Adult holding a toddler-aged child as they walk outdoors, presumably in conversation

A Key Way to Help Language Development in Early Childhood

“Ba.” “Oh, you want to read that book?” “Yahhhhh. Ba.” “Okay, let’s read the book.” If you have a toddler, maybe this kind of conversation sounds familiar. To an outsider, it may seem a little silly. However, exchanges like this are one of the best ways to improve toddler language development.  Reading, singing, and narrating…

child's hand holding a TV remote control

Television for Preschoolers: How to Find the Benefits

Many kids watch television at some point. Although the AAP recommends less than 1 hour per day of screen time (for children aged 2-5), it doesn’t mean that any screen time at all is “bad.” There can be many benefits, including parent-child bonding, early literacy skills, school-readiness, and cultural awareness. This post offers some ideas…

3 Ways to Promote Early Literacy, Even Without Books

3 Ways to Promote Early Literacy, Even Without Books

Reading to babies is wonderful and important. When we think about ideas for promoting early literacy, a lot of the discussion revolves around books. And, my goodness. Books are wonderful. I do not want to discount them at all.  But what if a family doesn’t have books? Or doesn’t speak the language in which the…