Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills, Early Language, Family Activities . By Maya Smart | May 12 , 2025

Maya in Katie Couric Media: The Surprising Influence Grandparents Have on Raising Young Readers

Learn from parenting author Maya Payne Smart how everyday moments with grandparents are boosting many kids’ reading

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Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds, Print Awareness, Family Activities, Literacy Activities . By Maya Smart | May 05 , 2025

Maya in CNBC: Unlocking Children’s Potential With Research-Backed Early Literacy Strategies

Small, smart daily moments build strong readers. Parenting author Maya Smart shares actionable tips to foster early literacy and

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Maya's Favorites, Community, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | March 10 , 2025

Why Awards Matter: The Unexpected Benefits of Recognition, Connection, and Celebration

Awards serve as exclamation marks—chances to pause and say, this matters. Maya Payne Smart reflects on building change with

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Community, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | February 24 , 2025

Rising Together: My Reflections on Getting the 2025 Champion of Children Award at Beyond School Hours

Literacy lifts communities! Maya Payne Smart, 2025 Champion of Children, challenges us to help every child read, grow, and

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How to Assess Your Child’s Development with Language & Literacy Milestones

Discover what your baby or child should learn & do at each age to grow into a thriving reader, and how to use milestones to

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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

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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

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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

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Parent-School Partnership . By Maya Smart | January 27 , 2025

School Involvement for Busy Parents: How to Support Your Child’s Education on Your Terms

Stop stressing about being the perfect parent volunteer! Learn how to support your child’s education in a way that fits your

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Personal Development, Community, Diversity & Inclusion, Library & Literacy Advocacy . By Maya Smart | December 09 , 2024

The Christmas Books Campaign that Launched My Literacy Advocacy

Celebrating 10 years since Maya Smart’s pivotal role as The Richmond Christmas Mother, where her passion for literacy and early

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