started with sight words at home! Please email me with questions or leave comments here. 

5 Lighthearted Picture Books for President's Day

If you're in need of some laughter this weekend, below are a few unexpected President's Day books.

Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome by Robby Novak and Brad Montague - We can all use a little more happiness in the news and Kid President seems to be the best at spreading love. The book has lots of little tips on ways to be kind and have fun like sharing hugs and learning new handshakes. 

President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Bernett and Chris Van Dusen - From the author of Mercy Watson and the illustrator of Extra Yarn, this book is an all around winner. It's incredibly funny for kids and adults and has repetition, rhyming words and lots of opportunities to teach new vocabulary. 

George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale by Margaret McNamara - In a story about George Washington's seventh birthday, kids will learn the myths and facts of the first United States President. The book begins on the morning of George's birthday and gives humorous insight into the president being a typical child who must go to school and occasionally gets in trouble. 

Splat the Cat for President by Rob Scotton - When kids like a book this much, I don't ask questions– I just make sure I have all of them on my bookshelf. If you have a reluctant reader, you might want to give this series a try. The book also comes in handy when teaching the short /a/ sound. 

Lincoln Tells A Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country) by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer - A clever perspective on history, this book is both lighthearted and informative. It can be used to show children how humor can help during difficult times in life. 

If you are looking for at least one serious book on the subject, you can't go wrong with Maira Kalman's new book, Looking at Lincoln. I recently featured two of her brilliant books on the ABC book list. Her beautiful images accompany an engaging story as a girl sets out to learn about Abraham Lincoln. She discovers both the serious, deep truths about him as well as his simple pleasures in life. 

Do you have interesting books for President's Day?

5 Picture Books About the Statue of Liberty

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I lived in New York for twelve years and never once visited the Statue of Liberty. I rode past it several times on the ferry but never actually toured the statue. I’d like to think that makes me a true New Yorker, although now I just genuinely regret not going.

These books are both sentimental and informative for children on patriotism, freedom and immigration. 

Have you seen this movie? I watched it and read the book. It's so good!

Photo by iFiglideiFiori

I had a lot of fun making this paper doll from Etsy. Check out Paper Toys store by iFiglideiFiori.

Her Right Foot: by Dave Eggers, Illustrated by Shawn Harris. This beautiful picture book tells a difficult story in a fun and engaging manner. The nonfiction book is great for kids and can spur lots of thoughtprovoking conversations and can also act as a beautiful coffee table book.

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This book is a must for children with young families. It’s simple. It has few words and yet a strong and powerful message of unity. 

We Came to America By Faith Ringgold – This book is probably my favorite on the list. It’s straight to the point and doesn’t avoid the heaviness of the topic. Short and beautifully illustrated, the author of ‘Tar Beach’ uses bright, bold, captivating images to display diversity and freedom that makes up America. I can see this being very useful for first introducing immigration to young children.

Anna & Solomon by Elaine Snyder – This is a very touching and sweet love story of sacrifice and family. Solomon goes to America alone and leaves Anna behind. He works hard to send her money so that she may join him, yet, Anna sends all of her family members before her until finally the two are reunited to create a beautiful life in Brooklyn.

Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty by Linda Glaser – Emma Lazarus was a wealthy Jewish New Yorker, who recognized her privilege when she witnessed poor immigrants in the harbor. She wrote a poem from the perspective of Lady Liberty welcoming the immigrants. Her words were so moving that they are now displayed within the statue. This book is illustrated with detailed paintings that look like prints you would see in a museum.

Her Right Foot: by Dave Eggers, Illustrated by Shawn Harris. This beautiful picture book tells a difficult story in a fun and engaging manner. The nonfiction book is great for kids and can spur lots of thoughtprovoking conversations and can also act as a beautiful coffee table book.

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This book is a must for children with young families. It’s simple. It has few words and yet a strong and powerful message of unity. 

Do you have any books that help you introduce liberty? 

5 Books on Love, Family and Friendship

At a dinner party the other night, the topic of the 5 Love Languages came up and it sparked a funny conversation. My friends and I tried to determine our own love language and others’ without reading the book or taking the quiz.

Do you know your love language or your child’s love language? The general idea of the book is that we all interpret and express love differently and we don’t always show our partner that we love him or her in the way that they innately feel loved.

The conversation got me thinking about Valentine’s Day and how our communication with one another is more important than candy hearts and crafts. Please don’t take that as a sign to hold the chocolate. My husband kindly refers to it as “mommy’s medicine." To take things a little deeper with my kids this year, I bought a couple of the following books for gifts. 

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That’s Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – If you loved “I Wish you More,” you will adore this new book from the same author. Don’t feel like a wimp if you cry, I can’t read it without thinking about sending my own children off to kindergarten or college someday. 

What Do You Love About You? By Karen Lechelt - A little girl asks each of her animal friends what they love most about themselves. The anteater loves his nose and the giraffe loves his neck. What a great reminder that we can be our own best friend.

You Belong Here by M.H. Clark – This book has stunning images of animals in their unique habitats. The illustrations are mostly black and white and very moving. While the entire story is about a kid, there are no pictures of humans in the book and it leaves room for the reader to imagine her own unique family. 

“And the trees belong in the wild wood and the deer belong in their shade, and the birds belong so safe and good and arm in the nests that they’ve made. And you belong where you love to be, and after each day is through you will always belong right next to me and I’ll belong next to you.”

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh – Another tear jerker for me. When what you need is right in front of you, it can be easy to get lost looking for your missing piece in life. A story of gratitude and loyalty, this book is a beautiful tale of true love and can be related to family or friendship.

Be a Friend Salina Yoon – This book is about a boy who enjoys living life differently, as a mime. He feels lonely until he finds a friend who seems to understand him. The story helps kids think about the meaning and qualities that make up a strong friendship.

Picture Books to Inspire Social Change

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"Be the change." Some days I am better at applying this concept to my life than others. Now as a teacher and a mother, I feel a responsibility to help my children and students be self-aware of their role within their communities. So my husband and I are trying out small ways we make a change. Recently, I read about a family that discussed their "highs, lows, and an act of kindness" at the dinner table. Dinner in our home is pretty chaotic, a stepping stone on the way to bath and a dreaded drawn-out bedtime, so we immediately tried it out, and it’s made a huge difference not only in our dinner conversation but also our daily actions. Some days I volunteer my time or donate materials and other days I just try to send a thoughtful email to someone, smile or in general be more patient. Knowing that my family will ask me at the end of the day what I did to change someone else’s day certainly helps me follow through on the commitment. If you are looking for ways to explain social movements or protests to your children you might want to check out some of these picture books about change within America. 

Around America To Win The Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff. This book provides a unique look of the campaigning required to make change. It tells the story of two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, who drive from New York City across the country and back in a yellow car to spread their message of women's suffrage.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson. This book tells the true story of the youngest child arrested during the civil rights movement. Audrey was nine-years-old when she was arrested, and this story allows children to learn about injustice and activism from a child's perspective. 

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara - Nagara writes, "P Pea-Pea Peace march!" This book is one of the few that highlights several different movements throughout history. 

We March by Shane Evans. Told from the perspective of a family attending the March on Washington in 1963. Its simple words make it relatable and engaging for young readers, "The morning is quiet. The sun rises, and we prepare to march."

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel - Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike for women's labor rights. When no one in her union proposed dramatic action to gain attention, she led the movement herself. "The speakers, mostly men, want everyone to be careful. Two hours pass. No one recommends a general strike….So Clara does." 

I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer. The I am series is fitting for young children. This book begins by telling a story of Rosa's life as a child. It focuses on her self-respect and determination that led to having the courage to follow through with courageous acts. The author ends with a powerful statement: "I'm Rosa Parks. I'm not a politician, or a president or an actor, or a famous business owner. I'm just an ordinary person. But I'm also proof that there's no such thing as an ordinary person."

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson. This book tells the true story of the youngest child arrested during the civil rights movement. Audrey was nine-years-old when she was arrested, and this story allows children to learn about injustice and activism from a child's perspective. 

Which books have you found most helpful in inspiring children to stand for equality?

Five Easy Hacks to Prevent Reading Regression Over Winter Break

Photo by Mallory Shelton

There's a reason the old song, "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," includes the line: "And Mom and Dad can't wait for school to start again." If you're exhausted, you aren't alone. Schools here aren't back in session for another week!

For Christmas, I received Jenny Rosenstach's lovely and sentimental book, "How to Celebrate Everything." In it she discusses rituals and routines within families saying, "It was rarely a straight line from one dot to the next, and it rarely resulted in a pretty picture, but the dots were our guides, our goals. Without them, without the routine, there was nothing preventing us from descending into a state of chaos." 

As a disclaimer to my list of "hacks," I'm a huge fan of less is more and I'm also trying to be kinder to myself in 2017. If you are looking for ways to help your child become the next Steve Jobs then I might not be able to provide the help you need. If you enjoy patting yourself on the back for things that you already do and finding ways to recognize how these tie into your children's learning then please proceed. With one week remaining, try the below ideas to get back into the groove of reading without making the kids feel they are in "school."

1.   Keep writing - Many parents complain that their children just don't enjoy writing. If you think about it, writing is one of the most difficult things a child can do because there are so many various steps.  First, they must come up with the idea, then think of the sentence, then recall how to spell the first word. At this point many children have forgotten their idea all together. Save a folder on your phone of only three or four photos of recent events. Let them pick one and write about that particular experience. If handwriting is difficult, write the story for them and let them feel accomplished by seeing their ideas on paper. Another funny way to write a story is to take turns creating a new line in the story. It usually creates a funny tale.

2. Dive deep into a new subject or topic - During the holiday downtime you might learn what your child is really into lately. Whatever they find super interesting, whether it be reindeer, snow, or something totally unseasonal like beetles, pilots, or castles stockpile lots of books on this single topic and let them browse. If you don't have time to search, the librarian will collect the titles for you and put them on hold.

3. Play with shaving cream, sand, and washi tape - I'm always a fan of less is more. On that note I'm a huge fan of eliminating homework for younger kids but I'll step off the soapbox (for now). Practicing sight words is my one exception to the rule. A fun way to do this is to use shaving cream, sand, washi tape or simply writing words on the tub with bubbles during bath time. 

4. Protect bedtime stories - Schedules get thrown to the wind with family and travels and rightfully so. Rather than trying to maintain all of your routines, simply focus on consistently reading a book or telling a story at bedtime. If your child is struggling to learn to read then make sure at the end of the day you are only reading to them, cuddling up, and not asking them to do any work. And if all else fails, take some advice from these kids. They have some interesting ideas on bedtime. 

5. Find the right books - If you are able to reach the teacher, ask him or her the exact sounds or reading concepts that your child is currently learning. Having the appropriate "on level," books is one of the most effective ways to create progress. If your child hasn't yet mastered short vowel sounds or rhyming then you will want to have lots of rhyming books around or several decodable books with short vowel sounds in your home. If your child is already reading proficiently ask the teacher their exact reading level. 

Hang in there and enjoy the days!

Picture Books for Little Adventurers

Our family recently took a road trip to Austin from Dallas and my four-year-old, who feels that one hundred is definitely the biggest number imaginable, said, "Mom, I guess there are probably one hundred places in the whole world." It makes me smile when I stop and realize how small their world is at this age. 

If you are traveling soon, planning a staycation, or have a geography buff on your hands, check out the following books to help them keep exploring and learning. I also received some great suggestions for traveling with kids over on Instagram!

If you are staying close to home, one fun gift idea might be to speak their love language through maps by giving them a coupon for a special adventure: "Good For One Date: Let's find a spot within a five mile radius of home," and then spend some time choosing a location together on the map. You might pair these cookies with this book for an "after school" snack and if I were the crafty type I would want to make a message in a bottle after reading the most beautiful new book, The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles. 

Happy exploring! 

Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams. Full of activities, maps, and facts from all over the world, this book can be revisited and explored over and over again. 

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead. The pastel illustrations in this book are moving and create a melancholy tone. The book is the story of a man who lives all alone on a hill and opens ocean bottle messages. He sets out to find the recipient of a message and in-turn receives a delightful surprise.

The Littlest Family's Big Day By Emily Winfield Martin. The perfect story to accompany a family adventure or even a move to a different home.  A bear family explores their new neighborhood and creates a magical experience during the excursion.

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche. Examining different types of homes around the world, this book provides interesting facts about regions and homes. It would make a nice addition to a classroom lesson or could be included in a nonfiction unit.

Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinska. This beautiful title will provide hours of exploring and daydreaming. It also acts as a nice coffee table book for your home.  

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski. This book proves that not all adventures require physical traveling. A little girl discovers how one can get lost in their own mind when they are allowed to create and imagine a story by reading a good book. Perfect for book lovers and big dreamers.

The 50 States paired with Dick and Jane state capital cookies.

 City Atlas: Travel the World with 30 City Maps by Georgia Cherry, Illustrated by Martin Haake. Taking a closer look at particular cities, the atlas examines thirty locations, their landmarks and fun facts about each.

At The Same Moment, Around The World by Clotilde Perrin. A beautifully told story of diversity from the perspective of time, children will think about their own day and their activities while learning about traditions and customs from across the world. "At the same moment in Paris, France, it is seven o'clock in the morning, and Benedict drinks hot chocolate before school."

I am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. The I Am Ordinary People Change the World series examines extraordinary individuals who accomplished their childhood dreams. This is a good title to start with since the mystery and courage of Amelia Earhart seem to be captivating for both adults and kids. 

Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. A sweet alternative to the commonly gifted, "Oh, The Places You Will Go!" This book is the tale of leaving for far-off ventures and returning home when the time is right. It gives parents perspective, knowing the day is coming and reminds us that they are leaving to better themselves and not only to break our hearts.

Must-Haves To Boost Reading Confidence

One of the things I love most about being a reading specialist is watching a child who is struggling in school start to feel proud and confident in their abilities. This change usually has little to do with me or my teaching and a lot to do with providing the correct materials. Rather than utilize flashcards and reading drills, it's more fun and usually more beneficial to start by helping children see themselves as readers. Adding "reader" to their self-image will spark enthusiasm, much like buying workout clothes before working out. Let them feel a sense of ownership by picking out a library tote or helping to create a reading nook in your home. To make your life easier, below are a few essentials to help you get started.

If you want the short list for your Amazon order, pile these items in your cart: Short Vowel Decodable Books, Golf pencils or crayons,  phonics blocks or CVC letter cubes or Bananagrams, a personal notebook or fill-in journal and a tray for practicing sight words (acts as a simpler version of this teaching material) sand for practicing sight words. If you are curious about the reasoning behind each item and a few choices, please keep reading. 

Bananagrams - Before there was instagram, there were Bananagrams! I recently picked up My First Bananagrams set for my own four-year-old and while she is not reading yet, we love playing with them. My favorite part of the "My First" set is that the vowels are all on yellow tiles. So you can easily help kids start creating and spelling on their own by teaching them about three letter consonant, vowel, consonant words. 

Decodable Short Vowel Books - Giving a beginning reader a book that is too difficult for them is like walking into the advanced Zumba class when it's your first time to the gym. You would leave feeling defeated and overly exhausted. So providing the correct types of books for beginner readers is pretty important. Decodable books are designed for students to learn a single concept at a time. Choose readers that are labeled, "Beginner, set one or short vowels." Once your child has mastered short vowels then they can move on to sight words and long vowels. The most popular series are BOB books or decodables that incorporate popular characters, such as Pinkalicious and Lego Super Heroes.

CVC word rod - These toys help children build three-letter words containing a short vowel. As they learn to decode, your children will have a lot of fun manipulating words. These rods and blocks will help them practice one vowel at a time and change words like mat to hat or top to mop. When your child is ready to build words independently, try these phonics cubes. 

A personal notebook - Any journal or simple notepad will do. Encouraging a child to write however they wish, to make lists or draw pictures, will spark creativity and deepen their understanding of the purpose of writing. This fun fill-in the blank journal provides some structure and fun writing prompts.

Small pencils and crayons - Did you know that when a child is learning how to write they benefit from using small golf-sized pencils? It goes against the popular belief that a child needs a large pencil. Actually, the larger pencils and crayons are designed for infants and babies who grasp with the palm of their hand. When a child is learning to read and write, the formation of the letters and motor skills can have an affect on his or her reading ability as well. By providing small pencils kids more easily practice proper pencil grip. 

Sand or tactile materials - High frequency words make up approximately 65% of all written text, so we want to help children memorize these words to make reading easier. As a child begins learning letter formation and sight words, it's helpful for them to practice spelling through a multi-sensory experience. Plainly said, they need to incorporate their entire body and senses to transfer the information into their long-term memory. The sand box linked above is helpful because the colored bottom makes the letters and formation stand out. It also comes with a lid to keep the sand from spreading throughout your house but any tray will do the trick!

Reading and Speaking Phone – This simple tool allows kids to read or speak into it to hear their own voice. Similar to when an adult records a presentation or an upcoming speech, this phone allows a child to practice reading and receive immediate feedback by listening to their own voice while reading. It improves mispronunciations and comprehension and also can help a child improve fluency.

Highlighting Strips – These fun strips act as a bookmark, highlighting the line a line of text so the child can more easily gain fluency and accuracy. 

Starting with these items will help you create excitement around reading. It also will help you, as a parent, feel more informed and confident in assisting your child. Consider wrapping the items in a fun package or gifting them for a special event. As always, feel free to email me with questions or thoughts on ways to help your little reader at writtenandbound@gmail.com. 

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10 Books for Little Foodies

Whether you have a picky or adventurous eater here are a few titles that are sure to get your kids interested:

Julia, Child by Kyo Maclear is the story of Julia's friendship with Simone Beck, the French cookbook author.

Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child by Jessie Hartland is the traditional full biography of Julia told through graphic pictures. It's from the author and illustrator, Jessie Hartland, of the recently published Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science, a favorite on our girl-empowered book shelf.

To Market, To Market by Nikki McClure Nikki McClure's paper cut illustrations are always captivating. This book includes both a sentimental story and fun facts about a child going to the farmer's market with her mother. 

Before We Eat: From Farm to Table by Pat Brisson and Mary Azarian - A poem of thanks to those that grow and prepare our food. The book also explains the process that the grower must go through to prepare each part of our food from seeds, to harvesting crops and feeding animals. 

Can I Eat That? By Joshua David Stein Written by an acclaimed food critic, this book is sure to create some laughter and interest in food from your kids. The book is full of facts and thought provoking questions.

Food Trucks! By Mark Todd  A rhyming book about dining categories and food trucks. For younger children also check out 

How Did That Get in my Lunch Box? The Story of Food by Chris Butterworth This book can be read just for fun at home or in a health and nutrition class. The pictures are engaging and the story discusses how the food in your lunch was created. From planting and picking fruits to baking and cooking, the children will be engaged in thinking more about how the food arrived on their plate.

Foodie Babies Wear Bibs by Michelle Sinclair Colman This hilarious book shows infants browsing food markets and dining al fresco, but when it comes to using a fork and spoon and table manners, well it reminded me of Joanna Goodard's post on motherhood tips where her friend explained that "Babies be babies."

First Book of Sushi by Amy Wilson Sanger Another board book that also acts as a rhyming story and can be very eye-opening for adults. "Miso in my sippy cup, tofu in my bowl," got me thinking about how often my kids are just the same meals over and over. Guilty as charged. 

Good Enough To Eat by Lizzie Rockwell Besides being the name of my favorite brunch spot on the Upper West Side (the Gramercy Park omelette was my all-time favorite pregnancy craving), this book introduces nutrition and food facts for kids. It also includes a few kid-friendly recipes.