Early Language

I Made These New-Mom Mistakes. Then I Wrote a Book So You Won’t Have To.

Parenting author Maya Payne Smart shares her inspiring journey to becoming a literacy advocate and what new parents can learn

Phonological Awareness: The Overlooked Skill Kids Need Before They Can Read

Parenting author Maya Payne Smart explains the overlooked phonological awareness skills kids need to become thriving

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s How to Fit Learning into Your Preschooler’s Summer Fun

Recycled Storytelling Dice Make a Fun, Free, Educational Easter Gift

Five Reading Aloud Tips to Get Your Child Kindergarten Ready

Did you know that most storytimes come up short? Learn how to help kids bridge from listening into literacy with these expert