10 Must Read Children’s Books from 2014

2014 is behind us. Fortunately, the great books that made their debut in 2014 are still with us! We thought it would be fun to compile a list of some of the best books for kids that were released in 2014. It wasn’t easy – there were lots of great titles to choose from – but Red Apple Reading has chosen 10 must read children’s books of 2014!

5 Ways Reading Helps Your Child Dream Big

Help Your Child Dream Big with Reading!

When Martin Luther King Jr. was attending Morehouse College, a professor introduced him to, Essay on Civil Disobedience, by Henry David Thoreau. This essay, along with many other works of literature, helped to shape one of our nation’s greatest civil rights leaders. We should never underestimate the importance of reading in the lives of our children. If we want to raise a generation of great leaders who dream big, then we need to encourage them to read. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Red Apple Reading is sharing 5 ways reading helps your child dream big!

Tips for Finishing the School Year on Top - Red Apple Reading

4 Easy Steps to Finishing the School Year on Top

Most of us are back to our normal routine after having a break for the holidays. If your kiddos are like mine, they weren’t overly excited about getting back to the grind. It can be tough to inspire children to finish the second half of the school year well. What can parents do to motivate their kids to do their best in school? Red Apple Reading has 4 easy steps you and your child can take to finish the last half of the school year like a champ!

Spend More Time Together in 2015

Don’t you just love new beginnings? There is something special about a fresh start! The New Year lies before us like a blank slate. All the mistakes and bad decisions of 2014 are behind us. What hopes and dreams do you have for your family this year? Sometimes the best resolutions are the simple ones. In the everyday business of life, sometimes we lose the little moments that make family meaningful. This year why not resolve to spend more time together? Red Apple Reading has a few suggestions on how you can get your crew together more often this year.

Creating Meaningful Family Gatherings

My husband and I have a little inside joke when the holidays come around. We say to each other, “Remember, the holidays aren’t about being happy – they’re about being with family.” 😉 Actually, both sides of our extended family are pretty great! The holidays can be stressful though! What would happen if this holiday season we focused on the strengths that our family members bring to the table? November and December provide the perfect opportunity to learn about the traditions and values of other family members when we gather for the holidays. Red Apple Reading has some suggestions for making the holidays especially meaningful for all the generations in your family this year.

Gifts That Promote Literacy

Have you ever considered how precious the gift of literacy is? We often take the ability to read and write for granted; but many people will never experience the joy of getting lost in a good book. This holiday season celebrate the privilege of reading by giving gifts that promote literacy. Red Apple Reading has compiled a list of presents that are not only literary friendly but are also a lot of fun!

Tips to Support Young Readers at Home

While our family celebrations may have looked a little different last weekend, many of us like to reflect on our blessings this time of year. Here at Red Apple Reading, we are especially grateful for the many resources available to support children’s literacy. After all, the ability to read and write has a direct effect on our kiddos’ future success. Did you know one of the most important resources available to your child is you – their parent? You don’t have to be a teacher in order to meaningfully contribute to your child’s literary development. All it takes is a little time and effort. As our gift to you, we have some tips to help you get started!

Online Resources for Families

How did I ever manage before I could go online? O.K., as I recall I did manage to survive. But I have to admit, having access to the internet really makes my life a lot easier! If I don’t understand my kid’s homework he needs help with, where do I go? The internet! What if I need to know how to make my own taco seasoning? I go to the internet! If I need to order the next book in the Big Nate series for my son, I get online. You get the picture. Online resources rock! Today, Red Apple Reading is sharing 6 of our favorite online resources for families.

Football Fans Score with Reading - Red Apple Reading

Football Fans Score with Reading

Football season is in full swing and if you live in the South (as I do), you know that we are serious about this sport! Football season is like a 5 month long holiday around here and like other holidays is filled with joy, fun, gatherings, food and hard feelings. I joke (kinda). Obviously, there are football fans all over the country and the nip in the air that comes with autumn signals the arrival of this beloved pastime. To be honest with you, I’d rather read a good book and leave football watching to my husband and sons. But really there is no reason that one has to choose between these two loves. Red Apple Reading has some fun ways that parents can combine reading and football for the little pigskin fans in their lives.