Apps can help make the journey of learning a bit more fun for children. Parents can download apps for almost every subject and interest, transforming the child’s mobile device into a mobile learning center. Children who don’t like to read or who may struggle with reading also might benefit from reading apps or apps that focus on letter and word recognition.

Reading apps can include games, immersive lesson-based content and more. Try these apps to improve reading and take the journey of books and stories…mobile!

Reading Apps that are Virtual Books

We Are Teachers reports that less than one in five children reads 30 minutes or more each day. While many schools assign nightly reading homework—ranging from 15 to 30 minutes—some children might not crack open those books at home.

All reading can be beneficial. Whether a child loves comics, graphic novels, newspapers, magazines or standard bound books, encourage them to read something! Many parents forget that technology could be yet another gateway to a love of literacy.

Call them ebooks, virtual books or just books online, many favorite titles can be downloaded to ereader apps to take kids on a virtual reading journey. Not sure how to download books? Most phones and tablets already have an ereader downloaded. Click the ereader (usually a book-type icon) and this can help parents navigate to an online library. Some books are free, but others might range in price.

Children and adults, too, may prefer reading a book that requires actual page flipping instead of virtual taps to turn the page. However, some gravitate towards technology and might enjoy reading a virtual book. An online library also could help kids explore different titles, genres and authors.

If a child’s device did not include an ereader, these apps are easy to find and easy to download. Just search for ereader via the App Store, Google Play or the Microsoft Store.

Reading Apps that are Games

Some children simply need additional reading practice or extra enrichment for sight words or phonics. Many apps are designed as games to help make mastering these fundamentals much more enjoyable. While, yes, parents can create standard flash cards to help children identify sight words, sometimes playing a game is more entertaining.

What game-based apps are the best for reading practice? Parents might want to first find out the grade-level expectations for their child’s school year. For younger children, this might include a list of sight words and perhaps hitting a specific reading level. Search for games focused on sight word identification, letter recognition, letter tracing, and/or match games.

Narrow down app searches to the areas of focus that pertain to the child’s unique needs. Some of these apps may be free, others may have a price.

PBS Kids is a great app that includes many different games and activities. Plus, it’s free to download! Children who watch PBS programming will enjoy seeing the faces of familiar characters and interacting with lots of fun content.

Learning-Based Reading Apps

There are different apps that are focused on helping children become better and more confident readers. These apps may be advertised as “evidence-based” and may offer features that are designed to  help children who struggle with various aspects of reading. Apps may include help for improving or gauging reading comprehension and/or help improve phonetic and phonemic awareness.

These apps include reading lessons leveled for the needs of each child. Readability, for example, includes books and stories that increase with difficulty as the child masters each level. However, mastery is based not just on reading finesse but comprehension, too.

So how do apps like Readability test the child’s ability and understand when the child can advance? Readability is a verbal-based reading program. Children must read stories aloud, and a built-in AI tutor will learn to recognize the child’s voice.

The AI tutor listens for pronunciation, reading fluidity and will help the child correct any reading errors. After each story/book, the tutor also tests the child on what they have read. If the child struggles to grasp the content and cannot demonstrate comprehension proficiency, then they do not move to a more difficult level.

When parents begin to use Readability, they can set up their child’s reading level so the program knows where to begin. How does a parent know their child’s reading level? This is information the school or the child’s teacher can provide. Reading levels can be referenced as numbers or letters, and the child’s teacher can help parents understand what these codes and levels mean in reference to grade-level correlation.

Once parents set the reading level, the lessons begin. Children then read books at their level and are tested on the knowledge of what they have read. As the child moves up, the stories will become more difficult. Again, though, children only advance as they show proficiency. This ensures that the content is always appropriate. Stories also are designed to meet the grade-level interest of children; older elementary school students won’t necessarily read the same stories as a younger child.

How can parents understand that programs like Readability are making an impact on a child’s reading journey? This answer depends on each unique app. Parents may have the option of numerous reading apps, and each app may report a child’s progress differently. Readability provides parents with a Parent Dashboard that only they can view. This dashboard includes all the reading data associated with their child. Parents can view their child’s current reading level, how long the child reads on the app, reading accuracy and words per minute.

A child’s reading journey may bridge between home and school. Children will be tested on their reading proficiency in the classroom, and teachers have this data throughout the year. To facilitate communication between school and home, parents also can send progress reports from Readability to their child’s teacher.

Reading improvement should be observed in the classroom, too. These reports generated from the app help parents communicate what they see about their child’s reading progress. Teachers can then compare this to what they observe in the classroom.

What is the Best Improve Reading App?

Kids respond to different content, learning styles and maybe even different media too. Some kids might not love technology, so apps may be of little benefit. Other children, however, cannot get enough of those screens.

Parents can find the best reading app or learning app for their child by understanding the unique needs of their child. Some children need to practice sight words, letter recognition or sounds. Others need more focused help on decoding and reading comprehension.

Game-based apps can help children who need to recognize sounds and words. Parents can find many apps that make learning phonics or sight words more enjoyable. Kids may love playing these games and practicing their skills.

For children who need more help and who struggle with reading in general, more focused apps like Readability could be an ideal solution. Readability helps with decoding, phonics and phonemics and comprehension. Stories include colorful illustrations and keep children engaged.

Before settling on an app—even a game—parents should look at price points. While games are fairly inexpensive, some can include ‘in-app purchases’ that can add surprise charges to an account if parents aren’t watchful. Thankfully, though, devices allow parents to disable in-app purchases so that these surprise charges don’t take their toll on the monthly bill.

Reading apps focused on a lesson-based approach, however, might bill differently. Readability requires a monthly subscription at $19.99 per month. This allows parents an account that can be used for up to three children in the household. Families who have multiple children that can benefit from this type of reading app, parents are spending less than $7 per child per month for reading instruction.

Try Out Apps First!

Parents who are unsure what app would be a good fit for their child can research different apps to better understand their features, but trial periods also could be offered that allows parents and children to use the app before committing to a subscription. Readability offers a free seven-day trial period; during this time, parents and their child have access to all of the app’s features and books.

During the trial period, parents might wish to sit with their child as they use the app. Shadowing a few lessons can help parents gauge their child’s interest in the app and also better understand both the reading content and other tools. With Readability, parents can sit with their child and hear how the AI tutor interacts during lessons.

While lesson-focused apps might offer trials, games might not. However, since many games are free or require a nominal cost, parents might not be too concerned. With games, parents also can check out the reviews or the information provided by the developer that offers additional details.

So how can parents sign up for free trials—if they’re available? To sign up for a free trial with Readability, simply complete the free trial information form, follow the prompts to begin the online reading journey!

Americans don’t crack open enough books. According to a 2019 survey by Pew Research Center, about one out of four Americans (27 percent) hasn’t read a single book in a year. Parents or caregivers who don’t read could be unintentionally showing children that reading isn’t fun or entertaining. Children learn by example, after all.

Parents who are trying to help their child learn to read or to become better readers might need to start looking at their own relationships with books. Here’s how to improve your child’s reading skills by starting your own reading habit.

Create a Reading Schedule

There could be a million reasons why we fall out of the reading habit. Time is precious, and most adults—parents and caregivers especially—just don’t seem to have enough time to do everything. Trying to develop a reading habit after falling away from books can be a challenge…and a big change.

So how can busy adults find time to read? The answer is pretty simple. When we encourage children to read, this could be a good time for adults to read, too. If children normally read at night before bed, perhaps the family can gather together in the living room or rec area and have family reading time.

Parents may still read to children. If this is the case, then when do adults read? Before bed might be a good time. Wait for kids to fall asleep and then pull out a book. Many adults may play on their phones, watch television or engage in other screen time at night. The blue light from devices can actually throw the body’s circadian rhythm out of whack. Reading, though, could have a positive effect on sleep. According to the Sleep Advisor, reading before bed has many benefits: it helps zap stress, it boosts creativity, it can improve your mind (new information!), provides a sense of peace…and much more!

Drop the devices, and crack open a book!

Choose a Book You Love

One of the tips that are often given to help children learn to like reading is to let them choose their own books (within reason, of course). For adults, the same advice should apply, too. To get into the reading habit, figure out what type of subjects are interesting.

Make a list of authors that you know you’ve read (and liked), subjects that you want to explore and other general interests. Maybe there are some literary classics you’ve always wanted to read. Make a list! Then go online to the local library and reserve a few books. Don’t have a library membership? Contact the library in your area and find out how to become a member!

If money is tight, think about buying books at thrift stores or secondhand bookstores. You might find some great titles at low prices!

Set a Goal…But Be Realistic

Parents or teachers may encourage children to set a reading goal. Adults can do the same. Maybe the goal is based on minutes, pages or chapters. Setting a goal could help with accountability.

Try not to go overboard with goals, though. While setting big goals is admirable, don’t make them unreasonable. If it’s been years since a book was opened, you might need to start off lighter. Every reader is different. Some of us read slowly, others can fly through books. Concentration could be an issue, and it’s ok to go back and reread. Figure out what works, but be kind to you! Remember…reading is fun. Don’t make it a job!

Accessorize!

How in the world do you accessorize a book? Bookmarks! Little things can boost the mood. Think about walking through a park and spotting that first spring flower. Or seeing a rainbow after a big storm. Create a little happiness and design a bookmark to keep track of the pages. Or go buy one.

Yes, you could grab a paperclip, but creating a bookmark is a nice little nod to childhood. Get artsy. Have fun. And let the kids join you. So how do you make a bookmark? It’s simple, and you can buy supplies cheap (dollar stores!). You’ll need:

• Construction Paper
• Stencils
• Glitter
• Markers
• Crayons
• Stickers

Bookmarks can be created by simply cutting a piece of construction paper into strips. Typically, a pad or pack of construction paper includes many hues. Choose your favorite color, and let kids do the same. Then design your bookmark! Maybe it includes your name, monogram or just a crazy design! Have fun!

Read Childhood Favorites

Want to ease into reading again? Start by going backwards…all the way back to childhood. Many of us had favorite books from elementary school that stuck with us decades later. Maybe it was a popular series or just a classic book.

No matter the age, it’s ok to reread literature from our childhood. And, actually, it might be emotionally soothing. There’s something comforting about reading a book or re-experiencing something from childhood. Who says you can’t go back? Books are a window to different worlds, but they also may help transport us back to younger, simpler times.

Hunt down the old favorites!

Create a Family Book Club

Motivate a reading habit in the whole family by starting a family book club. Choose books at a level that everyone in the family can read.

Plan to meet to discuss book options and select several titles for the family to vote. Adults might consider choosing books that also have been adapted into movies. Why? It’s fun to watch how the book plays out as a movie, and the family can compare the two as part of the book discussion. Wait until after everyone finishes the book to watch the movie, though.

Adults can set reading goals for children for finishing the book. The ‘club’ could meet once or twice a week to discuss chapters and the plot. This could be the ideal time to get children to talk about what they’ve read and to discern if they are having any problems reading the book.

Looking for books that have been turned into movies? Imagination Soup offers a fairly comprehensive list of children’s books that have made it to the screen.

What About Yearly Goals?

If about a fourth of American adults haven’t read a single book during the course of the year, how many books should be a yearly goal? Setting a yearly reading goal by aiming to read a set number of books for the year can be a great way to boost reading, too.

Again, though, everyone reads at their pace. And time could be limited. Maybe aim for a book a month? If the book is incredibly long (perhaps 1,000 pages), opt for a little more time…and don’t stress! Twelve books for the year is still a great number. After reading for several months, the pace may quicken and reading could become a beloved habit.

When the Book is…Not Interesting

Sometimes even adults pick a book, read a few chapters and just can’t go on. Do you push through it? Do you opt for something else?

Some books just aren’t what we expect. Not every story, character or plot may resonate. Obviously if a book offends or is simply too much for whatever reason, adults don’t need anyone’s permission to put it down.

Depending on why the story doesn’t resonate may impact if you continue to read it or not. Don’t stress either way. Remember…reading should be fun. This isn’t an assignment!

Fiction or Nonfiction?

Want to keep the literacy journey interesting? Try mixing up fiction and nonfiction books. One month pick a favorite fiction author, the next month pick a book exploring a destination or topic of interest.

Have you always wondered about ancient Egypt? Maybe you wanted to read about a famous person? Grab a biography or choose a book that highlights a destination.

When kids see adults reading a variety of books, it may make them more curious about the world, too! And they may begin to explore their world by reading more books. Start a habit of reading exploration, see where it takes you, and invite kids to go on their own journey!

How Does Your Reading Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills?

Reading can be beneficial to all ages. But how does a parent’s reading habit help improve a child’s reading habit? When parents start reading more or even begin reading daily, this habit could show children that reading is fun and a form of entertainment.

When parents read, perhaps kids begin to simply see the habit as something everyone does. Of course, when children see their parents reading, they also can’t throw back at them: “Why should I read? You don’t read.” Parents of older children might have heard these words.

Parents who begin to adopt a reading habit also may be able to share reading tips. Or maybe parents can share their own struggles and how they overcame those struggles. This could open up conversations about re-reading or chunking text…and how every reader may need to find their own strategies.

Reading also may bridge a gap between generations. Reading the same book can give kids and parents a fun commonality. Parents also can recommend books to their child; maybe rereading a book from childhood makes parents realize that their own child would love the story.

Whether it’s been years or a decade since you opened up a book, now is a great time to peek at the bookshelf, visit the library and hunt down some favorite books. Start your own reading journey and help children discover why reading is so much fun!

Parents of second graders may be eying third-grade expectations, and, for some students, third grade may be the beginning of a more demanding curriculum. What reading level should second-graders hit to be prepared for third grade?

According to Scholastic, the reading level for the beginning of third grade is J; this corresponds to a Lexile® of around 520. If a child struggles with comprehension, they may struggle with chapter books in third grade. Here’s how to improve reading comprehension for children in the 2nd grade.

How Can I Improve My Child’s Reading Comprehension?

Whether a child is in 2nd grade or in a higher grade, reading comprehension can affect the understanding of the story or book. If a child reads fluently but is unable to recall the plot or important details, summarize the main ideas or begin to inference (in later grades), they may be struggling with reading comprehension.

Try these tips at home to help children improve their reading comprehension:

Sight Word Scavenger Hunt

In second grade, children probably still have a list of sight words that they are expected to memorize and recognize on sight. Parents can make flashcards with these words to help children identify these words. Sight word scavenger hunts also can turn identifying these words into a game; make a list of the sight words and encourage children to find them during errands.

Ask ‘Wh’ Questions

Parents can read with children and ask key questions about the book after a chapter or every few pages. Focus on the ‘wh’ questions of comprehension: who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Comprehension Bookmarks

In second grade, chapter books may be short. Parents can also encourage children to make a comprehension bookmark to help them ask questions and think about the context of the story as they read. There are many great resources for creating comprehension bookmarks on the web; the site What I have Learned in Teaching offers many great examples. 

Read…Then Re-Read!

Scholastic also recommends that children reread passages to help them with fluency and understanding. Even adults sometimes need to reread paragraphs or maybe even multiple pages if they lose their focus while reading. It’s always ok to go back and reread for understanding. This could become a good strategy for children who need repetition to gain mastery.

What are the Seven Reading Comprehension Strategies?

Parents may wonder how teachers provide guidance to help children master reading comprehension. Reading Rockets includes seven strategies for helping with reading comprehension; the article is geared to the classroom. However, parents could integrate these strategies at home. The list of strategies includes:

Monitoring Children

According to Reading Rockets: “Research shows that instruction, even in the early grades, can help students become better at monitoring their comprehension.” While this is geared towards teachers, parents can monitor and help children better understand where they struggle. Then children and parents can create solutions to aid those struggles. This could include rereading or other helpful aids.

Metacognition

What does this mean? Basically, the site explains that it is “thinking about thinking.” Students will peruse what they are about to read and have an idea about why they’re reading the text. Then they will adjust their reading for the text; that is, they may read slower for more difficult material. Children also could ask questions as they read.  Reading Rockets lists a number of strategies for metacognition.

Graphic Organizers

These visual aids could greatly help children with comprehension. And, yes, parents and children can make them at home! Visit Reading A-Z for printable organizers.

Asking Questions

Another strategy from Reading Rockets is Answering Questions. This is beyond the ‘wh’ questions, however. Instead the questions include more intricate reading strategies to test comprehension. These questions, per the site, include:

“Right There:” These can include simple scavenger hunts through the text. Like what is the stuffed bear’s name?

“Think & Search:” The point of these questions is that children need to “search” the text to find the answers. Examples can include questions about a character’s emotions.

“Author & You:” This makes children think about the book or characters and the events. These are ‘why do you think…” types of questions. Reading Rockets used the question: “How do you think a frog felt when he found a toad?” as the example of this strategy.

“On Your Own:” These questions relate personal experiences to the story. For example, a story where the main character’s father loses his job could prompt a question on how a child would feel if this happened to them.

Brainstorming Questions

Children can come up with their own questions about the story and see if they can answer those questions. This could help them test understanding. This could delve back into those key ‘wh’ questions. 

Story Composition

How a story is composed can be a crucial part of comprehension. Reading Rockets focuses this strategy more on the meat of a story—so characters, problem, setting, resolution, etc.

However, to expand on Reading Rockets’ summation, it’s also important that children recognize different types of narration. Some stories include flashbacks or background information. Identifying how narration changes or how points of view change throughout the story may impact comprehension. If a child can’t understand that a story is composed of numerous narrators, they may miss key points of the story.

In Summary

The final strategy, per Reading Rockets, is summarizing. Children need to be able to summarize what they’ve read. Summarizing includes understanding the main ideas and being able to filter out the info that isn’t so important to the story.

What Level Reading Should a 2nd Grader Be At?

There isn’t an exact and precise answer regarding ‘what level reading should a 2nd grader be at.” Reading levels typically progress throughout the year, and teachers like to see growth. Scholastic notes that children could begin third grade at a reading level of J. Some children could be reading at a much higher level, others could be below this level.

When should parents be concerned? Every parent is different in what concerns them. However, if a parent notices that their child doesn’t seem to be advancing in their reading levels, they might open up a dialogue with the teacher. In addition, standardized tests or reading assessments could indicate that a child is reading below grade level.

Can Reading Apps Help With Comprehension?

Parents who notice their child is struggling with reading comprehension could use tools and resources at home to help them gain proficiency and confidence. Worksheets and apps could help children who perhaps don’t qualify for extra help at school. 

Parents can talk to their child’s teacher about enrichment reading worksheets to use at home. Teachers could have some additional materials that they could send home for enrichment, too. It never hurts to ask!

Parents who feel their child needs one-on-one help also could use a reading app at home. These apps should focus on helping to address the child’s individual struggles, however. While apps designed as games can be fun and entertaining, they might not help a child delve deeper into the context of a story or provide assistance to a struggling reader. 

Readability is designed to provide children with help in both phonics and comprehension. The app includes a built-in AI tutor that provides feedback with pronunciation and helps children when they struggle during lessons. The tutor also asks questions about the story to gauge comprehension. Children advance to a higher level as they show mastery in both reading fluency and comprehension.

How Do Parents Know That an App or Reading Program Works?

Apps and reading programs can be an investment for parents. The cost could be a monthly commitment. Parents may wonder what to expect from their investment. How do you know if an app or program works for the child?

With Readability, parents can access the Parent Dashboard to gain insight about their child’s progress. Via this dashboard, parents can view a child’s progress, current reading level and other pertinent data. Parents can also check to see how long the child used the program.

Data from the dashboard also can be sent to a child’s teacher. Parents can talk to the teacher to inquire about progress at school. While improvement and advancement via the app is important, parents also want to know that the child is making similar progress at school.

Parents also may look for programs that offer a free trial. Not every program will be a fit for every child. Parents should feel empowered to try out a program to ensure that it meets their needs…and can help their child’s unique struggles. Readability offers a free seven-day trial; children have access to all the stories and features in the program for one week at no cost. At the end of this period, parents can decide if they want to continue with a monthly subscription.

Ready to try Readability? Sign up today for a free trial…and get reading!

Teachers often give students a ‘brain break’ between lessons to let them have fun, maybe wiggle a bit and, well, just take a little break from academics. Brain breaks can be a fun way to let children decompress and step away from math, reading and all those other subjects.

Brain breaks could be beneficial at home, too. Taking breaks between homework assignments could help children feel more motivated to tackle the next task. Need some brain break tips? Here is a list of brain break ideas…one idea also is the best app to improve reading!

The Basics of Brain Breaks

So what are brain breaks exactly? Understood.org explains that these little mind breaks can be a physical activity or something quiet. The premise is to simply help children relax a bit…and not focus their brain constantly on work. Adults probably take brain breaks without really realizing it. Walking to the break room for another cup of coffee may be a simple way to get away from the stress for just a minute.

For homework, these breaks can be helpful so children don’t feel too overwhelmed or burn out. Understood.org explains that these breaks also could help children learn to recognize when they need to step away. Many adults understand that when a work assignment gets too frustrating, sometimes taking a break and giving the mind time to de-stress can help the person to approach that same assignment with a clearer focus.

Brain breaks don’t have to be long. In fact, breaks may only be a few minutes. How brain breaks are scheduled depends on the child’s age…and maybe what works best for them.

Understood.org notes that younger children may need brain breaks that are on a schedule (i.e. work for 10 minutes then take a two minute break), while older kids may have breaks tied to a specific goal (read a chapter then take a break).

The site also explains that older and younger kids have different attention spans; that is a younger child can only work for about 15 minutes until parents should give them a break. Older kids (defined as middle/high school) can focus for 20 to 30 minutes before stepping away.

Parents know their kids, though, and a child may have different needs.

Give Me a Break: Ideas for the Fatigued Mind

Brain breaks can be active or passive. Not all kids may benefit from a boisterous break, and, again, parents know their child best. If a physical brain break hypes them up too much, then a quiet break may be best. Choose the idea that works for the child. Don’t forget to set a timer so the break doesn’t run too long!

Brain Breaks for Younger Children

1.   Dance Party

Grab the kid-friendly playlist and get dancing! Pick some tune the child loves and encourage them to dance, dance, dance.

2.   Play Catch

Grab a beach ball, turn on some music and toss the ball back and forth until the song ends.

3.   Do Yoga

Some child-friendly yoga poses could make a fun and relaxing brain break. Not sure what poses are good for kids? Check out Kids Yoga Stories for poses and yoga resources.

4.   Jump Rope

Grab a jump rope and encourage the child to skip rope to a song. Or sing a favorite jump rope song. Parents can do this, too!

5.   Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are easy to do indoors. Do jumping jacks to music for more fun!

6.   Hula Hoop

While a hula hoop might not be a practical brain break at school, this could be a fun break at home. Do some hula hoop tricks. Again…music makes this more fun. Plus, when the song is over, the break is over, too!

7.   Meditate

If the family likes to meditate, this could be a relaxing brain break. Take a few minutes and focus on the break.

8.   Listen to Music

Sometimes a child might want to just sit and listen to a favorite song. This could be a calming or energizing brain break.

9.   Color

Grab some paper or a coloring book, plus any crayons, markers or colored pencils. Let children get creative and color for a few minutes.

10.   Play with Dough or Putty

Mold some figures out of clay or dough. Let children play for a few minutes and mold a unique creation.

11.   Put Together a Small Puzzle

Let children put together a small puzzle (if this is what they enjoy). Just don’t bring out the 500-piece puzzles! Think small and quick!

12.   Get Imaginative

Some kids just want to play with dolls or action figures quietly. This could be a simple, but fun, brain break.

13.   Read

Some children like to read for fun. Children could open a reading app like Readability and read quietly for a few minutes. Breaks should be fun, though, so if reading is stressful for a child, maybe choose another break idea. Or parents can read a story to a child via the Readability app.

14.   Play Games Online

Maybe a child wants to just watch games online. Need some fun kid-friendly games? Visit PBKids.

15.   Rest

Kids can get up, stretch and lie down quietly for a few minutes. They may want to rest their eyes and just relax.

Brain Breaks for Middle School & High School

Older kids need breaks, too! At the middle and high school level, pre-teens and teens may have their own ideas for a break. Here are some ideas, though.

1.   Listen to Music

Older kids may just want to turn on their favorite playlist, put in ear phones and chill out.

2.   Get Social

A brain break may be a quick 10-minute break to hop on social media and comment on their friends’ posts.

3.   Watch funny videos.

YouTube and TikTok have all sorts of fun videos. Maybe a teen just wants to watch a kitten playing with its littermates. Or maybe they want to watch their favorite YouTube or TikTok personality.

4.   A Quick Exercise

Time for some sit ups, some crunches, a few jumping jacks or maybe some yoga! Teens may want a little bit of movement to get their blood pumping and feel rejuvenated.

5.   Coloring

Pre-teens and teens are not too old to be artistic. Grown-up coloring books exist…this could be a fun and creative break for older kids. Buy them a new box of crayons for nostalgia.

6.   A Quick Chat

Older kids may want to call up a friend for a quick chat. Emphasis on quick, though!

Parents may need to supervise older kids if, perhaps, motivation is a concern. Breaks shouldn’t be so long that it impedes on homework being completed at a reasonable hour. Breaks are meant to be a quick and temporary step away from the stress of homework.

More Work Isn’t a Break

Taking breaks offers a respite from homework problems and may even provide a motivating drive during difficult assignments. Taking a break might feel like a reward to teens and preteens after they hit a specific goal like finishing a chapter or tackling a section of algebra problems).

There are some things that aren’t really breaks but that parents might perceive as a break. That is, parents may want kids to tackle more academic work (like reading) after doing homework by calling it a break. While reading for some kids is relaxing and enjoyable, asking a child who has difficulty with reading to read as a ‘break’ might not be a real break.

Remember to keep breaks fun! They may even need a break after using Readability or reading a book. Reading, for some children, is tough and might even be stressful. If they need a break after reading, give them a fun break.

It’s not just reading, though. Asking a child to do multiplication flash cards as a break might not really be a break. Unless the child loves math or maybe they ask to do math cards for fun. Again, kids are different. A break for one might not be a break for another.

But the goal is all about de-stressing, giving the mind some time to unwind, and helping kids feel refreshed to tackle another assignment.

Need More Brain Break Ideas? Get Creative!

Parents can do a quick internet search to find all sorts of ideas for brain breaks. However, parents also can create their own. Every child may have unique interests. A child’s brain break can be tailored for them…and to fit their personality.

Maybe a child just wants to sketch. Maybe they love to play on a tablet or on a game console. A child who loves ballet may dance. Parents also can head outside and let kids swing or just run around for a few minutes. Parents may let kids help them prep for dinner. Or just talk. Think up unique brain breaks that are ideal for the child. Then…give them a break!

It’s easy for kids to become lax on their reading habits. First graders are developing reading skills, and, for some children, consistent practice may be necessary to make sure they don’t lose proficiency.

Worried that your child will focus too much on games and fun and stop reading during those winter holidays?

Read While Cooking

Thanksgiving and winter holidays (like Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa) may mean baking up or mixing up special family recipes. Short recipes may be the perfect way to encourage younger children to read for fun, without them even knowing that the recipes are reading practice!

First graders might only be able to read simpler text, so parents can ask kids to read the list of ingredients or encourage them to try to read simple instructions. Need to head to the store to pick up extra ingredients and supplies? Ask children to help read the grocery list and find all those tasty items!

Create a Holiday Wish List

If your family celebrates Christmas, have children write up their holiday wish list. Collect catalogs or ads for children to find all the items they want to include on their list. If children believe in Santa Claus, parents can ask them to write their list as a letter to Santa. Have children read over their letter before they send it!

Plan a Nightly Time to Read Together

Parents may have an extended time to spend with children, thanks to the holidays. Plan a time each night to read to children or encourage children to read a story aloud (if they can read independently). Let kids choose their own books or theme the reading for Thanksgiving or upcoming winter holidays. This is a great opportunity to encourage children to read about the pilgrims! Or choose books that focus on holiday traditions. 

Take a Trip to a Bookstore or Library

While libraries or stores might not be open on Thanksgiving Day, the other days during Thanksgiving break might be ideal for browsing and helping kids pick out books. Let kids search for their own books; what they select might surprise you.

Depending on where you live, bookstores or libraries may have special guidelines related to Covid. To make sure you know current hours and policies, call ahead before visiting.

Create Realistic Reading Goals

Kids should still read regularly during break, but parents may give the clock a rest. Instead, set page goals. Or if the books are short, then set goals related to reading multiple short books each night.

Parents also can take the lead and read to kids. To make reading fun, choose a theme for each night. Not sure what theme to choose? How about gratitude! Have children make a list of five things for which they are grateful and read books related to one item on the list each night.

Play Reading Games

While books are always the best bet for reading practice, parents also can let children play reading games during the break for practice. Need to work on sight words? Take children on a sight word scavenger hunt. Have children write down their sight words, and then challenge them to find those words during errands or other activities. They can find the words anywhere: posters, signs, products, etc.

Parents also can download reading games. Just be sure to read the app’s details to make sure the game is a good fit for a child’s needs. Parents also can read the app’s reviews for more insight. If a game offers in-app purchases, make sure these are disabled so parents don’t get any surprise charges!

For children who need to work on comprehension, make a reading comprehension beach ball (or buy one). Write prompts or questions on each section of the ball, toss it to your child and have them answer the question or prompt that faces up.

Use a Reading App at Home

Parents can download a reading app at home to help kids practice reading during the holiday breaks. Before downloading a reading app, parents should research the features and benefits to ensure the app is beneficial and appropriate to the child’s needs or reading struggles. For example, Readability is appropriate for children who need help with phonics and comprehension.

An app also should advance appropriately for each child. Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that helps children correct pronunciation errors and also asks questions related to comprehension. Children will not advance to the next level until (and unless) they display proficiency. This ensures that lessons are never too easy or too difficult.

Since most apps require that parents pay a monthly fee (or, at least, pay for the app), look for apps that offer a free trial period. A free trial allows parents and their child to better understand features and benefits.

Interested in trying out Readability? Sign up for a free seven-day trial today!

The month of October is often filled with trips to pumpkin patches, apple picking and maybe even hayrides. For many families and their kids, October also means Halloween and preparing for a night of trick-or-treating, costumes…and candy! October, though, features a full harvest of holidays. In fact, every day of October is marked with a unique holiday.

To commemorate all the holidays during this cool month of autumn, celebrate with a book! The site National Today lists every holiday associated with October; we have included a holiday for every day of this month, as well as some book recommendations to keep your kids reading and learning about each holiday! National Today includes multiple holidays for each day, and, for brevity sake, we chose the most kid-appropriate festivities.

October 1: National Fire Pup Day

Find a book all about Dalmatians, the white dog with lots of black spots that is synonymous with firefighters. Find out why this dog came to be associated with fire protection and learn more about other breeds that assist firefighters every day.

October 2: National Smile Day

Ask your child what makes them happy…and find a book that makes them smile!

October 3: National Poetry Day

To celebrate National Poetry Day (a holiday in the U.K.), seek out children’s poets and books of poetry. One of the best poets for kids? Shel Silverstein! Parents also can introduce their kids to poets like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, or Langston Hughes.

October 4: World Animal Day

Have your child read about their favorite animal and learn about animal welfare. Find books about what this animal eats, where they live and their daily habits.

October 5: National Child Health Day

Today, find books all about health and how to stay healthy. Help your child learn about the importance of the foods they eat and how exercise helps our body. This may be a good day to even look at books on bones and the body’s internal systems.

October 6: National Mad Hatter Day

Who was the Mad Hatter? Why was he mad? Find books on Alice, her adventures and, of course, the Mad Hatter.

October 7: National Frappe Day

Yes, National Frappe Day is the only holiday on October 7. Parents don’t have to educate kids on this sweet drink, but they can use today to find books all about different cultural food and drinks. Frappes are actually a Greek beverage.

October 8: National Depression Screening Day

It’s never too early to talk to a child about mental health—especially during a pandemic. To open up the discussion, read books about emotions and how it’s ok—and healthy—to express them.

October 9: World Post Day

This day marks a celebration of “…the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern.” The holiday is marked around the world, though. Read books about the postal service in the U.S.

October 10: National Cake Decorating Day

Recipes are a great way to practice reading…and reading comprehension. Bake a cake and decorate it any way you like today!

October 11: National Sausage Pizza Day

Love sausage pizza? Bake one up today and read books about pizza!

October 12: Columbus Day

Read books about Christopher Columbus and talk to kids about this holiday.

October 13: Navy Birthday

What is the Navy? Read all about this sector of the U.S. military and its role in the protection of our country.

October 14: National Fossil Day

This is the day to grab up books about dinosaurs and prehistoric eras. Learn about how fossils form, the different types of fossils and how these pieces of history are dated.

October 15: Global Handwashing Day

Celebrate—and read about—good hygiene! While not many books may have plots about hand washing, kids can read about different types of bacteria and organisms. Yucky!

October 16: Global Cat Day

This day is about protecting cats—especially outdoor or feral cats. Children can read a book about cats today.

October 17: Sweetest Day

Read all about the sweetest desserts, candies and confections in different countries. Your child may want to find books on their favorite candy or dessert. Maybe eat some sweets to celebrate!

October 18: National Chocolate Cupcake Day

Get baking, and read recipes today! Celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day by baking up chocolate cupcakes.

October 19: National New Friends Day

Read books about friendships and how to be a good friend.

October 20: National Day on Writing

Today, instead of reading, encourage your child to write their own book or story.

October 21: National Reptile Awareness Day

Read a book about a favorite reptile. This is the day to read all about snakes, lizards and turtles/tortoises and the issues facing these creatures.

October 22: National Nut Day

The nuttiest of holidays! Read books all about nuts; there are plenty of children’s books with nuts. Some even have furry, fuzzy, cute squirrels as the main character!

October 23: National Mole Day

This isn’t a day celebrating the animal, but, rather, the number! Learn all about Avogadro’s number and the meaning of the mole.  

October 24: National Bologna Day

What is in that famous lunch meat? Learn all about the humble meat!

October 25: National Art Day

Encourage your child to read about a favorite artist or to learn about art techniques, paintings or sculptures. You can also celebrate by encouraging your child to create their own work of art!

October 26: National Pumpkin Day

Read books about pumpkins today! You may even carve the family pumpkin to celebrate this festival fall holiday.

October 27: National Black Cat Day

Read about the myths and superstitions associated with this cat.

October 28: National Immigrants Day

Did your family immigrate to the United States? Many did. Learn about immigration, and the first immigrants.

October 29: National Internet Day

Read all about the internet and how this online world came to exist.

October 30: National Candy Corn Day

Who invented candy corn? Find out today. And maybe make some candy corn crafts!

October 31: Halloween

Read books all about this spooky and fun holiday! You can even use a Halloween theme for reading rewards this month.

This month, your child may be anticipating the candy, costumes and fun of Halloween, but there is so much more to celebrate. Read a book to commemorate all the wild and fun holidays throughout October. Visit National Today to learn about other holidays throughout the month that we couldn’t include. Happy October!