Your Child, 0-6

Dear Parents,

Reading doesn't come naturally to kids. Find out what you can do to get your child on the road to reading -- it's never too early to start! Use our valuable reading tools, printables, and games to help you on your way.

Activities are a great way to entertain and educate your small children. You can even involve your child in the choice of activity. Maybe he'll want to go outside and learn to attract butterflies, or stay indoors and plan a caveman's meal.

October is a great time to take your family out foraging for beautiful fall foliage. When you return home, you can put those leaves to use. Also in this issue: how to make Halloween safe and fun, not fearful.

From the Editors at FamilyEducation.com

Readying to Read
Start your child on the path to becoming a prolific reader.

The Road to Reading Early Reading Basics A Reading Checklist: Birth to Age Six Get Ready to Read Screening Tool Reading's Not Just Second Nature Recommended Reading Ages 2-4 Recommended Reading Ages 5-6

The Skills Kids Need to Read A Home for My Books Making Books with Children Get Ready to Read One-On-One Activity Cards Pre-reading Games A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words Reading Resources for a Preschooler

Activities Center
Introducing the Activities Center! Search by age and/or category.

Activities Center Choose an Activity Outdoors: Attracting Butterflies Seasonal: Party in a Pumpkin Patch Travel: Top Ten Ways to Explore a City

Indoors: Boredom Buster Puzzles & Games: Caveman Food Educational: Make Clay Letters Holiday Fun & Gifts: Walk on the Witch's Hat

October Fun
We have foliage and Halloween fun for all!

Follow the Foliage Trail Framed Foliage Picture-Perfect Leaf Designs Autumn Leaves Scrapbook Dry Leaf Collage Candy Corn Floral/Leaf Table Decoration

Autumn Wreath & "Leaves" A Leafy Masterpiece Foliage Fossils Top Five Halloween Safety Tips Make Halloween Fun, Not Fearful Bag of Leaves Costume

Halloween Recipes Slideshow
Autumn flavors, kids' favorites, and some creepy surprise recipes are just the ticket for a Halloween celebration.

Top 10 Halloween Destinations for Families
This fall, take your family on a trip, for a Halloween they'll never forget.

Costume Patterns Printables

		Still looking for costume ideas? Try some of the patterns found in our printables: Crown Costume Pattern Zigzag Cape and Triangle-Cut Cape Pirate Hat Costume Pattern Egg Carton Masks Wing Pattern 3 and 4 Fun Costumes in a Flash More Costume Pattern Printables

Not-So-Scary Halloween Movies for Kids
Check out some family-friendly horror movies, all available on DVD.

Tired of the Same Old Menu?
Visit our recipe database for hundreds of healthy ideas to spice things up in your kitchen.

		Join in this discussion about small children's playtime needs on our Message Boards: "I have a 4 year old daughter and 15 month old boy twins.... I feel like I don't play enough with the kids-- especially the 4 year old.... Do any of you set aside time specifically to play with your child or do you just pop in and out of their playtime?" —schelpclan

Poll: Bedtime Reading

How often do you read to your kids? Vote now! 64%   Every night. 15%   Twice a week. 12%   Now and then. 4%   Hardly ever. 4%   Never.

Mom's Coffee Break
Need some time to unwind, mom? Take a break and take advantage of puzzles, games, comics, and web books.

Halloween Activities Slideshow
From monster masks to bewitching decorations, these Halloween crafts will get you and your child into the spooky spirit of the holiday!