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Reading at Home

QUICK BOOK REPORT TO STRENGTHEN READING COMPREHENSION

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Simple, easy form to print for your children to complete when they finish reading a book this week. Reviewing story elements after completing a book strengthens comprehension skills and encourages children to think independently about what they read. If they struggle with this, talk it out to better understand what their obstacle is. If it's easy f...
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"I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!" READING ACTIVITY

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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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820 Hits

10 Simple Ways to Strengthen A Fledgling or Challenged Reader's Abilities

10 Simple Ways to Strengthen A Fledgling or Challenged Reader's Abilities
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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children literacy experiences children reading READING HOUSE reading categories
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SIMPLE READING ROUTINES TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN

SIMPLE READING ROUTINES TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN
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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1399 Hits

Literary Experiences™

Literary Experiences™
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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2067 Hits

READY, SET, GO!! HOW TO PRIME CHILDREN TO READ

READY, SET, GO!! HOW TO PRIME CHILDREN TO READ
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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reading activities reading routines learning style
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ONE THING PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN BETTER READERS

ONE THING PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN BETTER READERS

"Readers are plentiful, thinkers are rare." - Henry G. Strauss.

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children comprehension reading activities reading strategies language development
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WORD POPS - A FUN WORD PLAY ACTIVITY

WORD POPS - A FUN WORD PLAY ACTIVITY
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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reading activity spelling words vocabulary words sight word list reading practice
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Creativity Is The Solution

Creativity Is The Solution
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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reading activities creativity boredom technology enrichment
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HOW YOU READ WITH YOUR CHILD IS SUPER IMPORTANT

HOW YOU READ WITH YOUR CHILD IS SUPER IMPORTANT
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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reading reading skills read for fun comprehension parent-child reading
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READING WITH MANIPULATIVES

READING WITH MANIPULATIVES

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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reading comprehension reading activities teaching tools students manipulatives
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TEN AWESOME WAYS TO PRACTICE FOR A SPELLING TEST!

TEN AWESOME WAYS TO PRACTICE FOR A SPELLING TEST!
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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spelling practice spelling tests spelling homework
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10 Reading Routines You Can Start Using Today

10 Reading Routines You Can Start Using Today
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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2575 Hits

WHAT READING TYPE IS YOUR CHILD AND HOW CAN YOU HELP?

WHAT READING TYPE IS YOUR CHILD AND HOW CAN YOU HELP?
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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3742 Hits

THE READING SURVEY

THE READING SURVEY
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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1706 Hits

THE READING FORT

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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reading activity reading games children reading
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ABC SUMMER FUN

ABC SUMMER FUN
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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alphabet activities preschooler toddler reading games
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S'MORES AND CAMPFIRE SONGS

S'MORES AND CAMPFIRE SONGS
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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2170 Hits

The Book Fairy

The Book Fairy
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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2414 Hits

LANGUAGE ARTS

LANGUAGE ARTS
"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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1716 Hits

READING ROUTINES

READING ROUTINES
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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8818 Hits

STORY EXTENSIONS

STORY EXTENSIONS
"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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reading comprehension reading activities gifted and talented story extensions
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COMPREHENSION

COMPREHENSION
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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1807 Hits

ABC's, PHONICS, and BOOK CONVENTIONS

ABC's, PHONICS, and BOOK CONVENTIONS
"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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4704 Hits

READING WITH BABY & TODDLER

READING WITH BABY & TODDLER
"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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reading literacy experiences vocabulary development literacy concepts language
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THE CHALLENGED READER

THE CHALLENGED READER
"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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reading struggling readers helping children to read
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ACADEMIC SELF-ESTEEM

ACADEMIC SELF-ESTEEM
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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children self-esteem academic success
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THE UNINSPIRED READER

THE UNINSPIRED READER
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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children readers short attention span uninspired reader
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The Best Gifts

The Best Gifts

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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book gifts gift of reading literary experience birthday ideas book
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Parental Expectations and the Homework Nook

Parental Expectations and the Homework Nook
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...
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1941 Hits