From the day they are born, I am going to get my babies ready to do well in school. I am going to raise smart kids! My commitment to get us there:

1. I will read aloud to you. Start reading to your babies the day they are born. Continue reading aloud every day to your child throughout the elementary school years. Some children like for their parents to continue reading to them in middle school; let this be each child’s choice. Treat books like all of your your children’s toys by putting them wherever your babies are. If they want to chew on a laminated board book, let them, as it will only encourage their curiosity and interest in hearing the spoken word through story and rhyme!

2. I will sing to you. Don’t worry about whether or not you can carry a tune. A singing voice is a happy voice and it will convey peace and comfort to your children. Singing has been proven to alter behavior. If you want your babies to calm down, sing quietly and slowly. If you want to perk your babies up, sing a tune to which you can march or dance around the house while carrying your babies (probably one at a time, but the other will certainly enjoy watching the show when it’s not their turn!). Sing every day. Make up songs for the everyday tasks that you are doing to make things fun and keep the interest of your babies. More