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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, research-backed answers for parents. Tap a question to expand.

Reading Basics

How long should we read each day?Evidence

Short and consistent wins: 10–15 minutes daily is powerful for vocabulary, comprehension, and habit-building.

Bus, Van IJzendoorn & Pellegrini (1995) meta-analysis links shared reading to later reading success.
When should I start reading to my child?Evidence

From birth. Babies benefit from language rhythm and bonding during read‑alouds.

Hart & Risley (1995) show early language exposure predicts larger vocabularies and later advantages.
Should I correct every reading mistake?Evidence

No. Encourage self‑correction first; give gentle support if they’re stuck. Keep meaning and enjoyment central.

National Reading Panel (2000) recommends balancing accuracy, comprehension, and motivation.
My child wants the same book every night—is that okay?Evidence

Absolutely. Re‑reading strengthens memory and comprehension and is developmentally normal.

Horst (2013) finds repetition improves word learning and understanding.

Digital Reading

Do audiobooks or digital stories “count” as reading?Evidence

Yes—especially when audio is synchronized with on‑screen text that highlights words as they’re read.

Mol & Bus (2011) meta-analysis and Takacs, Swart, & Bus (2015) show well-designed e‑books with narration + highlighting boost vocabulary and comprehension.
Is scrolling text with audio better than video stories?Evidence

Often yes. Natural scrolling with word highlighting supports eye‑tracking and connects spoken words to print—more active than passive video watching.

Eye‑tracking research (e.g., Kuppens et al., 2019) shows synchronized text/voice aids decoding and fluency.
How should we balance print and digital books?Evidence

Use both. Print supports focus and tactile engagement; digital adds scaffolds like highlighting and immediate word support.

Zucker, Moody & McKenna (2009) report balanced exposure strengthens traditional and digital literacy skills.

Language & Motivation

What if English isn’t our first language?Evidence

Read in any language you’re comfortable with while also exposing children to the school language. Skills transfer.

August & Shanahan (2006) review shows cross‑language transfer of literacy skills.
How do I keep 7–12 year‑olds engaged?Evidence

Offer choice, discuss themes, and connect books to interests. Shared talk about books still matters.

Guthrie & Wigfield (2000) link choice/motivation to independent reading growth.

SEI (Social & Emotional Intelligence) Books

Why use emotion‑themed stories?Evidence

They build emotional vocabulary, empathy, and coping strategies—supporting mental health and academics.

Denham (1998) on early emotional vocabulary; Durlak et al. (2011) meta‑analysis shows SEL boosts academics and behaviour.
What should I do while reading SEI books?Tips

Pause to label feelings, ask “Have you felt this way?”, and practice a simple strategy (deep breath, ask for help). Keep it short, frequent, and warm.

For age‑specific and genre‑specific tips, see the other pages in the menu.

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