When you raise your child to be a reader, you open them up to exciting possibilities. Reading provides core academic benefits, like improved language and writing skills. It also cultivates creative thinking and mental agility. Reading is a fantastic way for children to escape and explore worlds that otherwise remain beyond their reach. Books help foster empathy by allowing readers to see the world from another’s perspective. They help practice problem-solving as they take in stories with complex characters, storylines, or plot devices. They can also find comfort in knowing that, oftentimes, people encounter similar life events as presented in books. Raising a reader will unlock lifelong learning opportunities for your children. It will ultimately set them up for success down the road where glorious life awaits! But what does it take exactly to raise a reader?

Raising a child who has developed an affinity for books and reading, in general, requires some effort and commitment on your part as a parent. However, it doesn’t have to be daunting. There are plenty of fun and easy ways to get your children enamored with reading. Here are ten things you can do to raise a reader:

Create a special place devoted solely to reading

Creating a special space dedicated to reading is a great way to motivate your child to read more. Creating a comfortable, cozy environment can set the stage for reading. It should be stocked with lots of fun and interesting books, magazines, and other reading materials that your child will love.

Additionally, ensure the area has good lighting so it’s easier for your child’s eyes when they are going through those books! By providing resources and a comfortable environment, you’ll be able to foster enthusiasm in your child for this most worthwhile hobby — one that they can keep up with even as they grow up. Give it a try; you may be surprised by how efficiently and effectively it can raise a reader!

Set an example by reading yourself

If you want to raise a reader, your children must see you enjoying books, too! Make sure they witness firsthand how much pleasure and satisfaction you get from reading, whether fiction or nonfiction. Show them that there is something special about curling up with a good book — and tell them why. They will watch your behavior and naturally pick up on the joy you receive from reading. Setting a positive example of reading can help cement your child’s interest in books over time.

Plan regular trips to the library

One of the best things you can do to create a reader and fan of books is to take your child frequently to visit their local library or bookstore. It is important to build this habit early, while they’re young, so it becomes second nature to pick up books as children grow older. Not only will visiting the library or bookstore ensure easy access to many books at once, but it can also spark great conversations and stoke excitement among children when they see all the different stories around them. There’s nothing else like walking into a place teeming with books for a child to explore! So if you want your child to recognize their potential as a young reader, remember to pay regular visits to your local library or bookstore.

Skip television and video games in favor of reading

The more time your child spends watching TV or playing video games, the less likely they are to read. Instead of allowing them access to these devices, opt for reading instead! Make it fun by adding some elements of competition: create reading challenges, such as seeing who can finish a book first or who can answer questions about what was read most accurately. You could reward your little reader for completing a book or series.

Read aloud daily

Make it a daily habit to read aloud to your children. Think of it as snuggling up with a good book yourself — except you get the bonus of snuggling up with your little one. You’ll both benefit from this activity. Reading enhances kids’ development by introducing them to new vocabulary and providing enrichment for their imagination, and strengthening their bond with you.

When selecting books, pick ones that your children will be excited about! Let them join in the search process and guide you toward stories they’ll enjoy. Make reading time something they look forward to each day. It doesn’t take much — just 30 minutes — but it makes an invaluable contribution to their future success as readers.

Incorporate technology

Even if your child isn’t old enough for their device, there are plenty of ways you can use technology to foster an interest in reading. There are many different websites and apps available today that offer interactive stories as well as other activities related to raising a reader. Look for activities that help your child practice their phonics, learn new words, and explore the world of literature. You can also find books you can read together online. Reading aloud with technology makes the story more fun and engaging. It’s often less intimidating than putting a physical book in front of your child.

Make up stories together

You don’t need to be an expert storyteller to engage your child in reading! Create stories as a family, or have each person take turns adding one line at a time until you fill up an entire page. Ask questions about what might happen next in the story, come up with alternative endings or create characters for your children to relate to. This is great way to get creative together and instill an appreciation for books.

Start a book club

Who says book clubs are just for adults? Get the whole family involved in one! Set up a monthly or bi-monthly meeting where everyone can come together to talk about what they’ve read, discuss characters, share thoughts on plot twists, and of course, make snacks inspired by the books. It is a great way to turn reading into a social event — and encourage your children to connect with their peers who also love literature. Plus, it gives them something special to look forward to each month.

Let kids pick their own books

It’s important that your child have some autonomy when choosing which books they read. Studies have shown that giving children autonomy when picking out their books can increase the likelihood that they’ll take an interest in the stories and continue to turn pages. It’s a win-win because you still get to provide guidance and ensure that your child’s reading is age-appropriate and appropriate for your family values. Plus, by letting them make their own choice, chances are high that the book will spark their enthusiasm and capture enough of their attention to encouraging a love for reading that could last long into adulthood.

Make connections between books and real life

Help your children connect literature and everyday life. Discuss ways in which characters are similar to people they know or mention how events in stories can be applied to real-world situations. This encourages a deeper understanding of the material and helps kids think more critically about what they’re reading — all of which contribute towards raising a reader.

Reading exposes young children to new vocabulary, provides enrichment for their imagination, and strengthens their bond with you. With these eleven tips for raising a reader, parents can easily turn everyday moments into opportunities for discovering new worlds through literature. These tricks will surely get any young reader off on the right path toward becoming an avid learner!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!

 

It’s no secret that kids learn best through play. From building towers out of blocks to pretending to cook in a play kitchen, children constantly take in new information and develop new skills. However, not all play is created equal. While all forms of play are essential for child development, sensory activities for preschoolers – such as painting, sculpture, and music – offer unique benefits that help promote learning. 

Sensory activities help young children explore and interact with their environment in new ways. They stimulate the senses and help kids understand the world around them better. These sensory experiences also help develop important skills such as language, fine motor control, problem-solving, communication, and sensory integration.

One of the most important things you can do for your child’s development is to provide them with opportunities to engage their senses. Sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound are all critical for helping children learn about the world around them. So, what are some of the fun and exciting sensory activities for your preschooler? Take a look at this list!

Play on a sand or water table

A sand or water table is perfect for your child to experiment with texture, temperature, and other sensory properties. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage cooperative play as children work together to build towers or make patterns in the sand. Ready to get started? Here are a few tips:

When setting up your sand or water table, be sure to include plenty of toys and accessories for your child to explore. Shovels, cups, measuring spoons, and funnels are all great items to include. You can also add food colorings or scented oils to the water for an extra sensory experience.

Be sure to supervise your child during playtime, especially if they are still learning to use the supplies safely. 

Create sensory bins

Sensory bins are a great way to introduce your child to different textures, smells, and shapes. Fill the bin with items such as rice, cornstarch, uncooked pasta or beans, sand, foam pieces, or even water beads to create an engaging sensory experience for your preschooler. You can also add fun objects like toys or shells for an extra sensory surprise!

Plant a garden 

Gardening is a wonderful activity for young children, encouraging them to explore their senses in a natural setting. Not only does gardening provide sensory stimulation through sight and smell (and maybe even taste!), but it also teaches kids important lessons about nature and responsibility. Tending to a garden can be a calming and therapeutic experience for children and adults alike.

Paint with sensory tools

Try painting with everyday household items such as cotton balls, brushes, sponges, or even feather dusters – all of which offer different tactile experiences! Add scents like vanilla extract or lemon juice to the paint for an extra sensory surprise, or introduce new colors by adding food coloring.

Explore nature

Exploring nature is another exciting sensory activity for preschoolers. Take your child on a walk and encourage them to identify objects in their environment through sight, smell, touch, sound, and other sensory cues. Look for things like leaves, rocks, flowers, and more. Be sure to bring along a bag or basket so your child can collect natural items from their adventures.

Pound soft clay or dough with rolling pins or cookie cutters

Let your child explore texture and sensory awareness by pounding soft clay or dough with rolling pins, cookie cutters, and other kitchen items. You can also add different colors of paint or glitter to the dough for an extra sensory experience!

Make a sensory bin maze

Sensory bin mazes are a great way to encourage sensory exploration and problem-solving skills in young kids. Create a maze of items like foam pieces, marbles, blocks, or even small balls – all of which will provide your child with plenty of tactile stimulation as they solve the puzzle.

Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Take your child on a sensory-filled scavenger hunt outdoors! Come up with a list of items they need to find in nature. These can include feathers, stones, leaves, bark, flowers, and more. As your child collects the items on their scavenger hunt list, encourage them to explore each object with their sensory awareness.

Experiment with heat and cold

Exploring temperature is a great way for children to learn about sensory stimulation. Try freezing small toys or ice cubes in water for a fun sensory experience or warm-up play dough and have your child squeeze it through their fingers for an extra sensory surprise! Be sure to supervise your preschooler during these activities, as hot objects can pose a safety hazard.

Create sensory bottles

Did you know that sensory bottles are an easy and fun sensory activity for preschoolers? Simply gather a few empty bottles, fill them with sensory items like glitter, beads, or shells and add water. Once the bottle is sealed shut, your child can explore the sensory properties of each item in the bottle!

Play with scented playdough

Scented play dough is a great way to introduce sensory stimulation to young kids. You can make your own play dough at home or purchase ready-made scented play dough from a store. Be sure to choose non-toxic materials like food coloring and essential oils to create a safe sensory experience for your preschooler.

Make an edible sensory bin

Edible sensory bins are a great way to engage your preschooler’s sensory awareness while teaching them about healthy eating habits. Create a sensory bin with items like small fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Allow your child to explore each item using their sensory perception; they can smell, touch, taste, and listen to the different items in the bin!

These sensory activities for preschoolers are a great way to introduce sensory stimulation in a fun and engaging manner. Help foster your child’s exploration of their senses through these creative and exciting activities!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!

 

Reading fluency is a crucial skill for kids to develop at an early age. This refers to the ability to read accurately, quickly, and with expression. It also describes the ability to recognize sight and other common words fluently. When children can read fluently and confidently, they can better engage with what they are reading, improving their comprehension skills. Additionally, fluency in reading helps children with learning the pronunciation of new words and speech patterns, allowing them to feel more confident when speaking and communicating with others.

As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child succeed. Learning to read is a foundational skill that will help your child do just that. So, how can you help your child become a better reader? Check out these tips!

Make reading a part of your daily routine

Whether your child is learning to read for the first time or working to become a more fluent reader, incorporating reading into your daily routine can be incredibly beneficial. One of the best ways to encourage your child’s interest in and motivation for reading is to make it a regular part of your day.

Carve out some time each day for reading, and ensure that your child is present. You can read aloud to your child or let them read silently to themselves. It’s also a good idea to let your child pick out some books from the library on their own. No matter what form the reading takes, the key is to make it a habit that they look forward to and find enjoyable. 

Help them choose books that they’re interested in

If your child is reluctant to read, it may be because they’re not particularly excited about the book they’re reading. Help them find materials that pique their interest and match their reading level. This way, they’ll be more likely to want to pick up the book and keep reading.

There are a variety of ways to do this. You can ask your child’s teacher for suggestions, look for book lists online or at the library, or have your child browse the shelves and make their own choices. It’s also a good idea to talk to your child about why they like or don’t like certain books. This will help you get a better sense of their preferences and find books that they’re more likely to enjoy.

Encourage them to read aloud

One of the best ways for kids to improve their fluency is to read aloud on a regular basis. This gives them a chance to practice reading quickly and accurately while also working on inflection and expression. Additionally, reading aloud can help children become more aware of fluency issues and address them more effectively.

You can encourage your child to read aloud by taking turns reading paragraphs or pages from a book. You can also have your child read aloud to younger siblings, family members, or even stuffed animals or pets. The important thing is to provide opportunities for them to practice reading fluently and with expression.

Help them break down words

If your child is having trouble reading fluently, it may be because they’re struggling to break down words quickly. To help them with this, you can teach them some simple strategies for breaking down unfamiliar words. For example, you can have them sound out the word slowly, look for smaller words within the word, or use their knowledge of root words and suffixes.

Encourage them to reread books

Rereading books is another great way to boost fluency. When kids reread books, they become more familiar with the words and phrases, which can help them read more quickly and fluently. Additionally, rereading can help kids better understand the plot and characters of a book and increase their overall enjoyment of reading.

If your child is struggling with fluency, try having them reread a book that they’ve already read before. You can also have them read aloud from a favorite book or one they’re particularly interested in.

Help them practice fluency at home

There are a number of ways you can help your child practice fluency at home. One option is to create a fluency chart where your child can track their progress. This can be a motivating way for them to see their progress and feel proud of their accomplishments.

Another option is to play fluency games with your child. These games can be designed to help them practice specific skills, such as reading quickly or accurately identifying words. Fluency games are a great way to make fluency practice fun and engaging for kids.

Encourage them to use technology

There are a number of technology-based tools that can help kids with fluency. Some apps, for example, allow kids to practice reading aloud. There are also several online fluency games and activities that kids can enjoy.

In addition to apps and games, there are also a number of online fluency resources that can be helpful for parents and teachers. These resources can provide tips and advice on how to help kids with fluency, as well as a variety of activities and exercises.

Learning to read is an essential skill for success in school and beyond—but it’s one that many children struggle with. But with a bit of patience and effort, you’ll be surprised at how quickly their skills improve!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!

 

Toys are more than just child’s play – they can play a crucial role in promoting healthy development and learning. When buying toys for your children, it is crucial to choose the ones that are developmentally appropriate. This means picking toys that are well suited for your child’s age, stage of development, and interests. With so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which toys to buy. Luckily, there are some guidelines you can follow to help you make the best choices for your child.

Consider your child’s age and stage of development

The best way to do this is to think about what skills they are currently working on mastering. For example, if they are working on their fine motor skills, you might want to consider a toy that requires them to use their hands in a specific way, like building blocks or a puzzle. If they are working on their gross motor skills, you might consider a toy that gets them up and moving, like a tricycle or baseball set.

Consider your child’s interests

What does your child like to do? If they are interested in music, you might want to consider a toy that plays music or an instrument. If they are interested in animals, you might want to consider a toy farm set or stuffed animals. If they are interested in sports, you might want to consider a Nerf basketball hoop or a football.

Consider your child’s learning style

Does your child learn best through visual aids? Then you might want to consider a toy that is brightly colored and has lots of patterns and shapes. Does your child learn best through auditory aids? Then you might want to consider a toy that makes noise or plays music. Does your child learn best through tactile aids? Then you might want to consider a toy that can be manipulated with their hands, like clay or puzzles.

Prioritize quality

You want to ensure you are getting a high-quality toy that will last long enough for your child to get lots of use out of it without falling apart after just a few days of playtime. Look for well-made toys with durable construction and design features that stand up to wear and tear (and toddler tantrums!).

Make safety a priority

All toys should be safe for children to use, but some toys pose more risks than others. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or choked on, sharp edges that could cut or scrape, or toxic materials that could cause health problems if ingested. Always read the labels and warnings on toys before purchasing them to make sure they are safe for your child.

Look for toys that encourage exploration and discovery

Toys that allow children to experiment, explore, and figure things out on their own promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Look for items like building blocks, puzzles, stacking toys, and simple machines your child can take apart and put back together again.  

Avoid electronic toys

Choose toys that do not require batteries or electricity to operate whenever possible. These types of toys tend to be more expensive and can quickly become outdated as technology changes. They also tend to encourage children to be passive viewers instead of active participants in their own playtime.

By following these guidelines, you can be sure you are choosing the best possible toys for your child’s development and learning. And, most importantly, you can be sure your child is having fun!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!