Tag: personalized reading

Keeping Kids Enthusiastic About Learning

Posted on | by KD Novelties
School is back in full swing. The first few weeks of school are usually pretty straightforward. Everything is still new, kids are still getting used to their new teachers, new classmates, new friends, new classrooms, or maybe even new schools and overall schedules. No matter what your little student is going through, there can come a time when kids grow bored or frustrated with school. This usually occurs after the first month or so of school, when homework and learning really kick in and begin to become a real part of children’s lives. There are some ways to keep your kids happy and focused during the school year, keeping them excited and enthusiastic about learning and school.
1.     Ask them about their day. Asking kids about what they do at school, making sure to ask for specifics, can really encourage them to pay more attention during the school day. Talking and having conversations with kids as if they are adults gives them a sense of importance, and this in turn helps them believe that what they do at school has significance; not just for them but for you as well. Being able to partake in grown-up conversations can keep them interested in their studies especially when they get to share what they learn with their parents.
2.     Read with them. Reading a book with your child and making it a regular thing can be extremely helpful. If they have a book to read for school, have them read it to you and ask them questions about the book or the chapters read that day. Making an activity out of a task can make it something for kids to look forward to, and if you ask them questions, they can better develop their critical thinking skills as well.
Kids Reading
3.     Create activities based around what they are learning in school. Scheduling trips to the Natural History museum when kids are learning about wildlife or planning a trip to see the Liberty Bell when they learn about US history can be beneficial to learning. Kids can understand that learning does not just happen in the classroom and encourages them to learn from the world around them. 
4.     Ask kids to write or draw about their day. Have your kids keep a journal. Ask them to write about what they learned, what happened in school or to tell a story in words or pictures. This will not only help improve their memory, but also improves their skills when it comes to thinking complexly. The ability to draw an idea or write a story about something they learned can help kids learn to understand complex ideas in different ways. A journal will also make a great memory when they get older. Encourage them to share their entries with the whole family as well.

5.     Remember to be supportive. If a child is expressing difficulty with school, whether academically or socially, listen to them completely. Helping them find a solution and overcoming it together can help drastically improve their attitude and their learning experience. Some kids have a harder time adjusting or staying focused than others, but sometimes all it takes is a different approach to help get them back on the right track.
Visit KD Novelties for unique personalized books that will get kids excited about reading and learning.

10 Things Kids Want Their Parents To Do With Them

Posted on | by KD Novelties
Parent and child quality time is vital to every kid’s development and self-worth. It helps build character, builds a personal relationship between child and parent and helps kids form lasting and meaningful relationships with others as they grow older. There are countless benefits to this quality time and even kids know how important it can be. When kids tell their parents what they want from them, it does well to listen. Chances are it will benefit and enrich both child and parent in ways beyond measure.
Reading with kids

1.     Read to me! Reading is a wonderful way to spend personal time with children. Sharing this pastime helps kids develop an interest in and a love for reading, which can drastically help their academic success and promote a lifelong love of learning. Sharing a book together creates special memories that both parent and child will cherish forever. Personalized books from KD Novelties, can help create more unique reading memories and unique experiences to share with one another.

2.     Tuck me in at night and tell me stories! Sending kids off to bed with a proper goodnight is very personal and helps build an intimate relationship that will help kids as they grow older by helping them create meaningful relationships. Not only that, but it will help parents and children have meaningful relationships together that will last. Telling kids stories about when their parents were young gives them an idea of their parents childhood and will help bring them closer through these special personal moments shared.
3.     Play more often! Playing with kids and allowing them to play more can actually help their creativity and individuality. Giving their imagination exercise helps them develop key skills and by parents playing along with them, gives them an opportunity to teach them valuable lessons, in a fun atmosphere, while creating memories together.
4.     Spend more time with me, not just with my other brothers and sisters! Spending quality time with kids should be an individual experience. While it is still important to spend time as a family, spending time with each child individually helps develop their self worth and their unique sense of self. It also shows them that their parents care about who they are, what they like, and what makes them a special individual.
5.     Talk to me at dinner! Kids really benefit from conversation. Asking them about their day and hearing about their parents’ days help them feel like part of the family, and not just a kid. This also helps them develop confidence in their thoughts and feelings knowing that they are valued.
6.     Give me hugs and kisses more often! Showing affection regularly shows kids that they are loved and valued. Plus it always feels nice to know that someone cares, at any age.

Hugging makes kids feel special

7.     Discipline me when I need it! It may sound odd, but disciplining children when it is deserved shows that their parents care about their actions and decisions. This active role teaches kids about consequence and gives their fast developing lives more meaning and value. Give them reasons for the discipline and especially because you care. They won’t like it in the beginning but will be very thankful in the end.
8.     Share some of my favorite things with me! When parents spend time watching their children’s favorite shows, listening to their favorite music, and reading their favorite books with them, kids feel that their opinions are valued. It is also a great way to spend some quality time and grow close, getting to know what one another likes and dislikes.
9.     Leave me notes! Leaving personal messages in lunch bags or in their pockets when kids go off to school or daycare remind them that they are being thought of and that someone loves them.
10.  Take care of me and make sure I am healthy! Feeding kids healthy foods and being mindful of their health and well-being not only shows them that their parents care but it also helps them learn to take care of themselves as they grow older.

Teaching children valuable lessons while also building a strong personal bond with them will not only help them develop, but will enrich both parties involved. We urge you to listen to what your kids are saying and keep these pointers in mind.

4th of July and Summer Reading Challenge

Posted on | by KD Novelties
We all look forward to summer, especially kids. Time spent away from the classroom and outdoors is a healthy way for kids to explore and expand their social health but it can also detract from their reading skills. Reading is important when it comes to academics and has been shown to have a direct correlation with academic success.
This summer, don’t let your kids slack in their reading by showing them that reading can be fun too. Incorporating books with upcoming holidays, like the 4th of July, can help get kids interested in reading. Whether kids are looking forward to a big barbecue, a family picnic, a weekend getaway, or simply watching the fireworks on the 4th of July, a book on the subject is sure to get them reading. Not only does it motivate kids to read by appealing to a holiday, it is also a great vehicle for introducing kids to our nation’s history.

Incorporating books with summer activities is a great way to get kids to read. It can also get them excited to partake in the activities they read about. If your family is planning any sports activities like going camping, playing baseball, football or soccer on the 4th of July, we have a series of personalized books that can get them excited to participate. “Football Star”, “G-o-o-oal!”, “Homer & Me” are all great personalized sports books that can help get your kids geared up to play ball. Other personalized books like “My CampingAdventure” and “My Fishing Adventure” can mirror the summer spirit and help inspire kids to read just as much as it inspires them to get outside and explore.