• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Contact

teach mama logo

teach mama

helps families connect & build bridges between home & school, by amy mascott

  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
4.8K shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

The focus of teachmama.com is to help families make meaningful, lasting connections and to build strong bridges between home and school. Reading Specialist and educator Amy Mascott shares tips, tricks, and ideas for raising big-hearted, curious kids and for keeping parents sane–and smiling!–along way!

trending now


get organized with 1Thrive

us capitol building blue sky

how to talk to kids about politically-charged violence in dc

get siblings outside, thinking, and working together

summertime swim team | teachmama.com

summer swim team: an absolute MUST for families

what you need to know: disney's performing arts programs

what you need to know: disney’s performing arts programs

talk with kids about emotions: | teachmama.com

talk with kids about emotions: ‘inside out’ mini-book and card game

Search The Site


age

topic

search

Early Literacy

little boy giving thumbs up with HOMER on ipad screen

learn with HOMER: best app for kids

3 reasons kids need early reader books with characters they love

how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways | teachmama.com

how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways

More Early Literacy Resources

Reading

BOGO books kids love: less than $10 each!

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com cover

support for struggling readers: audiobooks

coolest gift for moms & teachers? MASTERCLASS

More Reading Resources

Digital Literacy

girl playing with duolingo abc

learn to read app for kids 3-7: Duolingo ABC

everything free and awesome online to do while kids are home: classes, crafts, virtual tours and more

two boys playing with fire prevention resources

free fire prevention resources and games

More Digital Literacy Resources

Math

money confident kids _ teachmama.com

30 days of financial fitness: 3 cool resources to raise financial literacy in kids

strike it out

quick and easy math game: strike it out!

spend save and give jars | money matters | teachmama.com

cool, interactive tool for teaching kids financial literacy

More Math Resources

Science

super-cool STEM toys for preschool & elementary schoolers (w free shipping!)

boy using human circuit from ward's science

Ward’s Science: grants, lessons, products and more

national youth science day | code your world kit | teachmama.com

national youth science day: code your world kit giveaway

More Science Resources

Latest Posts

collaboration and conversation: advancement courses teach team 2022

I’m thrilled to be partnering with Advancement Courses, a leader in K-12 professional development with over 280 online courses in 20 different subject areas. Professional development for educators is more important than ever, so I’m totally thrilled that we’re continuing our partnership with …
Read morecollaboration and conversation: advancement courses teach team 2022

FREE super bowl bingo & party games for all fans

Football fans everywhere are prepping for the big game this weekend by gathering food and friends to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. While it’s true that many will have their eyes solely on the football game, others may . . . well, need a little something more than the halftime show to keep …
Read moreFREE super bowl bingo & party games for all fans
buddha board with designs

help kids focus and relax with the buddha board

If you have not yet met the Buddha Board, today is your lucky day. The Buddha Board is the ideal way to help kids find focus and to relax, and honestly every family could use one. I would do anything some days to bring a little big of peace and calm–and zen–to our home. With a Buddha Board …
Read morehelp kids focus and relax with the buddha board
woman and man holding a book

Storyworth review: best gift for parents, grandparents, loved ones

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Last year, we gifted my parents and my in-laws Storyworth, and it has been something they’ve talked about all year long. It’s something we’ve all talked about all year long. Storyworth is the BEST gift for parents, grandparents, and loved …
Read moreStoryworth review: best gift for parents, grandparents, loved ones
photo books for kids and family: 15 best, coolest, most clever and creative

photo books for kids and family: 15 best, coolest, most clever and creative

I’m a hardcore fan of the photo book. Actually, I’m a fan of any book, but photo books have a special spot in my heart because I love to make them, and I love to get them. And? They have happily replaced the ole book o’ photos that once took me for-ev-er and a day to assemble. Photo books are …
Read morephoto books for kids and family: 15 best, coolest, most clever and creative

wine bottle gift tags for teachers

Whether you drink wine or not, a nice bottle of wine makes an amazing gift at holiday time or any time of the year. Wine makes a quick gift or a more complicated one, depending on how much time you have to ‘dress’ it up. And wine can be a really affordable gift too if you hit the right deal …
Read morewine bottle gift tags for teachers

super-cool STEM toys for preschool & elementary schoolers (w free shipping!)

Seriously cool Educational Insights toys are up to 40% off (+my added 10% off = up to 50% off!) with FREE SHIPPING right now. Like today and tomorrow. There are a lot of choices over there, but I’ll hit you with some of my faves: caption for image caption for image caption for …
Read moresuper-cool STEM toys for preschool & elementary schoolers (w free shipping!)

Cool Advent calendars for teens

Just because our kids are now teens, it doesn’t mean that all of our fun family traditions, like the holiday Advent Calendar, need to end! Instead, we just need to slightly change and adapt our favorite traditions to meet the needs of our ‘bigger’ kids. For years and years and years we marked …
Read moreCool Advent calendars for teens
learn about daylight savings

learn about daylight savings time: turn and tell clock

If ONLY our littlest ones knew and understood Daylight Savings Time. We love that the Turn and Tell Clock makes learning to tell time a LOT easier for kids, and Daylight Savings Time is the perfect time to start talking about time! Daylight Savings, Waylight Schmavings. For years and years and …
Read morelearn about daylight savings time: turn and tell clock

one dress, 5 ways: perfect for teachers

It’s super important to have several well-made, versatile pieces when you’re teaching. This dress is one piece I absolutely love. With a few simple changes, you can wear this dress at least five different ways! Wear it to school, wear it out on the weekend, or wear it to a fancy dinner. It …
Read moreone dress, 5 ways: perfect for teachers
zulily promo image with shipping boxes on bottom of photo

how to shop on zulily (and save big money)

I have recently discovered the AWESOMENESS that is Zulily. That’s not to say I am new to Zulily. I am not. I’ve been a Zulily shopper for years now–I just never really knew how to shop on Zulily. Believe me, it’s not rocket science. Anyone can do it. And this is less of a Zulily review …
Read morehow to shop on zulily (and save big money)
little boy giving thumbs up with HOMER on ipad screen

learn with HOMER: best app for kids

There are so many early learning apps and computer games and platforms for kids, but which one is the best? Which one is worth your child’s precious time and your money? Learn with HOMER. Hands down, the learn with HOMER program takes the cake, and here is an educator’s HOMER app review. …
Read morelearn with HOMER: best app for kids

Sidebar

our books & freebies

setting the stage for rock-star readers
raise a reader
amy mascott profile blog
subscribe teachmama

join the coolest club around:

Find Us On Social Media

Helpful Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Us On Instagram

View
Open
Hot off the presses!

I've been working CRAZY hours because I'm prepping for a launch in the next two weeks. G U L P!

I'm SUPER excited, and I know you will be too.

Read more here: https://take5.teachmama.com/

#linkinbio #teachmamatake5 #bestoftheweb #take5 #coolestclubintown
View
Open
Loving my new St. Patrick’s Day 🍀 tee and eyeing about 5 others I totally want!

Remember—the more we can get our kids reading, the better! 

So find a fun and festive shirt for everyone in the fam and teach kids phrases like: 

🍀 Saint Patrick’s Day sparks JOY

☘️ Happy Go Lucky

🍀 Team Irish

☘️ Lucky Charm

🍀 Irish I was a little bit taller

☘️ Here for the shenanigans 

🍀 Lucky mama

☘️ A wee bit Irish 

and more!

Right now on Zulily you can grab tees, hoodies, dresses, pj sets, tank tops, slouchy tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and more starting at under $20!

Check them out: zulily.gfpv.net/rnegED

#stpatricksdaydecor #linkinbio #saintpaddysday #familyfun🍀 #irishkids #zulilypartner #raiseareader
View
Open
If you have not yet met the Buddha Board, today is your lucky day.

The Buddha Board is the ideal way to help kids find focus and to relax, and honestly every family could use one.

I would do anything some days to bring a little big of peace and calm–and zen–to our home. 

With a Buddha Board always out on a shelf, we are always just minutes away from unplugged focus and relaxation.

Have you tried one? 

Here are the deets:
https://teachmama.com/help-kids-focus-and-relax-with-the-buddha-board/

#linkinbio #buddhaboard #calmyourmind #mindfulmoments #unplugged
View
Open
Doesn’t it seem like time has become a crazy mashup of virtual-hybrid-normal-life, scattered with the *occasional* bright spot—with an overload of disappointment, confusion, and uncertainty? Like it’s hard to pinpoint what happened exactly last spring or the summer before last or even last fall?

It’s all kind of a jumbled mess?

It feels like that for me. 

But I know this for sure: spending time with these women is truly good for my soul. It’s what my heart needs. Time slows down. I can breathe. 

And it’s what I’m betting everyone needs right now—some time with good friends—sister bffs—friends like family. 

No matter what is going on in the world, these women ground me, help me feel more centered, and fill my heart with so. much. joy. 

I walked Louie this morning with what felt like lighter steps and a bigger smile on my face, and I know it’s because I spent time with beloved friends last night. 

Friends, listen to me: It’s EASY to want to hole up right now and not do much of anything—it’s dark by 5pm, it’s freezing out, it’s grey and gross outside, and we are all so tired. But one night this week or next, call a pal. 

Make plans for coffee or a meal together, and just RECONNECT with some friends. Put on a little lipstick. Dust off that bottle of perfume. Wear a big sweater over a tee shirt and leggings and put on fun earrings. It’s not that hard, but it makes a difference. 

I guarantee it will be exactly what you need and you will move forward the next few days with a brighter spirit. 

Love you, @jessicamcfadd @justicefergie and @sandie_chen so, so, SO MUCH. And love Evie too!! 

Let’s get another date on the calendar stat. 😉😍

(Of COURSE we made beautiful @eve.mcfadden pose with us last night after her dance class because we are her bloggy aunties and have known her since she was 2yo and we love her like our own.)

#wwh #bff4life #ogbloggers #sisterfriends
View
Open
Thank you @delegateericluedtke @senzucker @delegatepamqueen for meeting with Maryland @MomsDemand volunteers to discuss how we can work together to end gun violence in our communities. 

JOIN US at our next event by texting READY to 644-33 to get involved in your community!

#MDGA22 #MDpolitics #MomsAreEverywhere #DoSomething #SaySomething #BeTheChange
View
Open
As a @MomsDemand volunteer, I just met virtually with my #MDGA22 legislators to work to keep our state safe from gun violence. 

I told @delegateericluedtke @senzucker @delegatepamqueen that:

- In 1999, I was teaching English at Wilde Lake HS in Columbia, MD when the Columbine HS massacre took place. I vowed then that I would do everything I could to prevent something like that from happening again. I thought: There is NO WAY this will happen when I have children in school. Laws will change. Surely we will protect our children better.

- In 2007, I had just had my 3rd child, and a month later, the VA Tech shooting took place. I watched the news in horror and thought, please, please, PLEASE let smart people make laws to prevent this from ever happening again. PLEASE. 

- In 2012, I had three kids in elementary school--K, 1st, and 3rd grade, and my husband was an admin at a different school. That same year, 20 children and 6 adults were shot and killed at Sandy Hook ES. I joined @sandyhookpromise as soon as it was created. I thought: THIS will be the last one. No more senseless, preventable deaths.

- In 2022, just last week, at Magruder HS, where I once taught English and where my husband coached soccer, there was another shooting. This time with a ghost gun. Every day, I send my 3 children off to high school 10 minutes down the road from Magruder HS, and every day, I plead, pray, and beg God to keep them safe. 

They should not fear for their lives when they walk into school each day, nor should ANY child, any teacher, any administrator, or support staff. Schools should be safe places.

Today, we asked #Maryland lawmakers to prioritize legislation to prohibit the manufacture & sale of ghost guns: do-it-yourself weapons that can be downloaded or purchased online, bypassing the background check system that keeps us all safe. 

Please do the same. Join your local @momsdemand or @studentsdemand 

#UseYourVoice #DoSomething
#MDpolitics #MomsAreEverywhere
View
Open
Although I can’t be in Annapolis today, this Maryland @MomsDemand volunteer stands with those there in urging my legislators to protect our state from ghost guns. #MomsAreEverywhere #MDGA22 #MDpolitics

Want to get involved? 

❤️ visit momsdemandaction.org

❤️ share ANY and ALL @momsdemand @studentsdemand or @everytown posts

❤️ share any and all #MDGA22 #MDpolitics posts 

❤️ join this movement and make a difference!

#DoSomething #SaySomething #BeTheChange #EndGunViolence
View
Open
🔥 Hot off the presses 🔥

Take 5: here's what happened to me, and here's where we're going. . .

Excited about big things happening over here in 2022. 

Things may look a little different as we release and share, but if you want to stay ‘in the know’, subscribe here: https://take5.teachmama.com/

#herewego #thescoop #herearethedeets #linkinbio
View
Open
Time for your New Year’s Family Interview! 

If you haven’t done it yet, it’s OKAY. We are all feeing a little bit behind already this year. 

Be good to yourself. 

Love your people well. 

Head over and grab your *new and improved* New Year’s Family Interviews here: https://shop.teachmama.com/product/new-years-family-interview/

#newyearinterview #familyfun #easytraditions #linkinbio

Copyright © 2022 · teach mama media, llc · All Rights Reserved

4.8K shares