Literacy Skills, Early Language . By Maya Smart | March 23 , 2026

A Pediatric Literacy Screening Tool Is Making Rounds—What Parents Need to Know

A hospital screens three-year-olds for literacy. But media coverage misses key information: the specifics that can help parents

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Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds, Spelling, Parent-School Partnership . By Maya Smart | March 17 , 2026

Why Phonics Instruction Matters—and How to Know if Your Child is Getting It

Why some kids reach middle school unable to read—and how parents can tell if schools are teaching phonics while there’s still

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Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills, Early Language, Ask Maya . By Maya Smart | March 09 , 2026

Ask Maya: Can I Help My Child Read If I’m Not Comfortable Reading?

Not comfortable reading aloud? Learn how storytelling, conversation, and the TALK Method build your child’s vocabulary,

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Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills, Early Language, Ask Maya . By Maya Smart | February 16 , 2026

Ask Maya: Should I Talk and Read to My Child in Spanish or English? What Research Says

Stop second-guessing your home language. Talking and reading in Spanish helps your child in English,

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What Counts as Reading? Answers for Parents About Comics, Audiobooks, and More

Do graphic novels or audiobooks count as reading? Discover what helps kids become strong, motivated

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Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds, Spelling, Vocabulary, Writing, Print Awareness, Literacy Activities . By Laila Weir | January 19 , 2026

7 Seriously Low-Lift Ways to Sneak Literacy into Family Life

Reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary–it all takes practice. But sometimes practice can come in fun (and even downright funny)

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Literacy Skills, Early Language, Social Emotional . By Laila Weir | November 24 , 2025

20 Questions to Ask Your Elementary Schooler After School (That Get More Than “Fine”)

Discover open-ended conversation starters and tips to get your young child talking after school and actually opening up about

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Literacy Skills, Early Language, Social Emotional, Family Activities, Seasonal & Holidays . By Contributor | November 03 , 2025

10 Ways to Help Kids Build Thankfulness and Literacy Skills

Explore fun, intentional, educational gifts to fill a small child’s environment with prompts for crucial learning and make

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Maya's Favorites, Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds, Seasonal & Holidays . By Laila Weir | October 27 , 2025

These Unique Toys & Decor Make Great Educational Gifts for Small Kids

Explore fun, intentional, educational gifts to fill a small child’s environment with prompts for crucial learning and make

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Literacy Skills, Early Language, Letters & Sounds, Spelling, Vocabulary . By Maya Smart | October 06 , 2025

How to Help Your Child Recognize Words Quickly and Confidently

Help your child become a confident, fluent reader by building rapid word recognition skills. Discover practical tips, everyday

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