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The Benefits of Books and the Value of Vooks

For those who know me well, it is no surprise that I truly value education. As a current university professor teaching Master’s and Doctoral level students and a previous high school teacher and K-12 credentialed substitute teacher, learning is key to my life. And now, I have the privilege and honor to educate my own children.

 

I was their “first” teacher and even though both of them have other teachers at their respective schools now, I still supplement as much as I can with their learning experiences. And this year I have really stepped in with being their elementary virtual learning teacher at home and preschool homeschool teacher at home. I am always looking for innovative ways to teach them and ingrain a passion for reading and books.

 

I have preached the importance of reading and being read to for years. I started reading to both of my children as soon as I found out I was pregnant with each of them. I asked for books instead of cards at both of their baby showers and have an endless amount of books in their bookcases easily available to them day and night. It has been part of our daily ritual to read at least two books together each day, usually before bed as part of our bedtime routine, and it is something they look forward to each and everyday! And now, my daughter has been in her top reading group for the last two years at school, and was one of the first to finish learning her site words in her entire class, and constantly achieves accolades from her teacher at school whenever she completes a reading assessment as she is well above her reading grade level. I certainly do not say this to gloat, but say this because that’s how powerful books and reading can be for children! Reading is the gateway to a child’s education and should be a priority in every family with young children.

 

As a child therapist who currently works exclusively with children on the Autism Spectrum, many of my clients are non-verbal or have a language delay. I include reading as a goal on many of their treatment plans and even have created goals for the parents to read to their child at least two books each day to help enhance thier child’s speech and language.

 

Reading is the gateway to a child’s education and should be a priority in every family with young children. 

 

Benefits of Reading

 

Reading has so many benefits including some that are not just educationally based. Did you know that reading can not only help language and literacy development, but also increase memory, vocabulary, communication skills, social emotional skills, peer development, and academic skills? Reading even improves math scores! That’s right! Reading and or being read to on a regular basis, as early as you can start in their life, will enhance their overall success in school and later in childhood as they start learning new, more developmentally complex cognitive skills.

 

In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) a division of the U.S. Department of Education, 26% of young children who were read to 3-4 times a day by a family member recognized all letters of the alphabet compared to 14% fo children who were read to less frequently. More than 50% of children who were read to more frequently could also count to 20 or higher, write their own names, and read or at least pretend read. The greater opportunity a child has to read or be read to, including having more books readily available to them in their home, the higher the children are in reading proficiency.

 

And an added bonus to reading to your child at a young age is you grow a stronger emotional attachment between you and your child. I recommend starting to read to your child while they are still in the womb. Your growing child can start to hear sounds from the outside world as early as 23 weeks. According to child trends.org, “children develop literacy skills and an overall awareness of language long before they are able to read.

 

The Value of Vooks

 

I have been a fan of Vooks as soon as first heard about them early on into quarantine earlier this year. I started partnering with them over the summer and have continued a relationship with them because I truly value their site and what they offer to parents and children.

 

 

If you aren’t familiar with Vooks yet, let me introduce you to your new best friend. Vooks is a streaming library of ad-free, kid-safe animated read-aloud storybooks! They even have take-home resources you can use to help keep your children reading for 20 minutes a day! Millions of children around the world listen to the books every week and now so can your children! Right now Vooks is offering a ONE MONTH FREE SUBSCRIPTION to all parents worldwide!! No purchase necessary! And you can even join their new affiliate program and get paid for every new 30 day trial subscriber you sign up! Get all the info here!

 

 

 

You can sort and search for books by alphabetical order, release date, or title and or browse by age or genre. They have book selections for New Releases, Popular Titles, Seasonal, Elementary, Preschool, Animals, Friendship, Bedtime, and more! And one of the reasons I love Vooks is because of the way the books come to life. Each book is animated and intriguing for children of all ages. The animation in each book moves along in real time with the narration of the book. And the words on each page is bolded when it is narrated so children can easily follow along – helping them learn new vocabulary, site words, and language. Plus, this type of narration helps children learn how to use inflection, tone, pitch, intonation, and more about how to read a book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But what I value the most is their lesson plans! Yes, you heard me right! They have lesson plans to go along with their book titles to help enhance comprehension, drawing, writing, and other skills. Vooks also have activities like coloring pages and crafts to go along with the book titles!

 

 

Since it’s Thanksgiving this week, we are reading Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George and we will be making a Handprint Turkey, and a fun coloring page! Then I will ask my children some of the comprehension question prompts like “What do you think George is thankful for?” or “What are the foods George is having for his Thanksgiving meal?” and “What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?” This also gives me the opportunity to go beyond the book and teach my children about gratitude, share what I am grateful for, and learn what they are grateful for. I can’t even tell you how much I love their resources section and all the learning tools they offer along with the book titles!

 

 

As a parent, I try to be with my children when they are reading their Vooks books because I truly enjoy listening and watching the stories come to life and it’s a great way for us to bond and spend valuable time together! But Vooks also is a special way my kids can bond together when I have to work and they are so enthralled with the books, I can get a lot done while they spend time learning and reading together, which is a total mom win! And, since the books are narrated, you don’t have to feel compelled to physically read to your children on days you just can’t fit it in. Vooks will graciously do the work for you.

 

 

I love that Vooks has a variety of book titles on a variety of topics. They also have multiple titles fit for every season, whether it’s a book about voting or a book about Thanksgiving! Some of our favorite Vooks titles are:

-Unicorn (And Horse)

-The Day Punctuation Came to Town

-Monster Be Good

-Inventors Who Changed the World

-Courageous People

-Our Class is a Family

-Let’s Be Friends

 

We use Vooks and incorporate it into our virtual learning and homeschool learning experience to help my children spend at least 20 minutes a day reading! This is especially important during the holidays (or summer), when school isn’t in and my children have less structured learning time. Children need to make reading a priority and a constant in their lives, even when school is out for a break. And since both of my children, especially my daughter since she already has learned to read, loves having a “book club” with friends and she shares Vooks with her friends too!

 

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for FREE for the first 30 days today!

 

This post is sponsored by Vooks but all photos and opinions are my own. This post may obtain an affiliate link. 

 

#vooks #betterscreentime #vookspartner

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Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children.

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TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

About Dr. Kim

Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children. Read More…

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🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had t 🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had today! 🇺🇸

As soon as we woke up I started educating my children, specifically my daughter, on what the inauguration meant and why today was such a special day in history. We both were glued to the television as we watched @kamalaharris be sworn in as the first Black South Asian woman Vice President and @joebiden be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. We also were powerfully moved hearing @amandascgorman - the youngest inaugural poet in history recite “The Hill We Climb.” 

My daughter was so excited to participate and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with the rest of the county and she was so proud to see and be a part of history in the making. I haven’t been to Washington D.C. in about 8 years but I promised I would take her one day when the pandemic is over. 

In the meantime, I have a fun fact for you! Did you know that President Joe Biden and I both graduated from the same university? Yep! We both went to @syracuseu 🍊 And in fact, @joebiden is the first @syracuseu alumnus to become President of the United States! 

📸: @chrissywphoto #inauguration #inagurationday #inaguration2021 #joebiden #kamalaharris #presidentbiden #syracuseuniversity #syracuse #syracuseu #historyismade #madamvicepresident #mommyandme #46thpresident #sandiego #sandiegoblogger #momblogger #parentingblogger #motherhood
This time of year is notorious for dry air, allerg This time of year is notorious for dry air, allergies, and sinus trouble. #ad 

And since I work from home, it can get quite noisy and distracting with my husband and two children here, so sometimes I get my best work done in the comfort of my own bed. And the best part is that I can have my new @crane_usa “4 in 1” cool mist humidifier on at all times with essential oils to help with overall wellness and since it comes with a sound machine I can block out the other noises in the house! 

And at night, it helps my sinuses as I sleep, especially when the dry air of the heater is on, and it has a nightlight so my kids can see where they are going in the middle of the night when they inevitably need water or a hug! 

This is our 6th #cranehumidifier style and it’s my favorite one yet! Check out my stories for a closer look! 👀 #happyhealthyhumidity 

#humidifier #coldandflu #humidifiers #peaceandquiet #workingfromhome #workingmom #working #coldandfluseason #coldandflurelief #winter #winterstyle #wintertime #wintervibes #winter2021 #wahm #wahmlife #wahmlifestyle #workfromhomemom #workfromhomelife #workfromhome #workathomemom #workathome #workathomelife #newmom #babyshowergift #sinusrelief
{New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude {New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude” 🌱✨🌸

Throwing it back to one of the first mommy and me photos I ever posted on my feed because I’ve been teaching my daughter about gratitude since she was this little, possibly even younger (she is two here for reference)! 

Gratitude is such an important virtue and must have trait to build a child’s character. It also shows therapeutic benefits when you show gratitude to others, so why wouldn’t you want to make it a priority to teach and instill in your children? 

In this blog, I have suggestions for how to teach children gratitude broken down by ages and stages from infancy to teenage years, while also including some conversation prompts, and links to my favorite gratitude journals for busy families that we use here at home! 

Find the direct link to read in my bio and stories! I also published similar articles on @todayparents and @redtricycle if you follow me there! #drkimblog
DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I am DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

I am that mom who wants to do it all and when I get overwhelmed or start suffering from a major case of burnout, I feel guilty if I take a break instead of giving my body and mind permission to slow down or even stop. 

As moms we often feel guilty if we take a break or believe we are perceived as weak if we ask for help. I have learned that the more I ask for help and the more time I take for myself, the better I am for my children. 

Guilt is an emotional response to something you perceived you did wrong, but when you experience unnecessary guilt, it’s counterproductive to healing and helping you with what you need most. So give it a try and let me know how you are going to take a break and not feel guilty about it this week below in the comments! ⤵️ #drkimparentingtips #theparentologist #drkimparentingadvice
DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when yo DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when you were little - and still do! 🙋🏼‍♀️🐱#ad

I am so excited to have all of these new items from the @erincondren Hello Kitty collection that launched today to keep work fun, playful, and reminiscent of childhood - something all adults need a little more of, am I right? 

The collection is all about organization, kindness, and friendship. My favorite piece of the collection is the “Daily Kindness and Joy Journal” that boldly says BE KIND, BE NICE, REPEAT on the front cover but I am also pretty obsessed with the Hello Kitty x Erin Condren Pencil Case and Vegan Leather Padfolio! 

Swipe to see my business attire on top and activewear on the bottom work style! 😉 And head to my stories to see it all up close and for your convenience I have everything linked for you http://liketk.it/35XZC and make sure to follow me at THEPARENTOLOGIST @liketoknow.it  for more of my favorites!!! #liketkit #erincondren
{New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and {New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and Role Play Ideas for Children with Autism” 🧩 🧸 🚂 ⚽️ 
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For the last 3 years I have spent my career therapeutically helping families and children of all ages on the Autism Spectrum. Play has been a fundamental way for many of my clients to communicate if they are non-verbal. And some of my clients have had to be taught how to play with a toy or another person. The play ideas listed on the blog can be used with children with or without special needs. Play is a universal way a child can explore their world in a way that makes sense to them and cultivate imagination, creativity, and fun! As a Registered Play Therapist, I love the work I do and couldn’t be prouder of the progress my clients have made with play over the years! #drkimblog
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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismspectrum #autismcommunity #autismparent #autismlife #autismparents #autismparenting #autistickids #autisticchildren #autistictoddler #autismresources #playtherapy #playtherapist #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #activitiesforkids #activitiesfortoddlers #activitiesforchildren #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryactivities #momswhoblog #ontheblog #newblogpost #parentingblogger #momblogger
{New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control {New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control of Your Eczema” #ad 
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These winter months have been so dry and my eczema has been flaring up. Can anyone relate? For decades I have used a variety of treatment options from over-the-counter ointments and lotions to doctor prescribed steroid medication. In today’s blog, I am partnering with @mediqcme to share more of my story and struggles with atopic dermatitis as well as some new treatment options! If you or a loved one suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis it’s a must read! 
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Plus there is a survey at the end of the blog you can fill out and opt in to be entered to win 1 of 10 VISA gift cards! 🙌🏻 Link in bio and in stories! #itchyskinhelp #drkimblog
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#eczema #eczemarelief #eczemahealing #eczematreatment #eczemaproblems #eczemawarrior #atopicdermatitis #itchyskin #itchyskinrelief #atopicskin #atopicdermatitistreatment #atopicdermatitismanagement #eczemamanagement #winterskincare #winterskin #winterskincareroutine #winterskincaretips #newblogpost #momswhoblog #ontheblog #wellnessblogger #wellnesstips #wellnessexpert
{New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get {New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get Your Kids to Do What You Want” 
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As a Registered Play Therapist, play is the foundation to the way I help children conceptualize and conquer the world. Play is second nature to children and the way they respond to many of life’s obstacles. Sometimes as parents, it is easy to get into a power match with your children, especially when you want your children to comply with a request and they won’t budge. When this happens, we need to change the way our adult mind thinks and switch it to the way a child thinks. Instead of giving them a punitive consequence, try these play recommendations that can be used with children as young as toddlerhood all the way to adolescents! #drkimblog 
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#playtherapy #playtherapist #therapistsofinstagram #playoutsidethebox #learningthruplay #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #parenting #parentingtips #parenting101 #parentingteens #parentingtweens #parentingtoddlers #parentingadvice #parentingexpert #parentingblogger #parentingblog #newblogpost #ontheblog #momswhoblog #parenthood #toddlerproblems #toddlermom #behaviortherapist #behaviortherapy #positiveparentingsolutions #positiveparentingtips #positiveparenting
{New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effect {New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effectively in 2021” ✨ 
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It’s is usually around this time that I start thinking of the goals I want to accomplish for the year. And whether you believe in making resolutions, affirmations, or goals, it is time to be proactive!! On the blog, I outlined an organizational system I use year after year to help me accomplish my goals. And I hope they work for you!! 
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What are some of your goals you want to accomplish this year? 
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#2021 #2021goals #goals #goalsetting #goalgetter #goalsettingtips #goalsetter #goalsetting2021 #goalcrusher #momhustle #snowday #snowman #newgoals #newgoals2021 #mommyandme #letthembelittle #letthembekids #letthemplay #playoutside #playoutdoors #playoutsidethebox #familyday #familyfun #familysnowday
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