Kids worry more when they’re kept in the dark Article by Rachel Ehmke with the Child Mind Institute. Original Article News of the coronavirus COVID-19 is everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will…
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Learning and Fun over Spring Break
Spring break brings excitement to the hearts of children from coast to coast. Planning spring break activities ahead of time can create the opportunity for both fun and learning—so kids get the play time they desire, while keeping their minds sharp. At Read Smart, we help your child catch up, keep up, and excel in…
The Importance of Knowing Your Child’s Learning Style
As parents, we know our kids: their preferences, their dislikes, their habits, their desires. And gaining understanding of their specific learning style can enhance the way in which we teach them throughout their life, and help them master their school work and succeed in life. Gaining insight into how our son or daughter processes information…
6 Signs Your Child Is Struggling in School; Now What?
Struggles. We all have them. And children are no exception. But when a child struggles in school, it can be particularly difficult on them. It can impact not only their education, but also their self-esteem. At Read Smart, we understand how frustrating it can be when a child struggles in school. We’ve designed a program…
Fighting Focus? 6 Tips to Improve Focus in Your Kids
Frustration, procrastination, and low self-esteem can be signs your child is struggling with focus issues. Whether they have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD or not, their lack of focus is a signal they need some help. The good news is that uncovering the need for strategies to overcome is the first step in moving…
Educational Holiday Vacation Activities
Your child’s holiday vacation from school creates space to continue learning—at home. With purposeful activities planned, you can keep the vacation time filled with exciting new experiences that keep your child learning, even while they are having fun! One way to plan ahead for some holiday fun is to engage in reading activities together. If…
STEAM Learning vs. STEM Learning
The world needs more creative problem solvers. It’s one thing to get a college degree in science, math, or engineering. It’s another thing to produce fruitful solutions by integrating concepts with creative, practical results. What do results have to do with the hot topic of STEM vs STEAM learning for children? Everything! STEM learning involves…
Struggling Reader? What May Be Missing
As simple as reading looks, it’s a complex skill that is vital to master in order to succeed in school and life. When children find themselves struggling with reading, it often breeds frustration in both them and their parents. It’s important to recognize when your child struggles with reading in particular because reading skills impact…
6 Tips to Teach Your Children Phonics
Learning to read starts with basic phonics skills. When parents get involved in teaching phonics at home, they can help contribute to reading progress. Phonics for kids can be integrated into daily life. For example, while driving in the car, a simple game of “I Spy” can help children begin to learn initial sounds—a basic…
9 Tips to Prevent a Summer Reading Slide
Momentum in learning is essential. Ask any teacher how tough it is to reengage kids in the learning process at the beginning of each new school year, and you’ll begin to see the importance of summer reading. Understandably, kids need a break from the rigors of school during the summer, but putting reading on the…