Reading Tips For Parents & Educators
Find expert reading strategies and useful tips to help introduce children to the wonderful world of reading on their own with I Can Read!

Well—it’s been an interesting few weeks to say the least. As we’re all staying home and doing our best to practice social distancing to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, I’ve been trying to stay positive and practice gratitude. One theme that I’ve noticed popping up on my social feeds …

Over the span of 26 years, Arnold Lobel wrote and illustrated countless children’s books and received numerous accolades for his work –– a Caldecott Medal, two Caldecott Honors, and a Newbery Honor to name a few. He’s among a select few authors celebrated for both his illustrations and his writing. …

PSA: It’s never too early to start reading aloud to your child. As they begin to show signs that they are able to read on their own, shared reading offers mental and emotional benefits. For one, it can help improve memory retention and build their vocabulary. Secondly, it can be …

Going back to school can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time for both parents and children. The best thing you can do is be overly prepared! That’s where we come in. I Can Read! stories are fun to read and steadily improve reading comprehension and literacy. They’re a …

It’s normal for youngsters to experience separation anxiety. Whether they’re hesitant to leave you or attached to a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, kids find comfort in the familiar. There are certain things that they’ll never outgrow (like you!) but as they enter school, they may be faced with situations …

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, new ways! Here are five things you …

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 for life! As they start learning how to read on their own, you can actively …

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 makes it easier to get outside with your kids, too. Further, a …

Guest post by author Alyssa Satin Capucilli Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, I always dreamed of having a puppy. Through weekly trips to the public library, my puppy existed in the many books and stories I read voraciously. But with one story the librarian pressed into my hands, I felt …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Happy Valentine’s Day! These free Valentine’s Day cards featuring your kid’s favorite characters will be a hit in your home or the classroom. Simply print, cut them out, and customize! You can download all of the characters at this link.

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 …

As children grow and develop, it’s normal for them to feel nervous or scared, especially in new situations. Even the bravest of us sometimes wish we had a bit more nerve. But bravery can be a tough thing to teach. That’s why the best thing you can do as a …

Guest post from Biscuit author Alyssa Satin Capucilli to celebrate Biscuit’s 20th anniversary “Dear Alyssa Satin Capucilli, I think you should write a Biscuit book called, Biscuit Learns How to Read.” So begins a letter I received after visiting with first grade students recently. Although the young author goes on …

Parents, caretakers, and educators all know the importance of reading together early and consistently. But sometimes even the most eager young reader can get stuck or feel self-conscious about their ability. What’s an adult to do? Suggest reading to your pets!

Is your child ready to start reading on his or her own? Listening to them sound out their first words can be incredibly satisfying and exciting! But kids develop at all different rates, so knowing what signs to be on the lookout for can help make the learn-to-read experience a …

It’s summertime! Families everywhere are looking forward to a well deserved break from the routine of school. While everyone loves the sunshine and smiles that come around this time of year, it’s important to remember the “summer slump” or the common decline of academic achievement that happens …

New research shows that what children hear at a young age through reading aloud is likely to help shape their perspectives and how they act. Take advantage of this by finding great books to read aloud that teach your children great lessons while having fun! 1. To be themselves: …

Valentine’s Day is full of candy heart, paper cards, and poems! You can introduce poetry to kids at an early age with the help of children’s poetry. Jack Prelutsky is a popular children’s poet who was also the nation’s first children’s poet laureate, and his I Can Read! collection It’s …

Paddington is available in I Can Read! for the very first time. Did you read the Paddington books growing up? Chances are you, you did! Maybe you watched the television show or had a Paddington stuffed bear as well. That’s because Paddington Bear has been around for over 50 years …

Halloween is right around the corner! Here are seven spooky tips for reading with your kiddos this holiday:

A new school year means a whole new schedule and routine for families. Below are some tips to keep reading front and center as your children head back to school!

One of a child’s proudest achievements is learning how to read, and one of a parent’s proudest achievements is guiding the child from reading together to reading alone.

The My First books in the I Can Read! series tell stories that new and emerging readers love because the stories are relatable. The characters in the books at this level are often experiencing the same types of events the children at this age level may be experiencing. Below are …

When your child advances through the I Can Read! reading levels and becomes a more confident reader, it’s a proud moment for any parent. But it’s also an important time for parents to make sure their children get the help they may need.

It’s never too early to introduce your child to the world of reading. A good place to start is by creating a home environment where reading is not only enjoyed, but is part of everyday life. Here are some simple ways to make it easier and more fun for your …

To help kids discover the path to reading, we recently launched a new reading level: My Very First I Can Read!. This level features three box sets that guide children from Guided Reading Levels (GRL) 1 through G and, of course, a loveable character named Tug the Pup!

As parents, it’s important to help guide our children through the stages of reading and to find the perfect book for our child’s reading level. The book shouldn’t be too easy or too hard—it should be just right. But what is just right for one child isn’t just right for …

As a parent, there are many ways you can make reading more fun for your child: using voices, asking questions along the way, and letting your child choose the books. But another great way to spark your child’s interest in reading is by using I Can Read! books in conjunction …