How Sylla-Bear--the singing phonics bear--can make kids smart from the start

Parents must help their babies learn to process speech sounds. Birth is the time to start helping your child to become "sound-smart." When babies learn to detect the sounds that make up spoken words, they're on their way to becoming phonologically aware. In other words, an early start in being sound-smart sets the stage for every step kids have to take in learning to read.

So, if we want our children to succeed, we must teach them to read intentionally, intensively, and proactively, because the brain begins building the foundations for reading from birth. Literacy begins in the cradle, not kindergarten.

Parents, if you struggled with reading and spelling during your school years, chances are your children are at an elevated risk of experiencing the same frustrations and difficulties. What can you do proactively to equip your kids to overcome reading difficulties before they start formal schooling?