Families Archives

BookSpring believes that a love of reading begins and is nurtured best at home, through the influence of parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents and caregivers. There is so much that families can do to encourage reading, from reading aloud to providing books. Enthusiasm and attention help children connect the stories and images to the world around us. This section gathers information for parents including motivational tips, recommendations, reviews, and activities to do at home.

9 Tips for Creating an Affordable Home Reading Nook

For a young reader, having access to books is paramount. Research suggests that increasing the number of books available to students, especially at a young age, leads to higher reading scores and academic achievement overall. More books in the classroom and at home means a student has more to choose ...
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7 Ways Families Can Promote Early Literacy

Research confirms that families play an essential role in promoting early literacy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading daily to young children helps their brain development (O’Keefe, 2014). Families can foster engagement while promoting early literacy! Reading together establishes a shared event in which stronger bonds develop between parents, ...
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Reading to Children and Post-Reading Activities

By: María José Meneses, Originally published in Porch.com Parents and other family members can enhance the benefits kids can obtain by complementing reading with a few related activities. While you might think that school teachers have plenty of time for these types of activities, the truth is that there often isn’t ...
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How to Encourage Your Children to Read at Home

By: María José Meneses, Originally published in Porch.com As children, we were told that reading is important, and many of us are among the millions of library users, audible subscribers, and bookstore shoppers. But exactly why is it important, and how do we convince kids of its inherent value? Well, like ...
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The Trevor Romain Company Free eBooks and Video Books

Free eBooks and Video eBooks by The Trevor Romain Company

Kids and families interested in reading and watching multicultural stories should check out the award-winning and educational publisher, The Trevor Romain Company. Co-founded in 2007 by South African children's author, TV personality, and speaker Trevor Romain, This publisher offers educators, counselors, caregivers, and families resources to become happier, healthier, and ...
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Revealing the 2020 Central Texas Reading Survey

The BookSpring 2020 Central Texas Reading Survey provides valuable information about the reading habits of families in Central Texas. Conducted annually with consistent methods over the past three years, the effort provides a longitudinal snapshot of our regional progress in early literacy. As in previous years, it prompts interesting questions ...
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How to Create the Perfect Reading Nook

By: Lorena Romo, Originally published in Porch.com A reading nook can be the perfect way to enjoy curling up with your favorite books! Read Lorena Romo's guest blog for some tips and tricks that will inspire you to craft a perfect reading nook. Why Create a Reading Nook? For those ...
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Access Free Internet during COVID-19

Access an updated list of internet services via inmyarea.com. During the Covid-19 outbreak, BookSpring wants to make sure all families can easily access the internet. Online resources are vital sources for continuing childhood education during this period of self-quarantine. Many affiliated enterprises are swiftly updating accounts and web pages with ...
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Summer Reading for Kids Age 6-8

Summer is the perfect time for kids to immerse themselves in reading U.S. Bank employees are teaming up with us to promote summer reading! Employees shared some of their top children’s book recommendations for kids age 6-8. Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene Review by Lauren Mcconnell The Nancy Drew ...
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Summer Reading for Kids Age 4-5

Summer is the perfect time for kids to immerse themselves in reading. U.S. Bank employees are teaming up with us to promote summer reading! Employees shared some of their top children’s book recommendations for kids age 4-5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Reviews by Halle Morrell The life ...
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Home Grown Book Lovers

We're reposting this guest blog, by Natalia Mirkowicz, to encourage parents and caregivers, during quarantine, to establish a reading routine with their babies at home. Here's why... A common misconception among families is that literacy education starts during the school years. Yet, research shows that starting to read and speak ...
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Summer Reads from Birth-Age 3

Summer is the perfect time for kids to immerse themselves in reading! U.S. Bank employees are teaming up with us to promote summer reading! Employees shared some of their top children’s book recommendations for kids from birth-age 3. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister Review by Halle Morrell The Rainbow ...
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How to Create a Reader Friendly Home

The promotion of literacy at home has long-term benefits for the whole family. Reading together not only has developmental benefits, but it also increases the caregiver-child bond, creating healthier relationships and a more solid sense of security and empathy long-term. Steps to create a reader-friendly environment that inspires you to ...
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Diverse Picture Books

Encouraging diversity in your children's books early can create a sense of empathy and representation in young readers. While some readers yearn to find themselves in a book, others can learn about experiences outside their own. Diversity in children's books is essential for building a more compassionate world. We've compiled ...
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Spanish Reading Resources

Parents and educators, BookSpring has compiled another list of Spanish-language educational videos and reading materials that are perfect for engaging young children. These links feature resources that are educational and entertaining. They’re ideal for young native Spanish speakers, and for newcomers to the language eager to learn new words! Read ...
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Connecting with your children at home

There is no doubt that coronavirus has changed all of our lives. We’ve all been impacted in different ways and for many of us with children, it has redefined our daily routine into a new normal. The kids are home from school and daycare and that leaves parents and guardians ...
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Reading Together as a Family

Reading together as a family and doing activities related to the story is a great way to fill your time and build lasting memories! BookSpring is here to provide you with recommendations on children's books. We are connecting with members of our community to share some of their favorite stories ...
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Picture Books for Ages 4-8

BookSpring volunteer reviewer Barbara Campos is back with another round of reviews! From books that emphasize the value of kindness to a love for animals, these works are sure to elevate the quality of your child’s home library. Read on for Barbara’s take! Moo, Baa, La La La! By Sandra ...
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Comienza un Club de Lectura en casa

English Translation Un club de lectura puede ser una forma divertida y creativa de alentar el entusiasmo por la lectura. Es una oportunidad para que los niños y las familias se unan sobre la literatura, y puede abarcar una variedad de actividades. Reunirse Los clubs de lectura son una excelente ...
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Start a Book Club at Home

Spanish Translation A book club can be a fun and creative way to encourage enthusiasm for reading. It’s an informal opportunity for children and families to bond over literature, and can encompass a variety of activities. If you’re looking to begin or improve a children’s book club, read on for ...
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Actividades de aprendizaje para niños

English Translation Si usted es un educador que busca soluciones de aprendizaje a distancia, o un padre que busca maneras de mantener a sus pequeños aprendiendo, o alguien a quien le importa que los niños tengan acceso a los recursos de lectura incluso durante el cierre de la escuela, estamos ...
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