Reading Tips

Need some tips for increasing reading at home?  Learn about phonics, motivating your child to read, creating a literacy friendly home, and what makes a good classroom from PBS.

Skip Counting Songs

Our 3rd grade classes are just starting to practice skip counting in preparation to learn multiplication.  This is a much more effective strategy than rote memorization of facts.  If you can't remember 8x7, you need some kind of strategy to solve it.  Skip counting also ties in with the Touch Math strategies that I use with my math groups.  Visit this website to find some fun skip counting songs:  Skip Counting Songs

Imagination Library

Research shows that reading to children as young as 6 months old has a huge impact on language development, working memory, processing speed, and early literacy skills.  Even though they aren't speaking yet, babies are still learning through these experiences.  Plus, doesn't it just feel great to cuddle with your little ones and share a story?

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a program that recognizes the importance of these early literacy experiences.  Imagination Library mails high quality children's books to children from birth to age 5 at no cost to families.  This program is partnered with United Way, and available in Whiteside County, regardless of income.  Visit the following link to sign up for your free books:  Imagination Library