Blog Archives

5 min reading tricks for raising rockstar readers
March 17, 2013 1 comment

5 min reading tricks for raising rockstar readers

It’s here. My first eBook on reading and literacy and all that stuff I really, really love. And I’m totally psyched. 5 min reading tricks for raising rockstar readers. There ...

texting as a learning tool: reading, spelling, composing
March 13, 2013 6 comments

texting as a learning tool: reading, spelling, composing

My kids think texting is so cool. They think cell phones are cool. They think cell phones are so cool that they still argue over who gets to have our ...

an easy-to-build stage for the performers in your family
March 6, 2013 4 comments

an easy-to-build stage for the performers in your family

That’s right. A stage. So your kids can totally rock it out during your spring break Staycation.  Or so your house becomes THE house for playdates.  Or so you and ...

alphabet and reading on the road
February 18, 2013 4 comments

alphabet and reading on the road

The kids and I spent the weekend in Pennsylvania, showering my baby sister and her husband with love for their soon-to-be baby boy. Though we experienced a little more excitement ...

our fave programming for 6-9 year olds
February 11, 2013 12 comments

our fave programming for 6-9 year olds

We are big into managing our kids’ screen time over here, and that’s no secret. Though we truly value all they can learn with the help of technology, and we ...

how to make silent reading more meaningful
January 16, 2013 13 comments

how to make silent reading more meaningful

Silent reading can–and should–be a meaningful, rich, awesome experience for kids. And parents can–and should–be able to support their young readers at home, just by keeping a few important things ...

5 cool new ways to play with puzzles
January 14, 2013 18 comments

5 cool new ways to play with puzzles

Many families have a handful of puzzles around the house, ranging from knob puzzles to jigsaws.  Baby puzzles and big-guy puzzles. And especially in the wintertime–or on a hot, hot ...

teach kids the days of the week (a super-easy way!)
January 8, 2013 8 comments

teach kids the days of the week (a super-easy way!)

Teaching kids the days of the week doesn’t need to be a huge event. Parents don’t need printables, charts, diagrams, or huge posters. Sure, a calendar hanging on the wall ...

homemade name necklaces for girls and boys
December 21, 2012 10 comments

homemade name necklaces for girls and boys

For months and months and months and months, Cora has asked for three things: her name on a cup, her name on a shirt, and her name on a necklace. ...

how to make a fun and fabulous candy wreath
December 14, 2012 5 comments

how to make a fun and fabulous candy wreath

One of my favorite challenges is finding a craft that doubles both as a fun family activity and a gift–especially during this crazy busy but totally festive time of year. ...

5 parenting tricks for the busy holiday season
November 27, 2012 12 comments

5 parenting tricks for the busy holiday season

I know I need all the parenting tricks I can carry any day of the week, let alone during the busy holiday season. Though I’m not proud to admit it, ...