As an educator myself with a background in Language & Literacy, no topic concerning kids’ education is as important to me as reading– the cornerstone of educational success. And one company knows how to make education fun…LeapFrog. With a panel of experts on kids’ learning they not only manufacture toys but also offer parents knowledge about topics ranging from early childhood education to tech savvy tips for mamas. Here are some tips from their Literary Expert Caroyln James, PhD:
· Hunt for words wherever you are. Play “find the letter” games with your children in the car, at the park, wherever your day takes you.
· Go on a rhyming treasure hunt. Help your child find items in the house or around the town that rhyme with a chosen object. Turn it into a song.
· Find ways to bring books to life. When you read aloud, “voice” the characters and add drama to the narration. Educational products like LeapFrog’s Tag Reading System can foster independent and shared reading time by encouraging children to bring books to life on their own.
· Play beat-the-clock. Help your child link objects to names by opening a book or magazine and asking her to point to and name as many letters, numbers, objects or colors as she can in 30 seconds.
About Carolyn Jaynes, PhD, Literacy Expert with LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Throughout her career, Carolyn has served as an elementary school teacher, a general education tutor, a literacy facilitator and a reading curriculum resource teacher. She has also contributed to a number of publications on reading, learning and psychology. Carolyn holds a PhD from Michigan State University in Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education. Carolyn also has her own blog – check it out here.
Smart Tip: On a side note, we purchased the LeapFrog Text & Learn for by alphabet-obsessed son and he absolutely adores it. Another winner. Check out even more educational tips and toys on Cool Baby Kid.
