Originally published on Dec 15, 2012 in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School but republished today because it's a message many need to hear. Today, my heart is heavy with the news of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, and though I am not at all close to the area and though I do not have friends or family directly affected by the tragedy, I am having a hard time knowing what to do--as a mother, as a person, and together as a family. I really want to ball up in … [Read more...]
make summer learning ROCK with free bookmarks and Summer Brain Quest
Oh, friends. You know that I am obsessed with continuing the learning for my kids over the summer, right? Every, single spring I do a little happy dance, just knowing that summer is around the corner and that I get to have Maddy, Owen, and Cora to myself every, single day. I love it. And I love having a ton of fun ways to keep my kids reading, thinking, creating, and playing with numbers during the long summer months. Anything to avoid the summer slide. Really and truly. This … [Read more...]
alphabet egg hunt: uppercase and lowercase letter match
Originally published on April 2, 2013, but republished today because it totally rocks. Kids need to learn the letters of the alphabet. And even if we play with the letters for ten minutes a day, it adds up--and before we know it, our kids will be ready for success in reading and in school. It's a perfect time of the year to throw in some sneaky before-nap or after naptime learning for our little ones, and though I know finding time can often be difficult, here's an easy one for you: … [Read more...]
must-have books for easter baskets
Easter means egg hunts, candy, and plastic grass in bright baskets, right? Well what if you want to use this holiday as a time to sneak in a little reading for your kids? What books are must-have's for Easter baskets? I have done all the hard work for you, friends, and I have your answer here. First, I'll tell you which books you should have for the little guys, and then I'll tell you which books you should grab for the bigger guys. Ready? Here's the skinny. . . Must-Have … [Read more...]
last minute Valentine ideas for busy families
We're in the home stretch for Valentine's Day, so I wanted to hit you with a few ideas that you could use today or tomorrow to make this day of loooove memorable for your loved ones. Right now, these posts are all a buzz over on the blog: Minute to Win It Games for Kids & Family How to Throw A Rock-Star Valentine's Day Class Party Musical Hearts: Reading, Moving, and Crazy-Fun Kid Game Valentine's Day Class Party Ideas, 2.0 And in the last few days, thousands and … [Read more...]
family volunteering on martin luther king, jr day
Four years ago was the very first year we volunteered as a family to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. But it will not be the last. Already, we're looking for other ways we can give back to our community this year to celebrate the life of this great man. Family volunteering on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is easy, thanks to a handful of really awesome organizations designed to make finding volunteer opportunities the easy part. Not even kidding. It takes five … [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...]
national fire prevention week: sparky’s firehouse game for kids
No matter the age of your children, my friends, we've got to talk to them about tough topics. Age-appropriate, of course, but you get what I mean. Being prepared for a disaster and knowing what to do in the event of a fire are two of those topics that we need to revisit time and time again. The more we do, the better prepared our children will be. Promise. Each year for the past few years, I have been honored to work with the National Fire Protection Association and Sparky.org to … [Read more...]
to correct or not to correct when kids make reading mistakes
Okay, friends. To correct or not to correct your child's reading: that is the question. So many people have asked me about this, so I made it one of my reading tips. Check it out. Think about how you feel when people tell you you're wrong. Especially when you're taking a risk and aren't quite sure of yourself. It's hard to hear you're wrong. It sometimes hurts to hear: Come on! I know you know this. You just read it. . . Nope. You're wrong. That word is. . . Stop. … [Read more...]
back to school tips and tricks: make this year ROCK #backtoschool #schoolsuccess
Re-running this post today because it's timely and packed with tips. Enjoy! School's in full swing here, and I cannot believe it. I really, truly cannot. Maddy's in 6th grade, Owen's in 4th grade, and Cora's in 3rd grade. Where has the time gone? If you're anything like me, you're doing everything humanly possible to adjust to a new schedule, which is not always easy. I've found a few of my most popular back-to-school posts, and I have them here for you. After … [Read more...]
celebrate multicultural children’s books! (BIG book bundle giveaway!)
It’s time for the 2nd Annual Multicultural Children’s Book Giveaway and KidLit TV is teaming up with Pragmatic Mom, Jump into a Book, Franticmommy, The Educators Spin On It, What Do We Do All Day?, Teach Mama, andMulticultural Children’s Book Day to give parents, teachers, and librarians in need, a chance to win a multicultural book bundle for their school library. Libraries play an important role in everyone’s life. The library is a place where knowledge and the love of reading … [Read more...]
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