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preschool teacher with two kids working on colors and shapes

Improving Child Care for Reading Success

The number of children in child care is quickly increasing. Early childcare can lay the foundations for reading, and help prevent reading problems from developing. This article describes the current state of child care, and the challenges we face in improving its quality.

How to Choose Read Aloud Books: Babies to Third Graders

How to Choose Read Aloud Books: Babies to Third Graders

How do you choose books to read aloud with your child? There are many things to think about: how interesting the topic or characters might be for your child; an intriguing setting, time period, or plot; the liveliness or beauty of the language; or how engaging the illustrations are. Some books are more appropriate based on social and emotional development at each stage of a young child’s life. Find guidance here in choosing great read alouds.

preschooler with picture book

Early Literacy Instruction: Research Applications in the Classroom

Teaching reading and writing to young children in American has always been an area of controversy and debate (Teale & Yokota, 2000), and it remains so today. The purpose of this article is to review various research studies and to identify essential elements of effective early literacy classroom instruction.

Partners

Reading Rockets partners with the following national and regional education organizations, who help us spread the word about effective literacy instruction.

Reba McEntire

Toddling Toward Reading

Starting early to grow strong readers. We once thought a child’s education started in kindergarten — but that could be years too late. Hosted by Reba McEntire, this episode examines what it takes to give our preschoolers the early literacy skills they need to become successful readers. 

Young boy in striped short and knit cap reading book at library

Beyond Books: Library Services for Children

Most people think of their public library solely as a source for books. However, libraries have many services and programs that can help children or the people who care for them. Learn what services libraries are likely to offer for preschool and school-aged children.
preschooler with picture book

Language and General Knowledge

Long before your child enters school, you can do many things to help him or her develop language. When young children are provided with opportunities to listen to and use language constantly, they can begin to acquire the essential building blocks for learning how to read.
Mother and daughter painting an environmental mural together

25 Activities for Reading and Writing Fun

Doing activities with your children allows you to promote their reading and writing skills while having fun at the same time. These activities for pre-readers, beginning readers, and older readers includes what you need and what to do for each one.

Language and Literacy Environments in Preschools

Language and Literacy Environments in Preschools

With one-on-one conversation, dramatic play, and engaging read alouds, preschool teachers can promote children’s language and literacy development. Learn about research studies on the characteristics of preschool environments that prepare children to become readers.

Portrait of Fred Rogers wearing a tan zip-up cardigan

Roots of Reading

Share a love of reading with infants and toddlers. Hosted by Fred Rogers, this episode examines how parents, childcare providers, and kindergarten teachers can get children started on the road to literacy. 

Photo: Mister Rogers Neighborhood

Father reading a picture book to his two young sons

Reading to Two: A Double Challenge

While parents understand the importance of reading to children, it is often a struggle to read to two. How can parents negotiate the “book wars,” when one child only wants to read chapter books and the other insists on reading picture books? What can parents do when one child wants to read about dinosaurs and the other wants to read about ballerinas?
elementary teacher working with two students on reading assignment

Specific Language Impairment

Studies have indicated that as many as 40-75% of children with specific language impairment will have problems in learning to read. This article offers tips for parents and educators to help learners develop their language skills.
Top Autism Organizations and Web Resources

Top Autism Organizations and Web Resources

Browse this list of organizations and web resources focused on advocacy, information, and support for families and educators of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We’ve also identified helpful federal agencies and ASD projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

preschool teacher with two kids working on colors and shapes

Physical and Mental Well-Being

How can you help your baby or toddler to learn and to get ready for school? Here are some ways to make sure young children’s physical and social needs are met.

Reading Topics A-Z

Reading Rockets offers a rich library of classroom strategies, articles, parent tip sheets, FAQs, videos, research briefs and more — providing research-based and best-practice information for educators, parents, and others who work with young readers. Browse by the topics listed below!

Young child looking at tablet with her father

Educational Media: Screen Time and Literacy

With televisions, computers, video games, and cell phones, modern culture makes it difficult to escape time in front of a screen, especially for our newest generation of kids. Deb Linebarger, Lisa Guernsey, and Marnie Lewis discuss what the growing exposure to media means for children’s literacy development.

Young father talking and laughing with preschool son

Basics: Oral Language

Oral language encompasses both speaking and listening. Oral language skills include learning how spoken words sound, what words and sentences mean, and how to communicate ideas. Nurturing oral language skills provides a strong foundation for learning to read.

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