Articles

Reading and Language

Articles are designed to provide parents with useful information about a wide variety of language and literacy-related topics. Our articles bring current research in language and literacy to life in a practical, easy-to-read format. Many articles are age-customized so that you can find information relevant to your child's current age or developmental level.

Sharing Poetry

Find out how Natalie, a children's librarian, uses poetry to get young children excited about books and reading.

Author Focus: Jan Brett and Jane Yolen

Meet children's book author/illustrator Jan Brett and author Jane Yolen.

^New! Book Clubs

Find out how to start a parent-child book club and learn useful parent-child book club tips.

What Is Phonics, Anyway?

Learn the facts about phonics, why learning phonics is important for your child, and more.

Children's Choice

Meet many different children, discover what books they like most and why, and find out what their parents learn through their children's book choices.

Table Talk

Discover tips for using mealtime to foster your child's language and literacy development.

Tips for Summer Reading

Learn tips for weaving language and literacy activities into your child's summer days.

"Clicking" with Children: Computers and Young Children

Learn what experts recommend, guidelines for choosing software, and tips for interacting with your child during computer time.

Car Talk

Discover a collection of car activities you can engage in with your child.

Growing Up with a Learning Disability: A Child's Story

Read a child's story about his struggle for success.

Raising a Child with a Learning Disability: A Mother's Story

Read a mother's story about her struggle for success.

Learning Two Languages: Questions Parents Ask (available in Spanish)

Find out how multilingual families can support their children's language and literacy development.

Reading to Two: A Double Challenge

Learn strategies for making the family reading experience meaningful.

Qualities of a Good Classroom

Learn about classrooms and child care settings that help children become readers and writers.

How to Create a Literate Home

Find out how to make your home an ideal environment for language and literacy learning.

A Primer on Dyslexia

Learn all about dyslexia from diagnosis to treatment.

Published RFA Articles

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^New! Adults Play a Pivotal Role in Making Children Readers

Reading is infectious! This article outlines five easy ways to incorporate reading into every day.

^New! Jump into Storytelling!

There’s been a big resurgence in the art of storytelling. This article outlines five techniques to start both adults and children on your own path of storytelling fun!

^New! How Parents and Child Care Providers Support Kids’ Language Development

Learning begins the moment a child is born, so talking, listening and playing with the children in your life helps promote early literacy (which leads to lifelong success). This article provides tips to build a successful lending library and outlines ways to make reading more interactive.

^New! Salem Family YMCA’s “Active Literacy” Program

The Salem YMCA aims to install a lifelong love of books in kids (and encourage family literacy) by developing hands-on activities to accompany reading. Try these ideas at home!

^New! Rediscover Your Public Library

Explore the offerings and services available through the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System!

^New! The Importance of Business Partnerships

When businesses and their customers combine in support of literacy efforts, the outcome is powerful.