Educators and parents have long been aware of the benefits of reading to children and know that children who read well do better in school throughout their lives. While shared book reading is a powerful tool that helps children learn to read, new research has also shown important links between how children talk and how well they learn to read. Again and again, research shows that children who are skilled communicators learn to read and write more easily, become more proficient readers, and have more success in school. Research now also reveals that children who have access to complex grammar and advanced vocabulary develop stronger language skills.

Parents can help stimulate language development, and in turn promote literacy, by using complex grammar and advanced vocabulary with their children. While reading with children offers one of the best ways to accomplish this, unfortunately, most of the children's storybooks found on today's bookshelves abridge sentence structure and simplify vocabulary. In contrast, BeachWalk books, written in accordance with research, include complex sentences and advanced vocabulary in an effort to enhance the benefits of shared book reading.

Reading is more than just sounding out words. Good readers understand what they are reading, they are engaged with the story, and can identify with characters. Research indicates that when children can relate events in books to their own life experiences, their reading comprehension improves. Our stories, which can be personalized with your child's name, are designed to increase your child's engagement with the story, to augment their comprehension strategies, and to instill a love of reading.

At BeachWalk Books, research guides every word, story and picture you and your child will encounter, and each book provides helpful tips for making shared book reading more fun and effective.

Enjoy!
Carol McDonald Connor, Ph.D.
Co-founder and Research Editor