Phases - A Parenting podcast with Dr Courtney
Books They'll Actually Read: Our Favorite Books and Reading Tech for Kids
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Engagement is key: Choose books that match children's interests and developmental levels to foster a love for reading.
- Use technology wisely: Apps like Sora, Epic, and devices like Tonie Boxes, Yoto Players, and Kindles can transform reading into an engaging, accessible activity.
- Variety matters: Incorporate different genres, series, and formats—such as picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, and audiobooks—to support different learning styles and interests.
- Support social and emotional development: Include books that discuss emotions, neurodiversity, and social skills to help children understand and navigate their feelings and differences.
- Family involvement counts: Reading together and providing diverse, age-appropriate books encourages children to develop strong reading habits and lifelong learning skills.
Summary
Introduction and Podcast Purpose
The hosts, Dr. Courtney and Scott, introduce the episode's focus on children's books and reading resources. They share their own experiences and passion for encouraging a love of reading across various age groups, emphasizing the importance of engaging, developmentally appropriate books that children enjoy.
Books for Preschoolers
This section discusses the significance of early reading skills, such as rhyming and simple words, and shares specific book recommendations tailored to preschoolers' interests, including construction, dinosaurs, and interactive books. The hosts highlight the importance of keeping books engaging and aligned with children's current interests to foster attention and enjoyment.
Books for Early Elementary (K-2)
The focus here is on books suitable for children beginning to read independently. Recommendations include leveled readers, graphic novels like 'Dog Man' and 'Captain Underpants,' and series that combine humor with learning. The hosts also mention the value of using apps like Sora for audiobooks and devices like Tonie Boxes and Yoto to promote sustained interest in reading.
Transition to Upper Elementary (3-5)
This section explores books for older children who are developing more advanced reading skills. Topics include survival stories, ongoing graphic novel series, school-related books such as 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' and books that discuss neurodiversity, emotions, and social skills. The hosts emphasize choosing literature that matches children's interests and supports their social and emotional growth.
Technology and Reading Devices
The hosts review various tools and gadgets that aid reading, including the Sora app for library audiobooks, Epic for leveled reading, and devices like Tonie Boxes, Yoto Players, and Kindle Kids. These resources are praised for keeping kids engaged and fostering a lifelong love of reading through accessible and interactive means.
Books for Middle to Upper Elementary (3-5) and Special Topics
In this part, specific book series for older children are recommended, such as 'Last Kids on Earth,' 'I Survived,' and graphic novels like Marvel Comics and 'Calvin and Hobbes.' The hosts also discuss books on special topics like neurodiversity, growth mindset, emotions, and anxiety, highlighting their role in supporting children's understanding and resilience. They stress the importance of choosing diverse, interest-aligned, and supportive literature.
Sponsors
- Sora App · Discovering and listening to audiobooks with your kids is easy with Sora, a free app through your local library. You can check out, listen to, and enjoy books on your tablet or Kindle, making reading more accessible and engaging.
- Tonies/Yoto Player · Tonies and Yoto Player are interactive audio devices that keep kids engaged with stories, music, and educational content. They’re perfect for storytime and learning, offering a screen-free experience that kids love.
Show notes
In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, share their favorite books, apps and tech for reading that they recommend for preschool and elementary aged kids. Dr. Courtney also shares her favorite books for special topics, such as neurodiversity, social/emotional development and growth mindset.
Preschool
- Busytown books
- Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
- Hotrod Hamster
- Dragons Love Tacos & High Five series
- How to Catch Books
- The Gruffalo / Room on the Broom
- Peppa Pig Series
- Bluey Books
- You Can Do it - Sesame Street
- Little People, Big Dreams
- Beautiful Oops
- The Little Engine that Could
- Pete the Cat series
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- Lift the Flap Books: First 100 Animals; Q&A About Dinosaurs, etc.
- Little Kids First Big Book of Why
- I Can Read Phonics Boxes
Early Elementary (K-2)
- I Can Read Level Books
- Graphic Novels:
- Creepy Underwear Series
- Very Impatient Caterpillar Series
- Fly Guy Series
- The Questioneers Series - e.g. Rosie Revere; Ada Twist Scientist
- Search and Find Books -- Where is Claris? Where's Waldo?
- Early Chapter books
Reading Apps/Devices
- Sora App (Audio Books / Library books for kids)
- Epic Books (Leveled DRA / Audio Books)
- Tonie Box or Yoto Player
- Kindle Colorsoft for Kids
Upper Elementary (3-5)
- Last Kids on Earth
- I Survived
- My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish
- Big Nate
- Comics - Marvel; Calvin and Hobbes
- Wayside school
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Judy Blume Fudge Series
- Baby Sitters Club
- Wings of Fire
- National Park Mystery Series
- The Way Things Work
Special Topics
- ADHD/Autism: Its Hard to Be A Verb; I Have Ants in My Pants; My Mouth is a Volcano; Uniquely Wired all by Julia Cook
- Growth Mindset: Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by Joann Deak
- Neurodiversity: Wonderfully Wired Brains by Luise Gooding
- Anxiety/Perfectionism: The Girl who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubenstein
- Emotions: The Color Monster by Anna Lleanas
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