The Kala Journal
Thoughtful notes for the years that move quickly.
Evidence context, parent questions, early learning, books, routines, play and the everyday decisions that shape family life.
Latest from the Journal
Read slowly. Use selectively.
June 20, 2026
Two-Year-Old Language: Context Beyond Word Counts
There is no single word total that can tell you whether a two-year-old is developing typically. Look at communication broadly and bring concer...
June 20, 2026
Teaching Toddler Colors: Why Flashcard Drilling Backfires (And What the Research Says Works)
The usual approach to teaching a toddler colors is to hold up a card and ask them to say the color back. It feels productive, but it often ski...
June 20, 2026
When Do Toddlers Actually Learn to Count? (Reciting Numbers Isn't the Same as Understanding Them)
Most toddlers can recite "one, two, three, four, five" well before they turn two. Parents understandably take this as a sign their child can c...