The SmartyAnts Blog!

For most children, the long freewheeling days of summer are about to morph into the back-to-school structure of earlier bedtimes and wakeup calls, reunions with old friends and introductions to new ones, and all the excitement that comes along with a new school year. While many children look forward to the transition with enthusiasm and anticipation, most, if not all, find the August or early September walk into an unfamiliar classroom filled with at least some level apprehension or even anxiety.

Why is it that learning to read is so easy for some yet so difficult for others? While some children seem to make sense of print almost effortlessly, others struggle mightily with reading and writing throughout school, and often throughout life. I’ve seen this play out right in my own home, and quite dramatically, I might add. My son learned to read easily, taking bits and pieces of information from all over his environment to crack the code before he went to kindergarten, yet my daughter spent years in remedial and specialized programs trying to master reading and writing. Both grew up with lots of books and surrounded by rich oral language.

All kids should have the opportunity to become great readers. Kids who become great readers, feel smart and confident, are more likely to enjoy school and can follow their imagination and curiosity wherever it takes them. I am sure that learning to be a great reader can be a great, fun and rewarding adventure. That’s why I founded Smarty Ants.