Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Reading is one of the most important skills for children to learn. Reading crosses over into all other academic subjects. Knowing how to read (and comprehend) can lead to success in school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) children who are read to at home enjoy a substantial advantage over children who are not. The NCES also reported that children who were read to frequently are also more likely to: Count to 20, or higher than those who were not (60% vs. 44%) Write their own names (54% vs. 40%) Read or pretend to read (77% vs. 57%) Parents can help their children learn to read by reading together regularly. Here are some other methods to use when reading with your child: PREPARE FOR READING Before your child begins to read, make sure he has the basics mastered. Introduce a variety of books, subjects, and genres to your child. Make sure she can hold a book and turn the pages. As you read, use your finger to guide from left to right. Your child will pick up on these cues and begin to follow along. DON'T COMPARE Avoid comparing your child with other children. Each child develops at their own pace. Learning should be enjoyable. Being compared and pushed to perform above a level that your child is ready for can be a blow to a child's self-esteem. BE AN EXAMPLE Let your child see you reading. Designate a specific time for reading. You can use this time to read to your child or you can provide picture books with simple words for your child to read alone. RETELL THE STORY After reading, discuss the story. Talk about characters, setting, and events. Ask your child open-ended questions that encourage thought. Questions like "What was your favorite part" and "Who was your favorite character" are great for getting to know what your child thinks. You can use that information to help you choose more books that your child might enjoy. CREATE A READING AREA Keep a supply of pencils, crayons, scissors, paper, and other tools your child can use to draw pictures and make their own stories. This area could also include a few magazines your child could read and cut. Let your child help create the area so he takes ownership and pride in it. READ FAVES MORE THAN ONCE When you find books your child enjoys, read them over and over again. Memorizing a book and being able to predict what's next in the story helps build confidence. CHOOSE BOOKS AT THE APPROPRIATE READING LEVEL Give your child varying levels of books to use. He should have books he can read on his own and books that offer a little challenge. Be available to help your child when he is working on the challenging books. MAKE IT FUN There are a lot of ways to extend books into other fun activities. Read books based on movies. When you're done with the book, watch the movie. Look at the cover of the book and read the summary. Have your child draw a picture of what he thinks might happen in the story After reading a story, have your child draw a picture of his favorite part of the book. Find recipes that complement the stories you read and create a fun snack to go along with your book. Learning to read can be a challenging journey for some children, but as long as parents are there to support them and advocate for them, children are bound to find success.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links It’s nearly impossible to talk about behavior and learning without talking about emotion. Emotion can affect how we act and react to situations throughout our day and if we're ill equipped, we may find ourselves in some sticky situations. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, evaluate, control, and express emotions. People with high emotional intelligence often make great leaders, friends, and team players because of their ability to understand, empathize, and connect with the people around them. High emotional intelligence means children are better equipped to identify and control their emotions (and actions). With these skills, children can more easily reject choices that might lead to issues at school, at home, and in relationships (friendships). Emotional Intelligence vs Social Emotional Learning According to Yale Medicine, "...emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your emotions and identify the emotions of others. Social emotional learning refers to a process in which children acquire emotional intelligence, develop empathy for others, and learn problem-solving skills." 5 STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 1. TALK ABOUT FEELINGS Help your child recognize and name their feelings. When you notice your child being angry, say “I see that you’re angry”. When your child is excited, say “I see that you’re excited”, and so forth. Your child will catch on and begin to be able to name their own feelings. 2. VALIDATE FEELINGS Allow your child to feel. Help him find the words to express what he is feeling. Parents don’t like to see their children upset and often look to fix things before actually dealing with the whys. Give your child the chance to feel the emotion, then help him figure out how to get through what he is feeling. 3. LEARN IN THE MOMENT When children get into conflicts, help them deal with them positively. For example, during a get together your child and her friend get into an argument about something. Instead of jumping in to fix everything, help the children work through what the issue is and come to a peaceful agreement. 4. GET CREATIVE Play games that help identify emotions. Charades is a great game that allows for a myriad of emotions. Put on a puppet show. Acting allows for plenty of opportunity to have fun while learning about different emotions. 5. BE A ROLE MODEL Let your child see how you handle your emotions. When we’re happy we have no problem letting the world know. However, parents often hide negative emotions from their children in an effort to protect them. Let your child "see you feeling” and let them see you appropriately handle those feelings. This will let them know it’s ok to have a variety of emotions and equip them with the tools on how to deal with those emotions. FEATURED BOOK: I Am Okay to Feel by Karamo Brown and Jason "Rachel" Brown, illus. by Diobelle Cerna PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION: An empowering picture book that invites us to explore and embrace our emotions from Karamo, talk show host and culture expert of Netflix's hit series Queer Eye, and Jason Brown, featuring illustrations by Diobelle Cerna, and expert-vetted resources. A father and son are caught in a storm and must learn to navigate the uncertainty together in this poignant picture book by talk show host and beloved Queer Eye star Karamo Brown and his son Jason "Rachel" Brown, perfect for reassuring young readers in times of stress. I Am Okay to Feel empowers children to talk about their emotions and anxieties, with the reassuring message that "I am okay to feel and heal." Paired with back matter and resources developed with psychologists, this picture book offers a loving framework for how to identify and express feelings in a healthy way, providing the tools to build emotional intelligence at a formative age. CHILDREN'S BOOKS ABOUT FEELINGS AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING Looking for more great read aloud ideas? Visit these fabulous book lists: Breaking Stigmas: Children's Books About Mental Health and Neurodiversity Baby Love: The 7 Best Baby Board Books to Read Right Now Children's Books About Money and Financial Literacy 5 Ways Reading to Your Kids Helps Build a Foundation for Lifelong Learning Join our community of BOOK LOVERS to get book news delivered to your inbox.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Raising empowered children is a goal most parents have. There are several parenting books, programs, and countless social media pages dedicated to doing just that. One popular program used in many schools is The Leader in Me program by Steven Covey. Steven Covey has written books for adults, teens, children, educators, and even families. The seven habits used in each of the books are basically the same. The idea is that if a person practices these seven habits, they will find success and happiness in all areas of their lives. Here are the habits as listed on The Leader in Me webpage: HABIT ONE - Be proactive You're in Charge I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking. HABIT TWO - Begin with the end in mind Have a Plan I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen. HABIT THREE - Put first things first Work First, Then Play I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized. HABIT FOUR - Think win, win Everyone Can Win I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives. HABIT FIVE - Seek first to understand, then to be understood Listen Before You Talk I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking. HABIT SIX - Synergize Together Is Better I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble. HABIT SEVEN - Sharpen the saw Balance Feels Best I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others. Raising Empowered Children Raising empowered children can sometimes feel like a heavy task, but by getting support and ideas from various sources, we can raise children who are prepared to change the world.