Teach Baby to Talk ... and Make Reading Fun, The Importance of Speech and Language in Learning to Read begins by recounting author Sandra Jean Smith’s experience as a teacher of illiterate adults, and also examines the possible causes for the ever-growing number of children starting school with speech problems unseen in previous generations.Smith’s research on this topic, interspersed with her personal stories make for impressive reading. She uses humour and anecdotes to entertain and inform readers.Learn the latest research into these problems and what parents can do to prevent and rectify them. Chapter summaries reinforce her research.The content covers such vtopics as childcare and parenting issues, the problems associated with children learning to speak, and the consequent implications for learning to read. She also discusses the library’s role in stimulating and extending children’s interest in reading to counteract the influence of computer games and television.Teach Baby to Talk is written in an easy-to-read format with minimal educational jargon. The book is a must-read for parents and anyone working with very young children.

This insightful book reviews the current research on literacy programming, examines the latest standards for strengthening reading skills, and provides educators, families, and caregivers methods for building successful reading habits in and out of the classroom. Research indicates that children need more than classroom instruction to become proficient readers. Unfortunately, few parents realize how simple, everyday practices can build a lifelong love of reading. Educators, diligent with employing mandatory literacy standards, may overlook families and support systems as tools for improving student performance. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the various methods of reading instruction, analyzing the pedagogy behind Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), the importance of reading aloud to children, and the necessity of working the home-school connection. For the Love of Reading: Guide to K–8 Reading Promotions provides strategies and tips for setting up successful reading environments for children, including having a well-stocked library collection; engaging students through book clubs, reading lists, and prepared book talks; and involving student and adult volunteers. The author asserts that the entire school community—teachers, librarians, parents, caregivers, and administrators—must work together to promote literacy.

Readers will find ways to obtain five-star travel, entertainment, dining, and educational experiences while staying within a two-star budget. They'll discover three basic rules for saving money on flights, eating out, big-ticket items, and family activities.

Authors, moms, and fitness enthusiasts Kara Douglass Thom and Laurie Kocanda work to balance motherhood and fitness. They know other moms struggle to make exercise a priority in their lives because they speak with similarly minded women at seminars and on their blogs. It was from these conversations--and the interest in them--that the idea for Hot (Sweaty) Mamas was born. This book is perfect for every mom or mom-to-be thinking about starting an exercise program, as well as moms already pursuing their fitness goals. Hot (Sweaty) Mamas reaches a wider audience than other fitness books that merely focus on "getting your prebaby body back" by presenting advice on how to pursue fitness despite a busy schedule, how to carve out time with or without kids to work out, and how to get the support needed to pursue fitness goals. Moms who find it difficult to start or stick with an exercise program will learn how to reframe their thinking. Women who continue to work out and struggle with the guilt sometimes associated with taking "me time" will be reassured. Mothers-to-be will feel better prepared to pass a legacy of health and fitness to their children and make fitness and motherhood coexist. Thom and Kocanda reveal the secrets to being a fit mom inside Hot (Sweaty) Mamas.