Summer is meant to be a time for kids to relax, explore, and recharge. But for many families, it also brings a hidden challenge—the dreaded summer slide. Research shows that children can lose up to three months of reading progress over the summer, with struggling readers, English Language Learners (ELLs), and students with learning differences … Read more
Phonemic awareness is the foundation of learning to read. It refers to a child’s ability to recognize, hear, and manipulate the smallest units of sound in spoken language, called phonemes. These individual sounds are what make up words—for example, the word cat contains three phonemes: /c/ /a/ /t/. The ability to isolate, blend, and play … Read more
Developing good reading habits at home means more than simply encouraging a child to read every day. It involves creating a structured, positive environment where reading is consistent, engaging, and effective. Good habits include setting aside dedicated time for reading, reading aloud regularly, choosing books at the right level, and ensuring that children understand what … Read more
Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child’s educational journey—but many parents are surprised to learn that reading development follows a series of predictable, research-backed stages. Understanding these Stages of Reading Development is key to supporting children effectively at every step, from recognizing letters and sounds to reading with fluency, … Read more
Reading is the foundation of all learning. Whether a child is solving math problems, exploring science concepts, or writing essays, strong reading skills are essential for success across every subject. Yet many children—especially those with learning differences, dyslexia, or who are learning English as a second language—continue to struggle with reading, even after years in … Read more
Kindergarten is more than just a year of adjustment to school routines—it’s a pivotal period in a child’s academic journey where the foundation for lifelong literacy is laid. Research consistently shows that children who learn to read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. But that … Read more