Many children start to build their fluency with written language and begin reading independently in first grade. It’s important to nurture and encourage this new skill—perhaps it will become the most enduring hobby of their lives—and one of the best ways to encourage... read more
Despite fearful predictions about the future obsolescence of books ever since the invention of radio, books are still as popular as ever! From reader-focused communities like Bookstagram (Instagram accounts focused on the aesthetics and content of books) to BookTok... read more
At some point in their lives, most people will develop at least one close and familiar bond with an animal. Forming these bonds results in more comprehensive emotional development, along with other significant and tangible benefits. Through interactions with animals,... read more
Coming back to school after winter break can be a challenge. Being halfway through the year, with the finish line on the horizon—not that close yet, but we can at least see it from here!—has a certain familiar slump to it. Lacking the excitement of the beginning or... read more
Cognitive development and intellectual functioning are highly predictive of future ability to navigate a path towards mental and emotional fluency, productivity and lifelong health. In its simplest form, cognitive development is the process of learning and improving... read more
The concept of cause and effect is both simple and complex at the same time. As adults, we understand that actions tend to have consequences, and events tend to have causes rather than everything happening independently. The complexity comes in when you stop to think... read more