In celebration of Valentine's Day, try this fun reading routine that is sure to ignite your children's love of reading. Classroom extension ideas are included as well. Have fun and post pictures of your learners loving their books on Instagram. Tag @readinghouse for a chance to win The Reading House book!
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452 Hits
In my book – THE READING HOUSE - I explain that there are several reading categories into which kids fit; and different types of readers need different kinds of learning opportunities. Children can be Classic Readers , Uninspired Readers , or Challenged Readers . To find out which type of reader your child is, check out our past blog article, "What...
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1220 Hits
The main purpose of our Reading House activities is to arm parents with simple reading routines they can do at home with their children. These activities will strengthen children's reading skills and ignite their desire to read more frequently. Avid readers become thoughtful thinkers; and those who think will become creators and...
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1109 Hits
It is so important to read aloud to children of all ages. We know it. We've heard it. We want to do it. But sometimes life just gets in the way. All parents want to prepare their children as much as possible for future academic success. But often there is barely enough time to eat dinner together! Well, there is something that can be done, when rea...
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1730 Hits
Think about the last time you had to sit quietly and listen to a lecture, meeting, or presentation. Did it last longer than anticipated? Did you have to shift in your seat several times to get comfortable? How often did you hope it would just end? Most importantly, was your attention to the topic still peaked - and were you fully engaged - toward t...
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1646 Hits
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1708 Hits
Consistently learning and practicing new words is essential for readers of all ages. This activity can be used on a daily basis to enhance the learning of sight, spelling, or vocabulary words. Supplies : Shoe box; index cards or words cut from a spelling or sight word list; un-popped popcorn kernels or decorative filler stones; markers or pictures ...
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1713 Hits
How often have you heard your child say, "I'm bored!"? There aren't many statements that are more frustrating or guilt-provoking than that one! In thinking about why children continue to share that sentiment over and over again, one need only look at the types of activities they are most frequently doing, and the items they are continuously using. ...
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1856 Hits
There is no refuting the fact that regularly reading with your children benefits them in many, many ways. Cognitive functions improve, pre-reading and reading skills are bolstered, verbal communication is enhanced, and the parent-child bond is strengthened. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that parents should be "reading toget...
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1968 Hits
Manipulatives are physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage children in hands-on learning. This blog article discusses the importance of using manipulatives when reading and shares hands-on reading activities parents can do with their children today.
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7159 Hits
The kids are back to school and that means they will soon be bringing home lists of spelling and vocabulary words to memorize. It has been said that repetition is the mother of all learning, and it seems like we still embrace that philosophy with spelling practice. But repetitive drills don't have to be boring. Try some of these hand...
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1690 Hits
Daily reading routines are at the heart of home reading practice. Reading House routines are so simple and enjoyable that your children won't even know they are engaged in a learning process! Try incorporating some of the activities below into your day and post a picture of your family enjoying a story together. Tag yo...
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2249 Hits
From my experiences as an elementary teacher, reading tutor, and parent, I've found that there are three general reading categories into which kids fit; and different types of readers need different kinds of learning opportunities. As a parent, how do you find out what kind of reader your child is? Can they improve? How can you best assist you...
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3075 Hits
Selecting the most effective literature can be a challenge for parents who are overwhelmed by all of the book choices. The first place to start is with your child's interests. Think about the activities your child enjoys and look for books that include that subject. If you want to have a more detailed conversation with your child about his or her i...
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1517 Hits
There is nothing better to children than having a secret, private place where adults are not allowed. We parents won't feel the sting of rejection as much if we know they are getting their daily dose of reading at the same time! Take a look inside the Reading House eBook and v isit our website to learn more about our story!
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1677 Hits
There are so many different ways to insert fun literary experiences throughout your day, and learning the alphabet is a great starting point for the younger set. Warmer summer days beckon us outside. Use the natural environment that surrounds you as a learning playground for your little learners!
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1745 Hits
Literary experiences and reading routines are at the core of The Reading House philosophy. By infusing reading into everyday experiences, we make learning a natural extension of the activities and errands we do with our children. Helping our children become stronger readers doesn't have to be a chore. We need only be aware of the opportunities that...
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1883 Hits
The Book Fairy activity below is taken from The Reading House book and can be found in the "Loving Literature" chapter. Post a picture or video of your youngster having a Book Fairy experience (remember to tag us) and you will receive a FREE paperback copy of The Reading House while supplies...
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2096 Hits
"If the English Language made any sense, lackadaisical would have something to do with a shortage of flowers." - Doug Larson, Author The English language seems to have more exceptions than rules, multitudes of letter combinations that produce the same sounds, masses of words that have more than one meaning, verbs that possess different ...
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1537 Hits
Daily routines, or habits, are comforting. Adults and children flourish with set routines because we know what to expect and what is expected of us. In addition to already established household and school routines, a daily reading routine can have a great impact upon your child's level of reading success. With recurrent time dedicated to reading, y...
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8021 Hits
"A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must lay it down and commence living on its hint … what I began reading I must finish by acting." – Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862), American author, poet, philosopher, and historian Although comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading, extending themselves beyond the story is what will prop...
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1691 Hits
The ultimate goal of reading is comprehension. When children understand what they're reading, they will truly enjoy the activity so that learning happens naturally. Reading becomes the means to an end for a lifelong learner. Lifelong learners are curious and continuously seek out information to expand their knowledge base. They take that informatio...
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1567 Hits
"Identification of predictors of children's eventual success in learning to read has been an active area of research. Three powerful predictors are (1) preschooler's ability to recognize and name letters of the alphabet, (2) their general knowledge about text (where is the front or back of the book, whether the story is told by the pictures or the ...
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4049 Hits
"Children who receive stimulating literacy experiences from birth onward appear to have an edge when it comes to vocabulary development, understanding the goals of reading, and developing an awareness of print and literacy concepts. Children who are read to frequently at a very young age become exposed in interesting and exciting ways to the sounds...
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1705 Hits
"This is so stupid." "I'll never get this." "I hate reading!" "I give up!" I have heard these statements and countless others throughout my years of teaching. There is a large segment of the student population to whom reading just does not come easily. I call these children challenged readers because learning to read is so challenging for the...
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2367 Hits
For years, we have been aware of the importance of building up and strengthening the self-esteem of our children. With a healthy respect for themselves, children can better handle the ups and downs life will undoubtedly show them. Those who have a high self-esteem can more easily handle conflicts and persevere to find solutions to problems. Childre...
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1721 Hits
Every teacher struggles to accommodate learners at various levels of readiness. As you teach a lesson to your entire class, you try to adapt the learning experience so that all can grasp it and be properly challenged at the same time. All educators are well aware that in every class there are children whose learning appetites are insatiable ( class...
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1693 Hits
Being a lifelong bookworm, I have always treasured books and think of them as the most awesome gifts to give to others. What I've found, though, is when looking for birthday presents for our children's friends … we tend to overlook the book. The latest gadgets, toys, clothing, or collectibles are what draw the most "ooohs and ahhhs" during the party, correct? Well, not necessarily. Read on for some pretty cool gift ideas that include literature as the main attraction.
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1802 Hits
Homework is a daily ritual for most of us with school-aged children, and it's a task that must be done around extra curricular activities and dinner. There are two factors that positively influence the homework experience: clear parental expectations and a defined and organized homework space. Communicating expectations to your children about homew...
1763 Hits
1763 Hits