Tammy Bennecke

Children's Reading Preferences

Children’s Reading Preferences – Reading Essentials Series #4

When I taught fifth grade it felt like there were never enough books in our class library. What started out as one half-filled bookshelf eventually became two that were overflowing. I ordered every book I could afford and brought books from home once my daughters were finished with them. From Harry Potter (for the very brave) to Captain Underpants to Charlotte’s Web, one thing my students could count on was variety. There was no excuse for not finding a book worth their reading time.

By Tammy Bennecke, ago
Establishing Reading Routines at Home

Establishing Reading Routines at Home – Reading Essentials Series #3

I can remember when my daughters were little; my favorite time of the evening was story time. Their hair would smell freshly washed and they’d have their jammies on. They’d each pick a favorite picture book from the shelf, or we might be in the middle of a chapter book from the Magic Tree House series, and we’d crowd together on the bed and snuggle in to read before bedtime. Even now, when I say goodnight to my 16-year-old, I know she goes to bed and reads on her eReader before the lights go out.
Many experts suggest that you establish a reading routine with your child early on.

By Tammy Bennecke, ago

The Benefits of Early Exposure to Books – Reading Essentials Series #2

When was the last time you went to a baby shower and saw children’s books on the gift registry? No, I haven’t seen that either, but it’s not a bad idea. In fact it could end up being one of the most valuable gifts for that new baby’s first years of life.
According to the latest research, early exposure to books can be an important component of a child’s development, and will provide a solid foundation for the expansion of reading skills. Even infants can benefit from being read to, as they gain valuable practice with the many aspects of language and reading, including:

By Tammy Bennecke, ago

Early Reading Milestones – Reading Essentials Series #1

Reading is the foundation of education. Every aspect of learning, from grade school through graduate school, requires students to read text, comprehend what they read, and use that comprehension to complete tasks and assignments. But before students can use their reading skills to learn, they have to learn to read!
While preschools and elementary schools introduce reading skills and build on instruction as a child progresses, children will benefit from an early introduction to early reading skills in the home environment. Reading practice can begin before a child enters preschool and can continue as an essential part of your child’s development. Here are a few online resources to get you started.

By Tammy Bennecke, ago

Yay Summer! or Not… Traditional vs. Year-Round School Calendars & Their Impact on Learning

It’s July and summer is in full swing for many families: vacation, pool time, BBQs, beach trips, summer movies, keeping pests out of the garden (or is it just me?). But I was surprised when a Facebook teacher friend posted about going back to work this week, with students starting school on July 5th. Seriously? Summer has just begun! My curiosity got the best of me and I decided to do a little research.

By Tammy Bennecke, ago

Literacy Takes More Than Luck

March is a great month to reflect on how you promote reading at home or in the classroom. Promote? Yes, we have to continue to encourage youngsters to read! Reading is competing for attention against video games and phone apps. Reading development is paramount to literacy, and children don’t come hardwired for reading – they have to learn how to do it. And in order for them to learn, it has to be taught.

By Tammy Bennecke, ago
Beyond the ABCs - Red Apple Reading

Parents and Reading Readiness – Beyond the ABCs

I don’t think most parents have a clue how important they are to their child’s early reading success. Reading readiness begins from the moment your child is born – can you believe it? Children absorb and begin to learn language from birth, even when they are not yet communicating verbally. By the time children begin school, most of their neural pathways for letter sounds may already be set!

By Tammy Bennecke, ago

Social Media May Be Too Much of a Good Thing

Wow, have I been getting an education in social media lately!  There is so much out there I didn’t even know about a year ago (okay, 2 months ago). I had a Facebook account, knew about Twitter, watched some YouTube videos, and had heard about writing blogs, but had no idea those are just the tip of the iceberg – there are hundreds of social media sites connecting people today. When do people have time for all of this?

By Tammy Bennecke, ago

Ready to Register Your Child for Kindergarten?

I noticed in the newspaper the other day that registration for kindergarten is beginning next month in a nearby school district. Apparently students now have to be 5 years old by September 1st if enrolling for the 2012-2013 school year. So, it looks like the Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 is finally taking affect for the coming school year in California. When I checked to see what the kindergarten cut-off dates were in other states, I found that a majority of U.S. states appear to already have birth date requirements in August and September. It surprised me that California hadn’t done this sooner.

By Tammy Bennecke, ago