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Early Learning & Parenting Research

Baby girl reading a book while sitting on her bed
Why Real Photos Beat Cartoons in Early Learning Books (The Research)
The real developmental research behind why photographs teach toddlers words more reliably than cartoons, and what that means for choosing books. Read more...
Baby sitting in front of a big book
How to Teach Your Baby to Read: Pre-Literacy Skills That Actually Predict Success
The 5 pre-literacy skills that actually predict reading success — and how to build them through play and conversation before age 5. Read more...
Young child reading a book independently
Reading Readiness Signs: How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready to Read Before Kindergarten
The specific pre-literacy signs that tell you your child is building reading foundations — and what to do if they are not. Research-based, age-by-age, and honest. Read more...
Child learning English letters
Phonics for Preschoolers: What It Is, When to Start and How to Build It Through Play
When should preschoolers start phonics? What does research say about letter-sound instruction before kindergarten? Here is what phonological awareness is, why it comes before phonics, and how to build it... Read more...