Good Reads

This is a collection of articles I like and recommend.

Brainiology: Transforming Students’ Motivation to Learn – This article by Carol Dweck is a condensed version of her book Mindset, which I also recommend!

The Need for Pretend Play – Imaginative free play is important, really important.  When kids engage in imaginative play with each other, they improve their social, language, and self-reulation skills.  Here is another great article on the topic (but this one isn’t free). It explains how pretend play makes kids (and eventually adults) smarter, less stressed, and better adjusted.

Kids and Nature – Getting kids outside to play is important.  Outdoor play helps kids in a number of ways.

The 30 Million Word Gap – Talking to your kids is important.  A recent study showed that in the first 4 years of life, some kids hear 30 million more words than other kids.  That early exposure to language leads to future school success.

42 Parent Tricks – Okay, you’ve probably already seen these on Pinterest, but who doesn’t want tips on making life with little ones easier? I especially love #1 because it frees up your hands a little more at bath time so you can do actions and sing those songs I posted and keep recommending…

Reading to Toddlers 

Reading to Babies – How to read to babies 0-1 year and why it is important.