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Activities to Improve Reading Comprehension

We’ve all experienced it – we finish reading a page in a book and have no idea what we’ve read. For most advanced readers this is because we are tired or distracted. However, many young readers struggle with reading comprehension every time they read. They may “read” the passage perfectly but have no real understanding of the story. Reading comprehension is an important part of achieving full literacy. If your kiddo is struggling with reading comprehension, try some of the following activities.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago

Reading Routines to Start at Home Now

They may not like to admit it, but children thrive on routine. When structure is built into a child’s day, it helps him know what to expect and thus experience a measure of security. Along with the typical daily routine of eating meals, dressing, and bathing, parents should also incorporate time for reading. Red Apple Reading suggests starting the following reading routines at home today.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago

It’s Not Too Late to Avoid the Summer Slide!

I’m always amazed how fast our summer slips away. I blink and suddenly it’s the middle of July and all my good intentions for having a productive break have begun to flounder. It can be easy to let learning slide during the summer months, but the cumulative effects of educational inactivity really do add up! The result being our kids end up losing many of the gains they made during the school year. Don’t despair if you have let your kiddos fall into a summer slump. It’s not too late to take hold of the reigns and incorporate a little learning into the rest of the summer holiday. Try including some of the following activities into your kids’ summer schedule.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
Developing a Passion for Poetry - Red Apple Reading blog

Developing a Passion for Poetry

Have you ever considered the benefits of introducing your child to poetry? When we introduce our kids to books and materials that focus on rhyme, they learn to hear the natural rhythms of spoken language. Rhymes help children hear the phonetic connections between words with similar spellings and sounds. Whether your child is an emerging or independent reader, poetry can play an important role in literacy development. Red Apple Reading has a few tips on how to help children develop a passion for poetry.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago

Teaching Kids about Armed Services Day

There are many military themed holidays in May. Memorial Day is typically the best known of these and is celebrated on the last Monday of May. Armed Services Day falls on the 3rd Sunday of the month and was first celebrated in 1950 as a result of the armed forces being combined under a single agency. With the approach of these holidays, parents may wonder what they can do to teach their children more about the branches of the military, including how to honor them. Consider the following ideas when teaching children about the armed services.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
Children’s Books About Motherhood - Red Apple Reading

Children’s Books About Motherhood

Mother’s Day is May 13th. There are very few callings in life as special as motherhood. When I consider my own stint in motherhood, I often think of the Gretchen Rubin quote, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Parenting is a privilege but it is not for the faint of heart. During those times when the day is long and the energy is waning, it’s important to remember that our children won’t be little forever. So let’s take some time to slow down, snuggle up with our kiddos and enjoy a good book. This week, in honor of all the moms out there, Red Apple Reading has compiled a list of children’s books that celebrate motherhood!

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
Picture Books that Teach Math Skills - Red Apple Reading

Picture Books That Teach Math Skills

If you are looking for a fresh new way to reinforce math skills with your little one, consider picking up a book that works math into its story. While your child may balk at sitting down at the table to work math problems, he may enjoy hearing a story that engages him and encourages him to think critically. In fact, he may have so much fun that he forgets he is even engaging this part of his brain! Red Apple Reading thinks you and your kiddo are going to love these books that teach math skills!

By Jennifer Campbell, ago

Best Ways to Practice Spelling Words

Most elementary school students come home each week with a list of words to master by Friday. Learning to spell is an important part of literacy development, but daily word drilling can seem like a tedious chore to both child and parent. Take heart! Spelling practice doesn’t have to be a bore. With a few useful tools, you can help your kiddo actually enjoy spelling test prep! Check out these tips.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
Books for Rainy Days - Red Apple Reading

Books for Rainy Days

Spring has sprung! While the warmer weather and blooming flowers are a welcome change from the cold winter, the spring rain is often a bit harder to swallow. If the spring showers have you and your little one feeling a bit gloomy, check out these books. They make for great rainy day reading, and may even inspire you to go out and have a little fun in the rain!

By Jennifer Campbell, ago