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For some children learning to read proves to be especially difficult and they are reluctant to read. In this situation, our goal as parents is to help our struggling or reluctant readers view reading as an enjoyable experience. How do we achieve this goal? Ultimately, we need to immerse our children in daily reading experiences and support their growth and development as readers. Read all ►

Foster your child’s interest in reading through “shared book” experiences. Shared book experiences are an interactive time when children sit and enjoy a good book with an adult. During this experience children are encouraged to join in and talk about the story, pointing to illustrations and words, reading along or simply repeating well‐known words or phrases. Reading stories aloud with your child is important to foster your child’s interest and love of reading all while exposing them to important concepts of print such as reading from left to right and building their knowledge of letters and words. When you read the same book to your child multiple times, you’re exposing them to great literature and encouraging independent reading. Check out these books that you can both read over and over again. Read all ►

As the cheer of holiday season ends, the cold and dreary months ahead can seem long and bleak. Both kids and adults usually feel the urge to retreat to a cozy couch where big and small screens beckon us. We then wait out the winter with hot chocolate and other sugar-laden goodies that trick our brains into feeling happy! While this may be a great time to catch up on TV shows, the dark and cold winter months can trigger feelings of sadness, isolation and loneliness. There is also a tendency to gain weight in the winter (even for young children) since we eat fewer fresh fruit and veggies and we’re less active. Despite this bleak picture, it is possible to ensure your family a happier, healthier winter—by following a few simple suggestions. Read all ►

Human beings are naturally musical. Every culture in the world has some form of music, which binds people together, communicates feelings, and brings joy to our shared human experience. The reason music is universal is because it employs many of the same brain circuits as language, which is also why musical training is so beneficial to young children. A child who learns to play a musical instrument is essentially bilingual, having two systems of sound and rhythm for communicating his or her feelings. Read all ►

It is a great time of year to enjoy a good book. Library and bookstore shelves are filled with wonderful titles. Enjoying books, listening to stories, and singing or saying favorite nursery rhymes all support language and literacy development. Children enjoy reading great stories with their families and daily reading helps develop children’s interest in books and love for reading. Check out some of these wintertime classics for a way to spend a cold winter day with your little ones! Read all ►