Read Across America Day

March 2nd signified the NEA’s Read Across America Day, as school children all over America celebrated Dr. Suess’ birthday and his famous books. First Lady Michelle Obama helped  promoted the special day by reading “The Cat in the Hat” to a group of school children.  She also spoke about the importance of reading and how “Horton Hatches the Egg,” by Dr. Seuss is one of the first...

Capture your child’s imagination . . . in a book!

Came across this today and thought it was another great way to share the gift of reading this holiday season. Tikatok™ helps turn ideas into stories – and publishes those stories into one-of-a-kind books that can be shared with family and friends. Using  Tikatok’s™ easy interface your child can create, write and illustrate a book for free. Don’t know what to write about? No problem, kick-start...

Shared Story Book Reading is Priceless

Research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of parents and their children reading together at home. The home is a safe and trusted place in which children are naturally eager to participate in activities with their parents. Children are also particularly responsive to encouragement made by their parents. Furthermore, the emotional closeness that arises as books are enjoyed together, adds an additional...

Enhance Learning with Melissa & Doug Toys and Building Blocks

Author: Joe Kanooga I am a big fan of educational toys and the Melissa & Doug brand has always been in my top 10 list when I purchase toys for my kids. This articles points out ways that you can use their toys and building blocks to enhance your child’s learning and development. Counting, spelling and telling time are just a few activities you can interact with your child while using Melissa & Doug...

Fun Reading Activities: Write and Illustrate Your Own Book

Illustory: Write and Illustrate Your Own Book! This was a fun activity I did with my first grader. He enjoyed writing the story from beginning to end and illustrating pictures to go along. The finished product has made a wonderful keepsake and recently we have created a few more that we will give as Christmas gifts. This is a great reading activity for 1st graders and up, not only will it exercise their imagination,...