Capitola "Cappi" Wadley Reading and Technology Center

Game on 📚

Looking for ways to support early literacy at home this summer? Check out this Institute of Education Sciences resource developed by our colleagues here at FCRR!

📚 A Resource for Parents and Caring Adults of Children in Grades K–3: Supporting Your Child's Reading at Home

Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in helping children become confident readers. This REL Southeast infographic, based on the What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guide Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, gives families simple, practical ways to support their child's reading development at home.

It breaks down the four foundational reading skills children develop in grades K–3 and offers easy activities, examples, and tips to use during everyday interactions.

Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/HomeReadingTips

Typing makes you fast, but handwriting makes you smart. Brain imaging studies show that writing by hand activates up to three times more neural circuits responsible for memory, focus, and creativity. When you use a pen, the brain processes information more deeply because handwriting requires motor coordination, visual attention, and cognitive engagement at the same time. This multi layer activation strengthens retention and improves long term understanding.

Psychologists explain that handwriting forces the brain to slow down just enough to encode information with greater clarity. Instead of copying words automatically, you organize thoughts, summarize ideas, and connect concepts. This extra mental work creates stronger neural pathways, leading to better recall. Students who handwrite their notes consistently outperform those who type, especially in critical thinking and problem solving tasks.

Handwriting also boosts creativity. The physical movement of forming letters stimulates parts of the brain linked to imagination and idea generation. This is why many writers, artists, and thinkers still rely on pen and paper for brainstorming.

Typing is efficient for speed, but it does not create the same deep learning effect. The pen remains a powerful cognitive tool that supports smarter thinking, stronger memory, and higher focus.

Your keyboard helps you work faster. Your handwriting helps your brain work better.

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending Briggs’ family literacy night. We loved seeing everyone!

Remember, if your child is experiencing reading issues, we are here to help. Our tutoring and dyslexia assessment services are free.

Today is World Read Aloud Day.
Celebrate by picking out a book and reading aloud.
Build a fort or reading corner, use different voices for characters to keep children engaged, and enjoy bonding time with you children.

Weather Advisory - All NSU campuses will be closed, Feb. 26, 2026.
Stay safe and warm!!