We just got another boatload of snow, so on Sunday morning, when we were snowed in and couldn't even get out of our house to make it to mass, we got our dance on. Because why not? Turns out that Cora and Owen's awesome teachers for the past few years had often put on short little YouTube dances for them when they need to get the wiggles out. We found most of Cora and Owen's faves, and we found some more. Not only does moving mid-day help increase concentration and focus (for … [Read more...]
new year’s eve bingo bonanza
Every New Year’s Eve that we join forces with a few other families, we make Bingo our go-to game for the kids. And the kids—and parents--love it. But it’s not just any Bingo game. We’re not just busting out the ole Bingo roller and Bingo cards and calling it a day. Noooooo way. It’s a Bingo Bonanza—marathon Bingo played! And the kids not only have no idea about how much the game helps them to recognize and name numbers and letters (hey, even B-I-N-G-O counts in my book!), but they’re … [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...]
hello teacher notes: let kids connect with teachers
Hello Teacher Notes are a quick and easy way to make back-to-school a tiny bit less stressful. This is another one of our fave back-to-school traditions, and this one 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. 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, … [Read more...]
unplug to play and learn: 4 quick and easy ideas
Guess what? It's time to have our kids unplug. Yep. Right now. Right this very minute. Turn off the television, the tablet, the phone, the laptop, the whatever. Believe it or not, there's a world of fun to be had when kids unplug to play and learn. There's no denying that we are raising kids in a digital age. Everywhere you turn, there's a screen, a swipe, a beep, or a buzz. That means that it's super important that we, as parents, do what we can to make sure that our kids … [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...]
black history month: resources for kids and families
We often talk about race in our home, but lately my kids have become more and more curious about the struggles that many so many groups have faced--African-Americans in particular--throughout our history. Yes, we have great books here, rich with information and ideas and stories, but I wanted a little more. We need a little more. So rather than fumble through their questions about race, history, and segregation, I wanted to give Maddy, Owen, and Cora some clarity--as much of the … [Read more...]
books about kindness — must-have’s for older and younger readers
How can you start to spread a little kindness now? At your home? With your kids? In your community? I've got a few great books about kindness for you--must-have's for older and younger readers. Grab a few of these kindness focused books for our younger readers: How to Heal a Broken Wing, by Bob Graham The Gardener, by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer and illustrated by Maurie J. Manning The Rain Came Down, … [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...]
rainbow words: free sight word printable
Learning sight words is one of the most important things that our kids can do as they become readers. However, learning sight words can also be one of the most boring things our kids can do as they become readers. So it's up to parents and teachers to make learning these important words fun. Over the years, though, I've come up with tons of super cool and super fun ways that our little ones can learn these important words because I know how important it is. Now that I'm back in … [Read more...]
strategies for handling sad, tragic news–as a family
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...]
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