“Masterpiece” by Elise Broach is one of the Reading Kingdom’s recommended award winning children’s books. Melissa Gaynor explains why:

What You Need to Know:

• Masterpiece is an ALA (American Library Association) Notable Book and the winner of the Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year award.
• The importance of family and the beauty of a solid friendship are key elements that run throughout this story.
• Although this story about an 11 year old boy and a “talking beetle” will appeal to younger readers, the vocabulary (i.e. assemblage, sequester, chortling, arduous) and writing style are sophisticated and geared toward kids with a
comprehensive knowledge and use of vocabulary.
• Keep a dictionary close by to help those readers not familiar with some of the tougher words.
• Divorce is a subtle but meaningful subplot that will help some children deal with the issue.
• The mystery, although not scary at all, will intrigue young readers.
• I was a little hesitant to read about a bug, but Marvin turned out to be quite cute! Kids will enjoy hearing about his miniature world and the adventures that go along with being so small.

Summary:

James is a lonely 11 year-old boy living with his mother, step-father and new baby brother in an apartment in New York City. His mother pays little attention to James and when she does it is mostly for the wrong reasons. His dad is an artist who visits occasionally. For his birthday, his Dad gives him a pen-and-ink set and his life takes a surprising turn… James, his dad and Marvin become involved in a plot to set up and capture an art thief. Along the way, James learns a bit of art history, makes new friends, witnesses a real theft and helps solve the crime. As the story continues, James and Marvin’s friendship grows, and somehow they find ways to communicate despite the fact that Marvin never actually “speaks” to James. They learn to trust each other and work together to solve a problem. Broach delivers subtle messages about honesty, integrity and relationships that will leave the reader with an understanding they will find helpful in the future when they are faced with their own situations requiring good judgment. I read this book aloud with my own kids and am sure that the story and these characters will stay with them for years to come.”

Have your children read Masterpiece? What did they think of the book?

Do you know children who would to play interactive reading games? Then check out the Reading Kingdom. It’s our fun, easy-to-use, game-like online program that teaches children 4-10 years old how to read and write to a third grade level. You can sign up for a 30 day free trial, risk free!

Photo Credit: stormthecastle.com

For young children who are not yet reading, there are a number of learning games for preschoolers that develop the skills required for reading.

Recommended learning game for preschoolers – Dioramas

Building dioramas with children is fabulous for developing their capacity for engagement in an activity, attention, family bonding and learning about different subjects.

This site teaches you how to make a diorama and this one gives you ideas for what kinds of diorama to create.

Requirements: Undistracted time with your child, simple art supplies, a place (like a kitchen table) to create your diorama.

Skills developed: Good family interaction, development of motors skills, attention

Visit our kids reading games page for more fun-filled learning games for preschoolers and older kids.

Try the reading program that’s disguised as a game! One of the best reading games for kids, the Reading Kingdom is an award-winning online reading program and game that teaches kids to read and write to a third grade level.

“My son adores the sessions through Reading Kingdom. Every night since his sign up he asks “When do my sessions start?” He doesn’t even realize he is learning, he thinks it’s an interactive game. Of course, I’m not going to tell him any different. The program speaks for itself when I say, sign your child up. They will WANT to do it.” — Hattie Ramos Bruner

Sign up for a 30 day free trial today.

Do you have children fascinated by machines and objects? Then you’ll love the Reading Kingdom recommended learning activities for kids.

Explore Simple Machines! 25 Projects, Activities, Experiments by Anita Yasuda is an activity book for young readers ages 6 – 9. The book features 25 hands-on projects, activities, and experiments that introduce kids to the concept of “mechanical advantage,” and harnesses kid-power by inviting them to build machines of their own design.

Click here to download this excellent learning activity for kids: How to make your own movable pulley

Here’s what author Anita Yasuda has to say about this activity:
“Try this activity to pick magnets off the floor with help from a movable pulley. Have an adult help with the scissors.”

Are there learning activities for kids that you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for reading activities for kids online? The Reading Kingdom online reading program and game is great for teaching kindergarten reading, 1st grade reading, 2nd grade reading, and 3rd grade reading. Sign up today for our 30 day free trial. It’s risk-free!

If children are reading the words, but not understanding what they’re reading, then they’re not really reading. Educators call this “word calling” and it is a significant issues. Reading comprehension is an essential component of literacy, and until children have mastered this component, they are not fully literate.

The good news is that with reading comprehension practice, this essential component is easily developed.

Ways to improve your child’s reading comprehension

• Read a story aloud to your child without asking questions

• Then, at regular points, start a short summary of what you have just read.

• Have your child complete (“fill in”) the summary
For example, “so the boy was hoping to get to the cave but he …”

• Then have your child say the complete (short) summary
For example, “so the boy was hoping to get to the cave but he could not find it.”

This gives children the opportunity to speak in long, sophisticated sentences and that does wonders for verbal skills.

For more reading comprehension practice, visit our reading comprehension activities page to download free worksheets.

And, sign up for our online reading program and game which teaches all six skills needed for reading & writing success, including reading comprehension! You can sign up for a 30 day free trial and the program will test your child and let you know exactly what he or she needs to do in order to achieve full reading comprehension.

One of the great things about Reading Kingdom online reading program and game is that you and your child can see results after just a few weeks of regular practice. We’ve found that the better children do in the program, the more they want to practice, and the more regularly they practice, the better they do. So how do you set up this “virtuous circle”?

3 Tips for Reading Success in the Reading Kingdom

If your children are already experiencing the joys of playing the Reading Kingdom game, why not spread the love and recommend the program to a friend?

Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton is one of the Reading Kingdom’s favorite stories for kids with pictures. Melissa Young explains why:

What You Need to Know:

• Little Owl Lost is a visual feast.
• The standout here is the illustrations; it is quite possible this is the cutest baby owl in children’s books.
• The repetitive text and the plot (lost mommy) make this perfect for a very, very young audience.

Summary:

Little Owl Lost is a sweet and gentle story of a little owl who falls out of his nest and a helpful squirrel who helps him back home to his mom. The newborn owl falls while sleeping in his nest. Squirrel finds Little Owl alone and vows to help. Squirrel inquires, “What does she look like?” Little Owl describes his mom one feature at a time, and Squirrel mistakenly takes him to each forest animal that fits each description. Very big – bear. Pointy Ears – bunny. This goes on until they meet a helpful frog (big eyes) and he reunites Little Owl with his mom and they all go back to the nest for cookies. But don’t take your eyes off Little Owl. He tips over again on the last page, much to my young reader’s amusement. Sequel anyone?

The story is a reassuring tale that will captivate young readers at bedtime. The true star here really are the illustrations. The colors are vibrant and the animals are appealing and friendly looking. This is a book for you and your young readers to savor, like a piece of art.”

Have your children read Little Owl Lost? What did they think of the book?

If you’re interested in teaching your child to read, check out the Reading Kingdom. It’s our award-winning, fun, easy-to-use online program that teaches children 4-10 years old how to read and write to a third grade level. You can sign up for a 30 day free trial, risk free!

If it’s exam time again, don’t panic and pretend they’ll go away – they won’t! If you’re organized, exams won’t be the nightmare and if you go about things the right way you’ll even get time for some fun in between!

Tips for elementary students to ease the stress of studying

• Find a good place to work. It must be quiet and uncluttered, well-lit and free from chocolate wrappers and sports socks!

• When you are planning your study, mix up your weak subjects amongst your strong subjects so you don’t do all the difficult topics all at once – it’s really easy to lose your confidence when you are revising and focusing on the tricky subjects altogether.

• Set targets that you know you can reach each day and tick them off as you achieve them.

• Make your notes short and sharp – keep to the main points. Try to get your notes on one side of paper as it makes them easier to remember. Write key facts on post-it notes and pop them on the walls in your kitchen or bedroom.

• Make up silly mnemonics or rhymes (to help you remember important dates or facts i.e big elephants cause accidents under small elephants for “because”

• Use a highlighter pen and mark key areas with different colors.

• If you are an auditory learner try recording your notes on your I-pod or portable CD so you can listen to them in your room or when you are falling asleep. Also recite your notes out loud to yourself so you can hear them.

• If you are a kinaesthetic learner move around the room while you recite information or are learning new material and try to use multimedia resources like the computer or video camera to help you study.

• Test yourself often without looking at your notes, or work with a friend or member of your family testing you and focus on what you need to go over again.

• Have a regular time for physical exercise, walk round the block with the dog, ride a bike, listen to some music or really change your environment to give your brain and eyes a break. You really will come back refreshed and able to absorb information again.

• Time yourself by going over past exam papers against the clock as it gives you confidence to know the types of questions you may come across.

• Experiment with different styles of revision as it helps to alleviate the boredom and keeps you interested.

• Remember to get a proper night sleep – it gives you reserves of energy.

• Listen to Confidence Building CDs that you can fall asleep to – they really give you that little extra that you may need to get you through a difficult time.

• Get yourself in a positive and confident frame of mind – think of 5 things you are really good at and visualise yourself doing those things. As you go into your exam remember those feelings, sounds and thoughts – it will help you relax and focus on what you are good at.

• Ask for help from friends, family and school if you are feeling overwhelmed, confused or unsure.

• Keep the bigger picture to your life – although exams are important they are only one aspect in your life and you need to keep them in perspective.

• Celebrate your small, baby successes along the way.

Did you know that the Reading Kingdom online reading for kids program is scientifically designed to boost children’s self-esteem and their will to learn? Sign up for a 30 day free trial today.

“Within eight weeks of beginning the Reading Kingdom, Ben’s progress was enormous. Each day that we continue the programs, he improves. It has also boosted his self-esteem. “– Gail Weiner, parent

For more about kids and self-esteem, see our activities for kids page.

Do you have children interested in soccer and adventure? Then you’ll love this Reading Kingdom recommended educational activities for kids.

Soccer World South Africa: Explore the World through Soccer by Ethan Zohn and David Rosenberg is a book for young readers ages 6 – 9. The book follows the adventures of real-life pro soccer player Ethan Zohn, who takes his readers on the first Soccer World adventure to South Africa, home of the World Cup in 2010. The journey ends with a chance to choose an actual help project in South Africa to make a difference there.

Click here to download this excellent educational activity for kids: How to make your own soccer ball

Here’s what authors Ethan Zohn and David Rosenberg have to say about this activity:

“This is like building a string ball or a tin foil ball. Start with the golf ball or rock at the center. Wrap it with a layer of rags. Tie it by winding the string around and around in all different directions. Tie the two ends of the string together with a knot. Wrap your ball with a layer of bags. Tie it in the same way.”

Are there educational activities for kids that you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for reading comprehension activities for kids? The Reading Kingdom online reading program and game is great for teaching kindergarten reading, 1st grade reading, 2nd grade reading, and 3rd grade reading. Sign up today for our 30 day free trial. It’s risk-free!

What should you look for when evaluating elementary reading programs for your child? Whether you’re evaluating a school or after school reading program, homeschooling your child, or supplementing your child’s existing school curriculum with at home reading instruction, choosing a good, effective reading program for your child can make a huge difference in your child’s experience of learning to read.

Here are 12 key elements to look for when choosing an elementary reading program.

• Choose a program that has interesting material
You don’t want your child to say, “Oh, not that again.” Your child should be engaged.

• The program should combine in a well- integrated manner, reading, spelling and comprehension.

• The program should correct your child’s errors immediately.

• The program should not respond to your child’s mistakes by telling your child to “try again”
This technique does not work and often leaves a child feeling like she or he has failed.

• Word lists, disconnected words and non-meaningfully integrated words should be at a minimum.

• There should be lots of work of meaningful, connected sentences
That’s what real reading is all about!

• There should be discernible progress within 6-8 weeks
It takes about 30 or so weeks of instruction for a child to advance one grade level.

• The program should do more than ask your child to “sound out” the words.
If the main demand is repeated sounding out and if that is not working for your child, it is not productive.

• It should offer auditory links between the written word and the spoken word
This is invaluable.

• It should offer excellent representations of the meaning of the words and text
This is really only possible with an online program where you can use audio and visuals in a coordinated manner.

• If child keeps making same mistake, or keeps “forgetting” what was taught, the program is not working for your child and you should try another one.

• Your child should understand easily what to do and be able to do it on his or her own after introductory minimal instruction.

Reading Kingdom is an online reading program that works with children at multiple levels including preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade. Each level teaches all the skills and abilities required to be able to progress to the next level. With Reading Kingdom’s comprehensive 6-skill system children’s eagerness to learn will rise significantly even as they experience the lessons as fun reading games. Sign up for the Reading Kingdom’s 30 day free trial today.

Maureen from Simply Stacie has discovered Reading Kingdom and the literacy wonders that our magical land entails! Here’s what she had to say about our online reading program and game:

“In my opinion, what makes Reading Kingdom an exceptional program for use with my children is that it expands on the traditional phonics method to teach words that cannot be sounded out phonemically (the majority of words in the English language). In fact, my six year old son has wisely questioned me in the past asking, “Why can’t I sound out so many of the words in my book…that doesn’t make sense?” With Reading Kingdom…..learning to read finally “makes sense” to him.

All three of my children are using Reading Kingdom and since it is a customized program it is adaptable to their particular needs. When starting the program, the child will take a Skills Assessment which identifies their abilities in pre-reading, reading and writing. Once the skills are assessed, it will start the child at the appropriate level. While the program is challenging, I appreciate that the material is not overly frustrating but instead promotes their strengths and helps them to overcome any weaknesses that are exhibited during completion of the lessons. This virtual tutoring technique promotes their self esteem and encourages them to actually want to complete their daily lessons.

…While my children use this program independently, I do occasionally sit in as a passive observer. As a mom and an educator, I feel a great sense of pride observing my children actively engaged in this program as I watch their confidence soar when they “master” a skill.

…All three of my children report that they “love Reading Kingdom because it is a lot of fun”. In fact, with adorable animal characters and engaging activities, they often don’t even realize that Reading Kingdom is a learning program. They consider it to be a fun game that they are “playing”. It effectively holds their attention and they ask me to complete at least one lesson per day.” — Maureen Ruble

Would your children benefit from a virtual reading tutor as Maureen’s have? Of course they would! Sign up for the Reading Kingdom and get your first 30 days free!