Even though our lives have changed quite a bit since I started this blog seven years ago, one thing has remained the same: we love to rock it out for holidays. Even big kids like to rock it out for the holidays. So this year, I decided to kick up our traditional St. Patty's Day Scavenger Hunt just a wee bit. My kids are quick, and they're smart. So our Scavenger Hunt needs to be tricky and engaging to keep them interested--or at least to stretch our hunt a bit past the usual two … [Read more...]
5 reasons to see ‘Gifted’ the movie and discussion guide for families #GiftedMovie
Last month, Cora and I were flown out to Los Angeles for a press junket for Gifted, the new movie starring Chris Evans (, Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, and Lindsay Duncan. The movie, the actors, the interviews, and the whole experience were amazing. Let me cut to the chase, friends. I have information for you. I know you're busy. So you want to know: Should you see the movie or not? Should you spend you money on it? Should you use your Sunday afternoon or … [Read more...]
pokemonGO: what it is and what parents need to know
Oh, friends. Those of you who know me know that Pokemon is one of my least favorite things in the whole, wide world. I struggled through Owen's crazy Pokemon stage a few summers ago, trying to learn to distinguish Charizard from Charmeleon and Pidgey from Pidgeotto so that I could try to understand what he was talking about--all the livelong day. Maddy, Cora, my husband and I tried to play Pokemon, flipping cards and talking about evolutions and attacks and CP and EX (probably wrong … [Read more...]
think aloud while reading — here’s how! reading tip 9 #raiseareader
Thinking aloud sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? Like the only people who would even think about thinking aloud might be a little 'off' or something? Well, friends, here's the thing: thinking aloud is actually something you want to do because it can help your kids become better readers. Check it out: Check it out: Like this video? Check out the whole #RaiseAReader playlist and definitely subscribe to our channel!Need -- or want more? Here you go: (click on the image … [Read more...]
talking about severus snape with kids: in memory of alan rickman
This morning, my sister told me about the passing of Alan Rickman, the man who played (among many other roles) Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. And instantly I wanted to bawl. I did bawl. The thing is, I never met Alan Rickman. I don't know him personally. But I do know his life ended way too soon (he was only 69 years old) and that his calculating, greasy voice made him sound like the ultimate 'bad guy'. I know, too, that he was a stellar actor. And I love what he did … [Read more...]
school supply shopping: our NEW way to teach kids to be smart consumers
Every year, we try to somehow involve our kids in back-to-school shopping. When Maddy, Owen, and Cora were emerging readers, I created easy-to-read lists that we’d take on our shopping trips. The lists combined words and pictures so that they could more easily find what they needed. As the kids got older, we worked together to find the best places to shop, using the coupons and sales circulars to figure out the best deals. This year, we tried something new. I knew … [Read more...]
birdwatching math puzzles: super challenging and tricky
This summer as we usually do, I'm trying each week to include some new and exciting math fun. In the form of puzzles or chocolate challenges or number games or just a new spin on old school problem-solving, any way we can pull in Especially this year we've loved the challenging puzzles created by Erich Friedman. These puzzles, you guys, are tough. This week we tried the Birdwatching Puzzles. Here's the skinny. . . Birdwatching Math Puzzles--Super Challenging and Tricky: The … [Read more...]
camp google: ocean, space, music and nature weeks
Friends. I have been working with National Geographic Kids for some time now, as one of their 'Insiders' and honestly the coolest thing about it is that I get kind of 'behind-the-scenes' information that I can share with you. Honestly. Fab books, cool programs, you name it. And this summer, National Geographic has partnered with Khan Academy, National Parks, and NASA to create some really rockstar at-home 'camps' for kids. Really. It's called 'Camp Google', and of course, along … [Read more...]
fun summertime learning for kids: tabletop surprises
Week two of tabletop surprises is in the books, and it was a blast! Because my crew was busy fighting off some pretty awful summertime colds, we did a bit of re-arranging with our tabletop surprises calendar this week. But you know what? That's the awesome thing about it: you can do what you want. When you want. And the freebie 10 week resource guide includes a whole bunch of awesome extra ideas to use if one day doesn't work for you. This week, we drew, built, wrote, and … [Read more...]
matchstick math: patterns, puzzles and critical thinking
The matchstick math activity we did last week for tabletop surprises was a real hit. I had an inkling that the activity would be a favorite of Owen's but really all of the kids were into it. And when we didn't bump the table, making the matchsticks fall all out of place and go everywhere, it was all good. It was super-simple, and I thank the good folks who write Matchstick Puzzles blog for their ideas. Here's the skinny. . . Matchstick Math: Really, I had … [Read more...]
coral reefs of Palau: The Nature Conservancy free virtual field trip and learning resources
Right about now a lot of us are thinking about sun, sand, and surf. I know I am. School's almost out, and over here, we're all ready for summer to begin. But before school lets out for the year, there's still a bunch of learning to be done. And for those of us who are heading to the shore this summer, those of us who are planning on dipping our toes in the ocean, it might be cool to learn a bit about life underwater--the interconnected city of life in the … [Read more...]
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