Parent-School Partnership, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | February 12 , 2024

How to Choose a Preschool or Childcare for Your Child

Choosing a preschool or childcare for your child? Use this guide from national literacy thought leader Maya Payne Smart to make

Read the post
Literacy Skills, Early Language . By Maya Smart | July 15 , 2024

How Your Words Drive Your Baby’s Brain Development & Prepare Them to Read

Parents literally build babies’ & toddlers’ brains through interactive conversation. Parenting author & literacy expert Maya

Read the post
Literacy Skills, Early Language . By Maya Smart | June 17 , 2024

Why, When, and How to Limit Your Baby’s or Preschooler’s Screen Time

How much is too much screen time for babies/preschoolers, when is it ok, & how do you set up optimal limits? Maya Payne Smart has

Read the post
Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills . By Maya Smart | June 10 , 2024

You’re Hired: Parents Can—and Should—Teach Kids Reading Fundamentals

Parenting author and reading advocate Maya Payne Smart explains why parents need to teach their children reading basics—and

Read the post
Maya's Favorites, Early Language, Letters & Sounds, Spelling, Vocabulary, Family Activities . By Maya Smart | September 02 , 2024

The Planet Word Museum in D.C. Is The Place to Spur Language and Literacy Love with Kids

Parenting author Maya Payne Smart shares a peek at the Planet Word museum in Washington, D.C. and how it can inspire readers and

Read the post
Family Activities . By Maya Smart | October 07 , 2024

How to Build Strong Family Reading Habits

How to build a great family reading culture and successfully instill the reading habit, explained by parenting and literacy

Read the post
Seasonal & Holidays, Community, Diversity & Inclusion . By Maya Smart | July 01 , 2024

July 4th Reflections on Liberty and Literacy

Author Maya Payne Smart reflects on the boundaries of the freedoms the 4th of July extols— and who enjoys them—plus how

Read the post
Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds . By Maya Smart | September 16 , 2024

Spelling Champs Beat the Odds, But Reading Itself is a Stretch Goal for Too Many

Discover the history of black spelling bee contestants who beat the odds, even as strong reading & spelling remain stretch goals

Read the post
Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds . By Maya Smart | August 26 , 2024

How to Develop Your Child’s Phonological Awareness in Easy, Fun, Free Ways

Discover how to develop phonological awareness in easy, fun, free ways. It’s a key but often-overlooked skill kids need to read

Read the post
Parent-School Partnership, Books for Adults . By Maya Smart | January 01 , 2024

The Overlooked Tool Parents Have for Getting Kids Ready to Read

Parent educator Maya Payne Smart discusses an easily overlooked tool parents have at their disposal in preparing their kids to

Read the post