Renowned Cincinnati bakery SERVATii serves up mouthwatering baked goods every day at 15 convenient locations (including 6 bakery & deli stores). This family-owned German storefront bakes up delicious goods for every meal and occasion, making it a part of Cincinnati families dinner tables and their traditions, too. Breakfasts are delightful with donuts and pastries, parties are made popular with the addition of a giant Bavarian pretzel sandwich and of course there are those legendary SERVATii cakes.

If you are a Cincinnati native, we don’t need to sell you on SERVATii. It’s kind of a “If you know, you know” situation.

Something you may not know is that SERVATii is debuting four new specialty loaves to celebrate World Baking Day, which falls on Saturday, May 17th this year! The lineup of SERVATii’s new limited-time specialty loaves includes:

• Shepherd’s Multigrain: Crafted with SERVATii’s signature sourdough starter and packed with flaxseeds, millet, sunflower seeds and oatmeal.
• Roasted Garlic and Peppercorn: This sourdough loaf is infused with slow-roasted garlic and cracked black peppercorns for bold, savory flavor. Naturally fermented for 24 hours to develop a tangy crumb and golden crust.
• Blueberry Pecan: This rich, buttery wheat sourdough is loaded with sweet blueberries and rustic pecans, creating the perfect balance of natural sweetness and nutty crunch.
• Asiago Semolina: Crafted with high-protein semolina flour and loaded with bold asiago cheese, this naturally fermented loaf is both buttery as well as nutty and golden brown.

To celebrate the four new specialty loaves and World Baking Day, SERVATii is offering a very special BOGO deal on Saturday, May 17th, while supplies last. Customers can purchase any fresh baked loaf and receive a new specialty loaf for free!

ABOUT SERVATii
For more than 60 years, SERVATii has been a trusted name in the Greater Cincinnati region, offering freshly baked pastries, pretzels, decorated cakes, and an assortment of deli products. As a family-owned business spanning five generations, the Gottenbusch family remains committed to using only honest, fresh ingredients, free from enzymes or additives. We honor the legacy of our original Café SERVATii bakery in Muenster, Germany, by preparing our products using authentic, time-honored recipes. Additionally, SERVATii is proud to give back to the community by donating leftover baked goods to local charities daily.

Browse the SERVATii Bakery menu and learn more by clicking here 

Discover more Cincinnati food news by clicking here

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I partnered with Pampered Chef as a Independent Consultant to help you enjoy the moments most important to you and yours by inspiring satisfying, stress-free meals fit for the way you live. We use the power of cooking to bring people together as the cornerstone of realizing each person’s full potential–in the home and in life.

Pampered Chef is the premier direct seller of high-quality kitchen tools. At cooking shows, our independent consultants help guests use our unique products to prepare simple and delicious recipes while sharing tips and techniques to make everyday cooking easier and faster.

To get inspired check, check out my families 250+ favorite recipes at MyHeavenlyRecipes.com. If you are interested in earning additional income for your family contact me today at 513-293-0617 or email me at Marci@MyHeavenlyRecipes.com. I can’t wait to help you start your own business and help even more families gather around the dinner table with a home cooked meal!

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Enhance your taco night experience with these flavorful recipes from Marci Renee’s collection.
Each dish complements the others, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal for you and your guests.

Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
If you enjoy the Jalapeno Ranch at Chuy’s, you are going to love Marci’s version! Throw
everything into a food processor or blender, pour it in a mason jar for safe keeping and you
have a quick and tasty dressing or dip recipe! It’s not only perfect with tortilla chips but great on
tex-mex salads as well!
Get the Recipe!

Steak Quesadillas
Indulge in these savory Steak Quesadillas, featuring perfectly seasoned steak, melted cheese,
and sautéed vegetables, all nestled between crispy tortillas. Whether prepared on a Blackstone
griddle or in an air fryer, these quesadillas are both versatile and delicious.
Get the Recipe!

Homemade Guacamole
No taco night is complete without creamy, fresh guacamole. Marci's Homemade Guacamole
recipe combines ripe avocados, zesty lime juice, and a blend of spices to create a dip that's
perfect with tortilla chips or as a topping for your quesadillas.
Get the Recipe!

Mexican Street Corn
Add a burst of flavor with this Mexican Street Corn recipe. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered
with a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese and chili powder, offering a
delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any Mexican-inspired meal.
Incorporate these recipes into your next taco night to create a diverse and flavorful spread that
will delight everyone’s taste buds.
Get the Recipe!

Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is a must-have side dish for taco night. Made with fresh ingredients, it's
super simple to make and adds a zesty, refreshing flavor that complements any taco filling.
Get the Recipe!
I’ve also been making my own Chipotle Bowls at Home! I start by making the Cilantro Lime
Rice. While that’s sitting and doing it’s thing, I’ll make the Mexican Street Corn, a pico de gallo,
bake some diced chicken seasoned with garlic salt and Texas Seasoning. I start building the
bowl by layering the rice, corn, pico, chicken, shredded monterey jack cheese, top with
guacamole and either sour cream or Jalapeno Ranch, depending on whose bowl it is!

Marci Renee is a local momma of 3 who shares family recipes, DIY projects and so much more. Check out her website by clicking here  and be sure to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

The post Taco Night Recipes appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Spring and summer are perfect seasons for outdoor activities like hiking and watching your kids games. Having easy-to-carry, delicious snacks can enhance these experiences. Here are some simple recipes from Marci Renee’s collection that are ideal for such occasions:

Muffins & Breads
Muffins are not only quick and easy to make, but they also travel well! Place in a ziploc bag or container to enjoy throughout the day as a quick snack. If the weather is a bit warmer, place any recipes that have chocolate chips on the top of a cooler in a basket to keep them cool and the chocolate from melting!

● Double Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
● Keto Blueberry Muffins
● Quick & Easy Homemade Blueberry Muffins
● Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
● Cream Cheese Lemon Blueberry Bread

Trail Mix
One of my favorite things that I constantly make for my kiddos is my Homemade Trail Mix. You can add in things like M&M’s, peanuts or whatever you want really! Just toss it together in a bowl and store in a mason jar.

Chickpea Salad
On busy weeks when we have practices and plethora of games on the weekend, I will make my Chickpea Salad Recipe. It’s not only great for meal prepping as it will last all week long, but it’s great to throw in a cooler and you have a light and healthy snack!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
This is one of my viral recipes! If you are looking to take something sweet with you my Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are it! They feed a crowd on a budget and keep well in an air tight container or mason jar!

Grape Salad
If you are feeding tiny mouths, be sure to cut the grapes in half to prevent a choking hazard.
Otherwise, my Grape Salad Recipe is easy to throw together. This will need to stay in a cooler
as it contains cream cheese, but it’s so good, easy to make and transports great in a mason jar!

Having a Derby Party or Easter gathering? Check out Marci Renee’s other recipes, HERE!

Marci Renee is a local momma of 3 who shares family recipes, DIY projects and so much more. Check out her website by clicking here  and be sure to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

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The Ultimate Super Bowl Snack Roundup: 8 Recipes to Enjoy While Watching the Big Game

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most anticipated days of the year, and what better way to enjoy the game than with a spread full of delicious, crowd-pleasing snacks? Whether you’re hosting a party with friends and family or simply watching the big game at home, the right snacks can take your celebration to the next level. From creamy dips to savory bites, we’ve gathered a selection of mouthwatering recipes that are guaranteed to score big with your guests. Here’s your ultimate Super Bowl snack roundup with eight irresistible Instant Pot and easy-to-make dishes to keep everyone fueled and ready for the game!

1. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

No Super Bowl party is complete without Buffalo Chicken Dip, and the Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to prepare. This creamy, spicy dip is packed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and a generous amount of cheese. It’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies like celery. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it when it’s time to dig in. Whether you’re a fan of mildor extra-spicy, this dip will be a touchdown at your party.

2. Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Keto Friendly)

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this Instant Pot Chili recipe will be the perfect fit for your game day spread. With flavorful ground beef, a medley of spices, and a hearty texture, this chili is comforting and satisfying. It’s keto-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about the carbs while still enjoying a bowl of warm, filling chili. Top it with cheese, sour cream, and green onions for the perfect finishing touches!

3. Instant Pot Chipotle Pulled Pork

Tender and smoky Instant Pot Chipotle Pulled Pork is a must-try for your Super Bowl menu. The Instant Pot makes cooking this dish a breeze, and the chipotle seasoning adds a spicy, smoky kick that everyone will love. Serve it on slider buns, tacos, or nachos for a versatile and flavorful option. You can even make extra and use it for leftovers the next day!

4. Meatball Sliders

These Meatball Sliders are a fan favorite, and for good reason! With juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled between soft slider buns and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, they’re the perfect handheld snack for Super Bowl Sunday. You can even add some basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor. These sliders are simple to make, yet packed with flavor, making them the ultimate comfort food during the big game.

5. Beer Cheese

Rich and creamy Beer Cheese is another crowd-pleasing dip that pairs perfectly with pretzels, chips, or even veggies. The combination of sharp cheddar and the subtle bitterness of beer creates a dip that’s savory, smooth, and absolutely addictive. It’s easy to make, and you can even make it ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Your guests will love dunking their snacks into this decadent dip!

6. Steak Quesadillas

For something a little different, try making Steak Quesadillas. These are loaded with tender steak, melted cheese, and your favorite seasonings, all tucked inside a crispy tortilla. They’re perfect for hand-held snacking, and you can serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor. These quesadillas can be customized with your favorite veggies or toppings, making them a versatile and delicious option for your Super Bowl feast.

7. Texas Twinkies

If you’re looking to spice things up, Texas Twinkies are a must-try! These bacon-wrapped, stuffed jalapeños are filled with cream cheese and shredded cheddar, creating a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and smokiness. Whether you like them mild or extra spicy, these little bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit. They’re a great finger food for your guests to munch on throughout the game!

8. Smoked Cream Cheese

For a truly unique and flavorful dip, Smoked Cream Cheese is the way to go. Smoked over wood chips, this cream cheese takes on a smoky richness that pairs beautifully with crackers, vegetables, or even pita chips. It’s an easy-to-make, no-fuss dip that will have everyone talking.
Plus, it’s a fantastic option for guests looking for something a little different than the usual dips and spreads.

Bonus Tips for the Best Super Bowl Spread:
● Prep Ahead: Many of these recipes, like the Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pulled Pork, and Beer Cheese, can be made ahead of time and reheated before your guests arrive.
● Dipping Stations: Set up a dip station with a variety of chips, veggies, and breads for your guests to pair with their favorite dips.
● Drink Pairings: Don’t forget to pair your snacks with refreshing drinks like craft beer, soda, or fun game day cocktails!

With these eight amazing recipes, your Super Bowl spread is sure to be the MVP of the day. From spicy dips to smoky meats, these dishes are full of flavor and easy to make, ensuring your guests will stay satisfied through every touchdown, field goal, and halftime show. Try them all
and elevate your game day experience with these must-have snacks.

What’s your go-to Super Bowl recipe? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this roundup with your fellow game day enthusiasts!

Marci Renee is a local momma of 3 who shares family recipes, DIY projects and so much more. Check out her website by clicking here  and be sure to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

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Eight Great Family Traditions to Start in 2025
By Pam Molnar

A new year presents a great opportunity to start a family tradition. January is the coldest and darkest month of the year, but it is also the chance at a new beginning. Instead of letting the quiet of the post-holiday fill with mindless scrolling on electronics, take this opportunity to reconnect with your spouse and kids.

Make a Vision Board.

What do you want 2025 to look like? You can make one for each member of the family or a combined one for everyone. Use a poster board and add graphics or words from magazines or the Internet to display your goals. Your board might include vacation destinations, paint colors for a room makeover, a soccer ball graphic for spring tryouts, your extended family who are visiting, or a new puppy. Some people even choose words like growth, self-love, or explore as the theme for their board.

Incorporate a family game night.

Some of our best family memories have been of us gathered around the table playing a game. Although game nights don’t need to be a marathon of Monopoly, you should choose a night with the least amount of activities. Take turns allowing everyone to pick a game – board games, cards, dice and tile games or even multiplayer video games. Don’t forget about games that include a night out like bowling, pickle ball, or escape rooms.

Start a family series.

Grab your pajamas and popcorn and gather one night a week to watch a TV series that is appropriate for your family. Don’t forget to consider documentaries like Pick of the Litter or movie series such as Star Wars. YouTube offers bedtime stories such as Pete the Cat and Peppa Pig. Podcasts give you an old-fashioned-listen-around-the-radio feel with series like Wow in the World or Storynory. Reading series like Harry Potter or Magic Tree House are also a fun family night that can be read aloud by the adults or the kids depending on their age.

Try a new recipe each week.

My family is full of foodies and I attribute that to the fact that we encouraged the kids to try new recipes. It is so easy to make “kid food” for picky eaters, but if the kids are a part of the menu planning and meal prep, they might expand their tastes. Offer food flights by adding new ingredients to old favorites. Think pasta with three sauce options or sliders with three different chicken fillings like BBQ, Teriyaki or Honey Mustard. Make a game of it with score sheets and suggestions for next time.  

Set aside time for a Parent/Child Date Night.

This is a one-on-one evening or day time event where each child gets to spend time alone with one parent. It is the perfect time to share common interests as well as catch up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Consider trying new restaurants for adventurous eaters, hitting a bucket of balls, getting your nails done, hiking or bike riding, or tackling a project together such as building or crafts.  

Volunteering together is a win-win situation.

You can spend quality time together and help someone in need. In addition, you are instilling the importance of lifelong volunteerism in your children. Check out volunteer opportunities in your community, such as toys and clothing drives for local charities, animal shelters, playing games with residents at an assisted living facility, or starting a community garden and donating the food. If you need help finding opportunities in your community, check out VolunteerMatch.org.

Start a gratitude jar.

Several years ago, my son made a blessing jar at church during the holidays. It included all the things he felt were blessings – family, video games, our pets, etc. After the new year, I emptied the jar out and started filling it with events and moments our family experienced during the year – crazy hair day at school, a winning goal, and a new family car. On New Year’s Day the following year, we all took turns reading the folded papers I had added that year. It was so nice to relive those memories and it has been a great tradition for our family.

Celebrate your family culture.

For many of us, family culture is a lost art. We don’t know the language, foods, dances, or days of celebration because somewhere along the line, they stopped sharing. Reach out to older family members and ask about things they did in their childhood or research your family history to find out what nationality you are with DNA tests like Ancestry.com. Practice some of the traditions from your cultures including listening to traditional music or learning some key phrases. Try to incorporate it into your daily life to let those traditions live on.

The post Eight Great Family Traditions to Start in 2025  appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Now get in the kitchen with the kiddos and get creative!

Stuffing Waffles

Whip out your waffle maker and your leftover stuffing (errr, dressing???). There is no specific “recipe” for this one. Just plop, press and eat. Stuffing Waffles are delicious when topped with a little bit of mashed potatoes, cranberries and gravy, too.

Pizza

Grab some pre-made pizza dough and get to assembling leftover pizzas! Pizza dough + mashed potatoes + stuffing + cranberry and turkey topping.

Turkey Salad

Take your favorite Chicken Salad recipe and swap out the protein for some of that leftover turkey. Light and tasty after that heavy Thanksgiving meal.

Quiche

Pie crust + leftovers + eggs + some cheddar cheese = Delicious.

Pot Pie

Leftover Turkey? Add in a few frozen veggies, some cream of chicken soup and finally, toss a pie crust or even some biscuits on top!

Soup

It’s soup weather! Leftover turkey + vegetables + broth… rice or pasta would be a lovely addition. Many add in a turkey panini on the side to complete the meal.

Chili

Leftover turkey + beans + onion + peppers + chili powder + rotel. Smush leftover stuffing into a muffin tin, and boom! Stuffing muffins on the side. Yum.

Upgraded Grilled Cheese

Bread + cheese + turkey +bacon + cranberry sauce.

The post Thanksgiving Leftover “Recipes” appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

1. Smoothies! 

On a hot day, an icy, delicious smoothie is a great solution to combat after-school hangries! Experiment with fruits and veggies to make the perfect palette pleasing recipe for your crew. We like to use vanilla greek yogurt, ice, frozen berry blend and some spinach, too! Even adding some red pepper is a fun option, too. A squeeze of local honey can boost immune systems and the fruits and veggies are full of good stuff and vitamins. Measure with your heart, there is no right or wrong when it comes to making smoothies. If mix is too thick, you can add water, milk or a splash of juice.

2. Snack Mix 

One thing that will get kids excited about eating a snack is when they play a role in creating it! Head to the pantry and check out what goodies you have on hand. Goldfish, popcorn, pretzels, chex, crackers, mini cookies, marshmallows, raisins, nuts and more. If you like it, add it to the mix and enjoy!

3. Childish Charcuterie Board

If your kids are anything like mine, they are snacky grazers. They take a few bites, run around, come back to the snack and repeat. An assortment of fruits, veggies, cheese and proteins like turkey, salami, pepperoni and crackers are a great dinner table go-to for pre-dinner noshing. 

4. Ants on a Log 

A classic! Celery slices with your favorite nut or seed butter, plus some raisins (or chocolate chips or m&m’s!!!) on top. 

5. Hummus OR Guacamole

These highly nutritious snacks contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, kids love to dip their foods! Try a variety of hummus or guacamole toppings to broaden their taste profiles like roasted red peppers, garlic, olives… there are even dessert hummus options that taste like chocolate! Grab some graham crackers and get to dipping. YUM!

6. Fancy ‘nanas

A banana split is a fun dessert treat! Opt out of ice cream and try healthier toppings for a banana split like nut or seed butter, hazelnut spread, greek yogurt, honey and more. Sweet. 

7. Pint-sized Pizzas

Pre-made cauliflower crust, sauce, cheese, toppings. Simple, delicious, nutritious. 

8. Protein Bites

There are a million and one different recipes for these online, and this is one of our favorites: https://www.thehealthymaven.com/no-bake-oatmeal-protein-energy-balls/

Oats, nut or seed butter, honey, chia seeds and add-ins. Delicious. Easy to make. Poppable (easy to eat!). 

9. Frozen Yogurt Treats

Keep it simple. Mix your child’s favorite fruit with greek vanilla yogurt and then plop a heaping tablespoon onto an aluminum foil lined plate or pan. Now take some chocolate chips with a tiny bit of coconut oil into the microwave and heat for 30 seconds, mix, heat another 30 seconds. Pour the chocolate mix onto the yogurt plops and freeze! Now you have an amazing frozen yogurt treat as a yummy after school snack. 

10. Healthier Packaged Snacks for Busy Days!  

We recently had a chance to try Harvest Snaps at our annual Kidchella event. They were deeeeee-licious and all of the kids loved them. 

We also really love Once Again’s Sunflower Butter Graham Cracker Sandwiches!

Other favorites include Made Good granola bars, Veggie Straws, parmesan crisps, Smartfood popcorn, on-the-go nuts, belvita cookies, fruit leather, Annies snacks and more.

Click here for even more Cincinnati Family Magazine Recipes and Snack Ideas!!!

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As an education consultant, I found myself overwhelmed this summer with email after email from parents with a similar request: “My child is struggling with reading. Please help.”

Each plea tugged at my heartstrings. In addition to these clients, my phone buzzed with close friends whom I’d assumed had their children’s literacy skills–reading, writing, speaking, and listening–under control. But their children, like so many others across the country, are experiencing the long-term impacts of COVID-19 that go beyond physical and mental health.

Our nationwide literacy problem is nothing new. For nearly 20 years, student literacy has been an urgent discussion in the education community. The widening learning gaps have been attributed to excessive absences among teachers and students and the emotional trauma brought on by the stress and anxiety of going to school during the pandemic.

Multi-state licensed therapist and clinical social worker Alexis Young says that while schools sought to use technology to bridge the educational gap during the pandemic, there has been a drastic increase in anxiety and inability to focus because of overexposure to online programming and social media.

When I first meet with new clients, I always remind them: “You are the first teacher your child ever had. Let’s talk about how you can teach literacy at home.”

While many parents are open to working with their children, they are unsure how to begin. They also wonder how to fit teaching literacy into their already busy schedules. As a single mother, I can relate. I spent several years figuring out how to navigate my role as a parent, high school teacher, and business owner. To my delight, my young son played a vital role in helping me develop a plan that strengthened our family and jump-started his literacy.

One of the greatest misconceptions is that literacy has to look a certain way–specific terminology, well-structured lessons, and rigid thinking processes. Literacy should and can fit into our normal lifestyle with ease. Here are a few ways to integrate literacy into your daily family life.

First, know your child’s reading level–often available through standardized and other reading tests given at school–so you can provide the best literacy support possible. If your child’s school does not provide such information, community-based literacy centers may be able to provide assessments.

Start a Family Book Club

When people think of book clubs, Oprah Winfrey’s famous book picks or a group of older women sipping wine and reading the latest popular novel may come to mind. However, book clubs are a growing trend that can benefit everybody, including parents and their children.

I’ve encouraged many parents to start a book club in their homes. It is one of the easiest ways to identify your children’s literacy problems and create a literacy culture in the home. If your children are around the same age, have them vote on one book each week or month for the entire family to read. If there is a wider age gap, select a theme or holiday within the month and choose books based on that theme for each age and reading level. Then, select a day for the family to discuss the books. To get the discussion rolling, try writing questions on slips of paper and placing them in an empty fishbowl or other container.

In addition to cultivating a culture of literacy at home, books offer a great way for parents to talk about subjects that affect children without the discussion feeling too uncomfortable. Want to talk about bullying and self-confidence? Consider the children’s book Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell. Looking for a way to discuss depression and peer pressure with your teens? Check out Holly Bourne’s The Manifesto on How to be Interesting.

Cook New Recipes As a Family

When I was still teaching full time, I used to come home exhausted in the evenings. I had three missions: spend quality time with my son, prepare dinner, and get ready for bed. The “quality time” goal always seemed to slip just out of reach. As I cooked, my son watched television, played learning games on his tablet, or scribbled in a coloring book at the table. After dinner, bath time and preparing for bed zapped what little energy I had left.

But this cycle shifted when my son was two. One evening, he pulled his step stool up to the counter next to me and asked if he could help cook dinner. His inquiry had me so befuddled that I stumbled around trying to figure out what a toddler could do in the kitchen. That first night, we experimented with stirring, grabbing ingredients from the refrigerator, and looking at recipes together.

I soon realized that making cooking a family experience encouraged vocabulary enhancement and comprehension–two essential literacy components. My son responded well to identifying objects, learning to read easy labels on food, and using cooking language. I used index cards to label different objects in the kitchen. Each evening, I would take a few minutes to review the labels before we cooked dinner. Eventually, he practiced the words on his own and used them in conversations.

This kind of labeling does not have to be relegated to the kitchen. Try labeling toy boxes and other items in all of your rooms. The extra benefit of this tactic is that it does not require constant direct engagement to be effective. Children connect words with items through repetitive exposure, sound, and phonetic recognition.

Our fun and success with family nights in the kitchen inspired my son and me to write a cookbook entitled Cooking with Mom to encourage other families to spend time together. Our book shares tips for parents to engage their children in cooking and teach kitchen safety. My son, now seven, has enjoyed his learning experience so much that our book has led to speaking engagements and a YouTube channel called Cooking with Fam.

Make Libraries Great Again

Libraries are one of the most underused places for free literacy resources and activities, yet they are the foundation of literacy and intellectual stimulation for learners of all ages. In a world of social media and apps, libraries have sought to regain the attention of the crowd that used to pack their building for computer use, free magazine reading, story times, and other literacy-based activities.

While the internet is a hard market to compete with, the public library isn’t giving up–especially during a time when literacy support is needed more than ever. Reach out to your local library to discover all of the resources they provide, and discover what additional literacy assistance resources exist. Many community-based programs focus on literacy, parent engagement, and classroom intervention.

For many years, I believed children lacked interest in reading because other things were more appealing to them. But my philosophy on student literacy and learning evolved during my 13 years as a classroom teacher. I realized that the culture I established around reading, the patience I demonstrated, and how I implemented literacy strategies in my classroom, influenced my students. We discussed the meanings behind song lyrics, shared personal stories related to our school-selected texts and, most importantly, I showed my students how excited I was about reading. As a parent, I try to maintain the same passion for literacy with my son. Each night, we set aside time to read, and we like to watch movies that correlate with our books’ themes. It’s been amazing to listen to him make connections between the books we read and movies we watch.

Literacy is ingrained into everything we do–from learning how to use the latest social media platform to learning how to perform life-saving surgeries. My hope is that we continue to search for fun ways to shift literacy from strictly a school concern to a part of our daily family lifestyle.

The post Beyond ABCs at Home: Making Literacy Part of Your Family’s Lifestyle appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.