As a reading interventionist, I’m often asked how to keep kids excited about reading, especially during the busy winter months when routines get disrupted and screens seem extra tempting. One of my favorite traditions, both as a parent and as an educator, is giving books as gifts during…
When we think about great books, our minds often go to timeless classics, award winners, or those considered high-quality literature. But if you’ve ever watched a child laugh out loud while reading Captain Underpants or beg to stay up late to read just one more chapter of a…
Do you like doing things that are frustrating? As parents, we often want to see our children rise to challenges, stretch their abilities, and grow. That’s a good thing—most of the time. But when it comes to reading, pushing a child to read books that are too difficult…
If you’ve ever heard teachers or reading specialists talk about phonics and weren’t exactly sure what it meant, you’re not alone. The good news is the idea behind phonics is actually pretty simple—even though it can get more complicated over time. So, what is phonics?Phonics is the method…
Has your child’s teacher ever mentioned the word fluency — and you nodded along but weren’t exactly sure what it meant? You’re definitely not alone. Fluency is one of those words that gets used a lot in school when we talk about reading, but it’s not always explained…
By a Reading Interventionist & Teacher As a reading interventionist, I work every day with students who are learning to read, struggling to read, or growing into strong, confident readers. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned over the years is this: the way children feel about…
As a reading interventionist, teacher, and Mom, I’ve seen firsthand how students’ feelings about reading can shape both their academic growth and self-esteem. One simple truth I always come back to is this: Most people don’t enjoy doing something that feels hard. For students who struggle with reading,…