Dr. Brad Johnson is using his voice, expertise, and audience to educate us all about how children learn effectively. What he says echoes my own beliefs, based on my degrees in psychology, early childhood development, elementary education, and reading education, and my years of teaching. He has done a remarkable job of synthesising important information into succinct, easy-to-read graphics. I am going to share the ones that I find most important and probably surprising. We act

Summer is almost over but it is never too late to help your kids. Did you know many kids start school in September with lower reading skills than they had in June? Why? They probably stopped reading. It really is that powerful. To become a better reader you must read more. The beauty of this is how much you can help. Read to your kids. All ages. Babies too. Reading aloud builds not only their vocabulary and comprehension but creates a love of reading because it was with YOU.

This is a well-respected and competitive annual writing challenge. I am very honored to have won an honorable mention among so many outstanding entries. I am always working to improve my writing, and entering contests gives me the extra push to work harder. If you are also a picture book writer working towards publication, remember to just keep writing every day.

I absolutely agree! Our littlest ones are all developing foundational skills to support all learning. Research is clear- hands-on activities, play, and working together with others are vitally important. Headphones and a screen are not any of those. Read Books! WRITE, not type. Learn.

🎄 Christmas Break Activities for Kids Christmas is a wonderful time, but it can also be very stressful. The kids are out of school and absolutely wired about Christmas. You might feel so overwhelmed that you can't think of how to manage everything. Here are just a few easy, fun things to do together to enjoy, reflect on the beauty of the season, and also help the kids understand the importance of family, friends, and giving, not just the gifts under the tree. ✉️ Write

Here is an article from Classroom Companions that really resonates with me. In testing, we sometimes, perhaps unknowingly, are telling kids that fast reading is good reading. Slow down, maybe not. In essence, reading is understanding the words. Reading to the end of the page without time to listen to the words is useless. Reading comprehension can be easy with a stop or two. Read a short section and stop to ask questions. Talk about it. The simplest way to increase comprehens

This Is Not a Sleepy Bear Book by Brian Gehrlein Jennifer Harne y - Illustrator This book will make the kiddoes laugh after each door opens. You think it is just a series of silly high-jinks until the end, when friendship dances in. The final sweet little twist brings it all to a perfect close. A great book to get ready for a great snuggle into bed for the night...or maybe longer.

I just saw this online and had to repost it. I have always held this view, so it was great to see it validated. Years ago, when I was...

I have the privilege of saying I saw all these books being born. Jenny and I are in a critique group started at Storyteller Academy. It...

Many parents want to know how to help their child become a wonderful reader but don't know where to start. I know it is a task that...

Are you an aspiring children's book writer? Would you like to have some fun and maybe, just maybe, win a great prize? This is a fun...

Summer Slide The Summer Slide is a well-known phenomenon in education. It refers to students regressing in their learning progress during...

I am doing my happy dance today. I didn't win, but an honorable mention from this event feels like a giant win to me! There are so many...

Brighton Place Library We have so many fun events coming in March! There's truly something for everyone! Special Toddler Time Special...

I recount publishing my first book, "Kobe the Big Dog with a Big Heart," while exploring the process of becoming an independent author.