For the last two years, I've been a member of the Aspen Institute's Parent Panel for the National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, and finally—finally!—today our report is released into the world! The Nation At Hope Report: What You Need to Know It's called From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope, and it's a work that reflects decades of research and thousands of hours of work from dozens of incredible people. Remember years ago, the “A Nation At Risk” … [Read more...]
thank you delivery people: free printable for families
This time of the year is insane. We're moving so quickly, our to-do lists are nuts, and often we're totally forgetting to breathe. At least I am. So when I saw my sweet and smart friend Danielle Smith, of Pretty Extraordinary, take a minute to say "thank you" to the delivery people, I stopped and smiled. This is so simple. But it can really make someone's day. Here's the skinny. . . Thank You Delivery People -- Free Printable for Families It's a simple "thank you" that you can … [Read more...]
top 5 must-read books for kids: babies through teens
Over the years, many readers and friends have asked me the about the must-read books for kids. Every few weeks, I get asked the million dollar questions: What books should my kids read? What are the best books for 5-year-olds? Which books will my 12-year-old love to read? Please tell me how to spend my book money--which are the must-have books for kids? We're heading to the library. Which books should I pick up? I've had the conversation over and over and over again. So … [Read more...]
national youth science day: code your world kit giveaway
Have you heard? You can celebrate National Youth Science Day all month long! HughesNet (America’s #1 provider of satellite Internet and a supporter of 4-H) is doing something totally awesome in celebration of NYSD. Something you don't want to miss. 4-H has turned National Youth Science Day into a month-long celebration this year, with a challenge called Code Your World, which invites kids to get involved in computer science through hands-on doing. And we are giving away 12 Code Your … [Read more...]
Have outstanding student loan debt? Debt forgiveness is available to you.
Did you know that if you're a teacher, the US Government offers programs that can lower your monthly payments and even provide a path for debt forgiveness? The problem—like so many government sponsored programs—is that they're often difficult to understand and a total challenge to complete the necessary filing paperwork. TrustRight Student Loan Services has proprietary software that clearly explains all the options available to you along with a system that completely simplifies the … [Read more...]
STEM Lab: free, hands-on STEM activities for kids & teens
As a teacher and parent, I am always, always on the hunt for free, hands-on STEM activities for kids and teens. It's always been my goal to raise confident, curious kids--children who question the world around them and want to learn how and why things work the way they do. So whenever we've had questions about things, we researched the answer together. I was recently introduced to an incredible resource that I'm thrilled to share with parents and educators--it's totally free, it's … [Read more...]
Online PD for teachers: Advancement Courses
This year, I'm thrilled to be partnering with Advancement Courses, courses designed to be more engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable-- with real feedback and application in today's K-12 classroom. Continuing education can be one of the biggest challenges for us as teachers today. I feel like I'm always asking: Where are all the relevant, meaningful courses? Where are all the courses approved by my school and the state? Where is the professional development that fits my … [Read more...]
room parent 101: 3 tricks to make the year rock (and free tools to stay organized!)
So, you're a room parent this year, huh? Whether you've been roped into it or whether you chose to take on this important role on your own free will, there are some things you must know: You will have a lot of fun. Really, you will. The kids are so cool. They are. And the parents appreciate you! You will be organized. From right now until the end of the year, friend, you must stay organized. You will need a team. So starting now, you may be the room parent, but you will have a … [Read more...]
back-to-school deals at staples that families don’t want to miss
This past weekend, Maddy, Owen, Cora, and I did our annual Back-to-School Supply shopping extravaganza only at Staples. But this year was a wee bit different than other years. And? It was an absolute blast. This year, we went to Staples, and we shared our school-supply haul live on Facebook--and we were live on Instagram. If you joined us, thank you. If you missed it, no problem. I have it all here, and I'm highlighting a few of our fave deals--deals that families don't want … [Read more...]
hello teacher notes: let kids connect with teachers
Another one of our fave back-to-school traditions involves a little bit of writing, some decorating, and a wee bit of walking. Not much walking, really. Just to the mailbox or up to the school, depending on where you live. But for the last few years, we've rocked Hello, Teacher Notes to ease the transition from summer break to school year just a tiny bit easier for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. Okay, and me. We sent them: last year, when Owen went to Kindergarten, Maddy went to 2nd, and … [Read more...]
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