Doggy Days

Doggy Days is a FUN but evidence-based sight reader that uses 31 puppy-filled stories (and lots of cute pictures!) to help first-graders practice 197 essential sight words (from the Fry, Dolch, & Developmental Reader lists, among othes). KIDS will love getting to know Joey and Finnie, two REAL DOGS who go on lots of silly adventures and learn valuable lessons about life. 

 

Author's note: My daughter is nearing the end of first grade as I write these words. I wrote this book over the course of several months, but I wanted my child (and yours) to get better at reading while enjoying the process. It worked very well for my daughter. At the start of her first grade year, I looked for a way to teach her the vocabulary she needed in a way she would enjoy. After many months of flash cards and other kids' books I was unsatisfied with, I decided to write my own book to target this specific focus on critical vocabulary. I happen to be a college professor who uses statistical models and "big data" on a regular basis, and I have a deep interest in educational tools that outperform what is already on the market. So, I created 31 stories with MY puppies as the main characters, but based on child development research, statistics, and the science of language. Then, I hired a team of child development experts, artists, and illustrators from across the United States to make this book as fun and effective as it can be. I explain all these details and more in the appendix of the book, and I also provide the list of 197 words, their sources, and how frequently they appear in which story in the book. 

 

But what is MOST important is this: I know your child will benefit from reading these stories (one story per night for a month!), and pronouncing the words out loud as an adult listens. Ask them to use different voices for different characters. Let them talk about the ideas they have as they read. Have fun with it. Let them enjoy the 15 minutes one story will take. The first grade year is a critical time in a child's reading journey. We have a chance to make an immensely powerful investment in our kids' reading confidence during this time, and this book helps do just that. I sincerely hope your child benefits as much from this book as mine and others have!