Time for #LiteracyTips – Early March Edition

Earlier this week, I sent out our bi-weekly #LiteracyTips newsletter. This is the excerpted version Subscribe to get the full slate of tips, ideas, and updates on literacy research. The email takes no more than 8 minutes to read.


literacy debate

Reading Levels

How much attention we should or shouldn’t pay to a child’s reading level has re-surfaced as a discussion topic recently.

I will be writing a more in-depth article soon, but in the meantime, I want to share a pair of recent articles.


family literacy

Spring Forward

The clocks have moved forward, which means spring is right around the corner – at least we hope!! Here’s to springing ahead ...

Even spring cleaning has an inside track with literacy. Here is one of our 3 ideas on planting some literacy seeds AND having some fun family time.

  • Plan a garden. Whether it’s putting some tomato seeds in a pot or planting a row of marigolds, spend a little time talking about what your garden will grow.

This is one of my favorite ideas because it creates a chance for you to ask questions and learn about your child:

  • What’s your favorite flower/vegetable/color?
  • What do you like about this particular [vegetable/fruit/flower]?
  • What would you like to grow to eat this summer?
  • Where should we put the garden this year?

When you go to the garden center, encourage the kids to ask the staff questions, too.

Picture Book Gardening

Spring Cleaning

In the full newsletter, we shared some ideas on how to incorporate literacy into chores – and make them more fun. Here are some books that go with that theme.