JUNIOR ACADEMY

📝 Note to Parents and Guardians: How to Use This Book

Welcome to your child’s first big strategy adventure! Between the ages of 5 and 8, children are taking their most important steps in reading and math. This guide uses a research-backed strategy called the "Pedagogy of Play" to make learning those core academic skills feel like a highly engaging game.1

Please read this guide together with your child. Because 5-to-8-year-olds are at vastly different stages of reading development—from identifying letters to reading multi-syllable words—your participation is key.3

How to Coach Your Child:

1. Point and Name: Point to the words and pictures as you read to help your child connect spoken words with printed text.5
2. Use a Lively Voice: Use enthusiastic tones and sound effects when reading about monsters and battles to keep them engaged.6
3. Use the [Parent Prompt] Boxes: Throughout the guide, you will see bolded prompts. Use these to pause the reading, ask brief questions, and check your child's understanding.5
4. Praise Effort, Not Just Accuracy: Celebrate correct math calculations with high-fives and praise their focus.6

Keep it fun, take breaks if they get tired, and remember that playing is learning!