Resolve to Read in 2019

EEEK! It's January and that means our 2019 January - June Catalog is officially out and with it are TONS of brand new titles! You can view the online catalog here! Have you made any "READolutions" for the new year? "READolutions" are goals that encourage a love of books and reading! And they are much more fun than your typical new year, new you resolutions, I promise! Plus there is the added bonus of helping your favorite readers fall in love with books- there are infinite benefits to having enthusiastic readers. Here are a few "READolutions" ideas to kick off 2019:  Read to children a minimum of three times per week. Studies show that reading to children increases their vocabulary. Add 5 minutes of reading time each night. Reading to children can strengthen your bond with them. Encourage your reader to research and read more about what intereststhem. Children often take a liking to reading when they can read about topics/subjects that spark their attention. Start a Book Club within the family or branch out and invite friends to join too! Book clubs are a great way to encourage reading and accountability. Plus they're FUN! Read together as a family. Reading together can create an environment of unity, oneness, and closer bonds. Here's an awesome printable reading challenge from Brightly to keep your READolutions on track!

#TipTuesday: Reading ability is like a muscle - Use it or lose it!

Did you know...

Graphic by Robin Wallace

This is also why it is important for children to read across a variety of reading levels. Evidence suggests that readers should read both below and above their reading level. Reading easier text helps novice readers to build confidence, enjoyment of reading, and gain fluency. Reading more complicated or advanced text, with support, challenges the reader to expand their vocabulary, comprehension, and encourages growth.

For more info, check out this great article from Psychology Today: Three Myths About "Reading Levels"... and why you shouldn't fall for them!

#TipTuesday: Nursery Rhymes

Literacy Tip of the Week! Nursery rhymes are fantastic foundations for early literacy They contain the 3 R's of early literacy: Rhythm, Rhyme, and Repetition! These help develop language and information retention and recognition of letter sounds and common word sounds. What was your favorite nursery rhyme? Can you remember?