Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Dawn Guest
A dinosaur, a llama and even an alligator can help little ones wind down at bedtime
Bedtime stories are more important than you think! They can be part of an enjoyable routine to ease the transition from being wide awake to winding down before falling asleep. It can be a time for lots of cuddles and spending quality time sharing favorite stories with a child. It can be a gentle reminder of how special reading is and how it can be part of anyone’s day.
How does playing with children help them get ready to read?
Playing is one of the five early literacy practices that prepare children for reading. Children learn thru all of their senses and what better way to learn than through playing. Playing gives a child a chance to explore new ideas, improve physical abilities, learn social skills, as well as the basics of storytelling, and problem-solving. Playing is the theme in the new books below and it introduces all of the different ways for children to explore their environment.
Where does the magic happen? For young readers, it’s often the public library
Growing up for most children includes trips to the library, whether it is a school library or a local public library. During a child’s early years, the magic of reading begins to unfold and new adventures begin as a child enjoys their first story time, learns to read, or discovers their favorite book, author or series. When I was growing up, the library was a weekly routine. I couldn’t wait to walk out with as many books as my arms could carry.
Recommended Black History Month reading for children | Fort Worth Star-Telegram
February is Black History Month, and we use this time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of historic black figures in America. Knowing our past and striving to better understand our culture helps us build a sense of pride in our identity. History is the key to understanding a nation's past and can serve as a guide for our future.
Children's books that help them develop their talents | Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Developing a growth mindset is crucial, as it helps children learn to be responsible and proactive. With a growth mindset, children begin to understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through determination and tenacity. Whether it is learning to take care of their toys, feeding a pet regularly, persevering through a difficult challenge — it’s never too early for children to learn responsibility.
Book can reassure children that we are in this together
Young children may not understand the current events happening in the world today. They may not understand many of the conversations or discussions taking place at home, in school, or in public spaces. One thing is for sure — we need to be mindful of communicating to our children and helping them feel safe, understood, and accepted. They need to be reminded that the world can be a safe place for them to express themselves, share their fears, and especially feel comfort and friendship.
Books that teach kids about nature are abloom with color, activities
With the equinox of spring last month, so began the season of seeds sprouting, weather changing and enjoying more activities outdoors. This is a perfect time to incorporate good reads about the changes your children will be seeing in weather, nature and animals. It is never too early to incorporate nonfiction books, as well. The nonfiction books included in this list have simple text but vivid pictures that can motivate any budding gardener’s interest.
Help young children learn to sing with these librarian-recommended books | The Star-Telegram
Long before a child can understand language, his or her earliest play includes hands, feet, and the sound of our voices. Most of us are familiar with nursery rhymes and songs we sang as children, but do we understand why singing is so important in early childhood?Singing not only makes for fun times with family and friends, but it also helps children develop important pre-reading skills, learn new words and understand phonics.
Multicultural books are good reads year around | The Star-Telegram
It’s never too early to share multicultural books with children.Our city’s population is growing and becoming more multicultural and diverse.
Beyond the ‘pop-up’: Librarians recommend interactive books for tots | The Star-Telegram
Reading to toddlers and preschoolers can be tricky. They’re fidgety, get easily distracted, and need lots of movement and silliness. Interactive books engage the pickiest readers and help develop those important early literacy skills needed to build strong readers. One of the first early literacy skills children acquire is print motivation. Simply put, print motivation is choosing books that are fun, engaging, interactive, and that children will want to read and reread.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Dawn
Contact Dawn, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack