Dear Parents:
Calling All Neurons!

Prelude In January, I started writing about ‘Book Language’ and its importance in attaining school success. You can read this article here. To summarize, ‘Book Language’ differs from spoken language in significant ways. ‘Book Language’ is written using complete sentences including longer and more complex sentence structures. The vocabulary is far more descriptive and evokes more emotions. Greater usage of nouns and adjectives prevails rather than the pronoun usage and phrases apparent in spoken language. ‘Book Language’ covers a wider range of topics, both fiction and non-fiction. Alternatively, spoken language addresses common everyday tasks and vocabulary familiar to children….

Introduction: Authentic Text Is Full of ‘Book Language’ In my October blog, entitled, PART 2…Authentic ‘text’ Books for the Main Course/Dessert—IT’S TASTIER!, I write extensively on the importance of having student exposure to ‘authentic text’ as opposed to ‘decodable text’. In short, foundational reading students first need to spend time practicing the decoding skills they have been taught. This type of text is called ‘decodable text’. These foundational readers are then able to orthographically map the words they are reading so that they become recognized automatically without the need to ‘sound them out’. Once students are able to recognize…

Let’s Look Back! As we come to the close of 2025, I’ve been thinking about how much has unfolded — and how deeply thankful I am to be on this literacy journey with you.This year was full of learning, connection, and growth. Together, we explored the science behind reading and spelling, celebrated meaningful moments in classrooms and homes, and continued building a shared understanding of how the brain learns to read.Every conversation, message, and moment of reflection reminds me why this work matters — and why this community means so much. Highlights from 2025 Speaking, Presenting, and ConnectingFrom engaging…

My singing voice can best be described as, well, ‘mediocre’. Despite my mediocre voice and my Jewish identity (therefore not celebrating the Christmas Holiday in any way throughout my childhood), I simply adored singing all those wonderful holiday songs, especially Christmas carols throughout my childhood. I even recall caroling door to door with friends as a high school student, a practice that has surely diminished over time. A 2013 Pew Study found that while 36% of adults recall going caroling as children, only 16% had gone caroling as adults. I realize this study is on the ‘old side’, but…

What is GRATITUDE? Gratitude is far more than being simply ‘thankful’. According to Brian Tracy, a Canadian-American motivational speaker, these are the “4 A’s of Gratitude”: Appreciation: Expressing gratitude for people and things in your life Approval: Praising and giving approval for ideas, suggestions, and reasonable effort  Admiration: Complimenting people on their accomplishments and traits Attention: Listening to others with patience, thoughtfulness, and without interrupting Professor Andrea Hussong of The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, believes in the NOTICE-THINK-FEEL-DO method of practicing gratitude: Notice what you have in your life or has come into your life, no matter how small. Think about why you…

THE PRELUDE Everyone eats dinner…sometimes we eat at home without an appetizer, sometimes at home with an appetizer. Sometimes, especially to celebrate a special occasion or just to socialize with others, we dine out at a restaurant. Oftentimes, folks get an appetizer to share, but what folks look forward to the most is the main course. And sometimes have dessert as a special treat! Back to what this has to do with literacy development! In my September blog, I defined the 3 types of books ‘Readers-In-Training’ typically available in schools, libraries, bookstores, and in ‘big box’ stores like Wal-Mart….