Early readers progress at all different rates. If you have a child who’s struggling with reading, the summer holidays can be a welcome break from the routine. It can also be the perfect time to help them build their literacy skills in fun ways. Here are five things you can do to ensure that your emergent reader continues to progress and to feel more confident when it’s time to return to school in the fall:

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Did you know that if you read to your child for 20 minutes every day, they will hear 1.8 million words per year? Just a small investment of time each day can improve their vocabulary drastically. As they start learning how to read on their own, you can actively help them build, maintain, and strengthen their vocabulary. Here are a few tips and tricks:

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It’s finally spring, and Little Critter is heading outside to explore! In Little Critter: Exploring the Outdoors, Little Critter and his classmates take a field trip into the woods to study their natural surroundings. The change of season can make it easier to get outside with your kids too, and a bit of fresh air can help keep everyone healthy, fit, and even improve behavior. Here are a few fun ways for you to explore nature with your children:

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Reading aloud with your child has a ton of benefits. Some developmental experts even suggest that it sets them up for success later in life. Among other things, reading aloud can help improve vocabulary, encourage empathy, and aid in social and emotional development. It can also help prepare them to tackle reading by themselves. I Can Read books are the perfect storytime picks to give early readers a jumpstart. Here are just a few ways in which books can teach early literacy:

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Did you know that the first Amelia Bedelia books were published over fifty years ago? That means the eccentric housekeeper has been teaching children and adults the original use of the word “literally” for half of a century! While the original books are still just as relevant and popular as ever, the series has expanded to include stories about Amelia Bedelia’s childhood. Spoiler alert: she has always been very literal, which is just one of her many admirable traits. Here are four more reasons why Amelia Bedelia is still so iconic after five decades:

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If there’s one thing Pinkalicious loves (besides the color pink), it’s her garden! In a brand new I Can Read book for early readers, Pinkalicious and the Flower Fairy, Pinkalicious is absolutely positive that a flower fairy will visit her garden. After all, flower fairies love pink, and so does Pinkalicious. When she transforms her garden into a pink wonderland, will it entice the flower fairy to visit?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and so is spring! So, in honor of Pinkalicious’ garden and all things love-related, we’ve rounded up five types of flowers that she would love to give on Valentine’s Day, and why. (more…)

Happy Valentine’s Day! These free Valentine’s Day cards featuring your favorite characters will be a hit in your home or classroom!

Simply print, cut them out, and customize. You can download all the characters at this link. 

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There are a lot of dinosaur books out there. One of our absolute favorites is Danny and the Dinosaur, which has been popular for more than fifty years! The duo has definitely earned their spot on the list of classic children’s books. Here are four reasons why we think that Danny and his dinosaur friend have stood the test of time and their books remain one of the best dinosaur books for kids:

The books teach kids how to be a good friend.

From the moment Danny enters the museum in the original story and thinks, “It would be nice to play with a dinosaur,” the two are fast friends. The newest book in the series, Danny and the Dinosaur: The Big Sneeze, is no exception. Danny and his friend get caught in the rain, and both come down with a cold. The story shows the parallels of their sick day. Despite the efforts of Danny’s mom and the museum director, Danny and the Dinosaur are both bored. Fortunately, they talk on the phone, empathize with one another, and reunite the next day. Kids catch a glimpse of the pair’s similar interests and how much they care about one another.

Danny and the Dinosaur are includers.

We all know what it feels like to be left out. But Danny and the Dinosaur always make room for everyone to play. Though they are clearly BFFs, the dinosaur gives rides to everyone and is always up for meeting Danny’s other friends. They’re also empathetic. When Danny and his friends first play hide-and-seek with the dinosaur, and the dinosaur struggles to find a good hiding spot, the children understand his upset. They even let him win a round to cheer him up. In every story, Danny and the Dinosaur show kids how to treat others with kindness and respect.

They embrace one another’s differences.

Let’s face it: Danny doesn’t have a ton in common with his best friend. And sometimes the dinosaur feels different. As we mentioned earlier, games like hide-and-seek aren’t easy for him. But Danny is always quick to suggest ways to include his friend. And when the Dinosaur feels self-conscious, both Danny and the supporting characters try to put him at ease and show him that his differences are what make him so special.

They are perfect for early readers.

Like all of the I Can Read books, the Danny and the Dinosaur series is written with early readers in mind. With simple words and accessible language, the books are ideal for younger readers who are just beginning to sound out words on their own. However, the plot is complex enough that they are also great for adults to read to children. And regardless of who is reading, there are plenty of talking points at the end of each story.

What do you love about Danny and the Dinosaur? We’d love to know. And if you’re looking for talking points or book-related games for your child, be sure to check out the activities here!