Engage Early Readers Through Interactive Learning Experiences

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While children who are learning to read benefit from formal systematic instruction, parents can actually aid their children's development just as much by ensuring that early literacy experiences are also active and fun. Providing this insight, Carolyn Jaynes, PhD, former teacher and literacy expert for LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: LF), celebrates reading in honor of National March into Literacy Month.

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While learning to read might not be all fun and games, studies have shown that children who are more engaged readers regularly outperform students who are less engaged in what they are reading. Developing skills such as being able to name letters and their sounds, quickly name objects or colors, remember spoken information for a short period of time, and write letters are essential steps to becoming a fluent reader; but learning to love reading might be just as important for long-term reading success.  

"Engaging children in activities that foster a love of language and reading is critical for young readers," says Jaynes. "With reading ability so closely linked to a student's overall academic success, the pathway to becoming a motivated, lifelong reader includes engaging children in literacy activities that extend beyond the written word. Yes, the more children read, the stronger readers they become, but parents may be surprised to learn that many other activities - some of which they probably already do - can be valuable building blocks for reading success." 

Parents and caregivers can create learning experiences that inspire and resonate with their children by following Jaynes' simple tips.  Jaynes strives not only to get even the youngest children on the road to reading, but on the road to love reading. More information can be found at www.learntoreadlovetoread.com.

Reading Tips and Resources from Carolyn Jaynes, PhD, LeapFrog's Literacy Expert

• Hunt for letters and words wherever you are. Maximize the endless learning opportunities around you any given day by playing "find the letter" games with your children. Spot letters and words on a cereal box at breakfast, on signs at the park, or even in a text message from daddy.
• Turn the tables during story time. Let your child "read" to you from a favorite book. Ask them to look at the pictures and tell you about the story - you may be surprised at how much of the story your child actually comprehends.
• Find ways to bring books to life.  When you read aloud, "voice" the characters and add drama to the narration.  Educational products like LeapFrog's Tag Reading System can support independent reading time by encouraging children to bring books to life on their own.
• Go on a rhyming treasure hunt. Help your child find items in the house or around the neighborhood that rhyme with a chosen object. Turn it into a song.
• Play listening games. Being able to understand and remember words and phrases in sequence is an integral part of literacy development. Try a version of Simon Says with an increasing number of commands in a row, such as "Simon Says, touch your nose." "Simon says touch your nose, then jump." "Simon Says touch your nose, then jump, then turn around."
• Play beat-the-clock. Help your child link objects to names by opening a book or magazine and asking them to point to and name as many letters, numbers, objects or colors as they can in 30 seconds.

About LeapFrog

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is a leading designer, developer, and marketer of innovative, technology-based learning products and related proprietary content, dedicated to making learning effective and engaging for all ages, at home and in schools, around the world. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Emeryville, California. LeapFrog has developed a family of learning platforms that come to life with an extensive library of software titles covering important subjects such as phonics, reading, writing, math, music, geography, social studies, spelling, vocabulary and science. In addition, the company has created a broad line of stand-alone educational products for children. LeapFrog's award-winning products are available in four languages at major retailers in more than 44 countries around the world and in more than 100,000 classrooms across the United States.

LEAPFROG, the LeapFrog logo and TAG are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2009 LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.