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...]
the polar express night: a holiday family tradition
The Polar Express is more than a book for some people. It's a holiday family tradition that has become an eagerly-anticipated December event! The following guest post is written by Karen Blake in 2013, but it's one of my most popular holiday posts. Karen is a teacher, mom of three, and aunt of many. She's a lover of traditions and is quite honestly one of the most creative and crafty friends I have. —————————— Traditions are my favorite. And Christmas traditions are the absolute BEST! My … [Read more...]
5 fun back-to-school rituals for busy families
Friends. There's no denying it. Back-to-school season is in full swing, so I thought I'd take a minute to share a few fun back-to-school rituals for busy families. I Here's the skinny. . . 5 Fun Back-to-School Rituals for Busy Families Family Camp-In No matter where in the world you live, the weather's always perfect for a Family Camp-In. A Camp-In is the opposite of a Camp-Out, of course! A Camp-In takes place in your house, in a room large enough for the whole family. And though you … [Read more...]
get involved in Red Nose Day’s Joke-Ha-Thon and make a difference in children’s lives
First of all: What is Red Nose Day? You might vaguely recall seeing people wearing silly, red clown noses in the name of raising money for children in poverty? That's Red Nose Day! Red Nose Day really makes a difference in children's lives. And what's the Red Nose Day Joke-Ha-Thon? The Joke-Ha-Thon gives students the chance to tell—and sell—their best jokes in their classrooms, schools and communities to spread some much-needed joy and raise some life-changing cash. Why am … [Read more...]
valentine’s day class party ideas, 2.0
For many years now I've been roped into being Room Parent for my kids' classes, and though I do love the opportunity to meet other families from the school and to get to know the kids in the class, it's a lot of work. More than once I've wished that there was a secret site that gave me all of the Valentine's Day class party ideas I needed--the letters to send, the snacks to serve, crafts to make and the games to play. But knowing that such a thing doesn't exist and that each class party is … [Read more...]
what you need to know: disney’s performing arts programs
In the whole world, Disney is one of the largest employers for those in the performing arts. With all of the the Disney platforms--the resorts, theme parks, cruise ships, and experiences, it only makes sense that Disney would want to invite student performers into the fold. I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with Disney's Youth Programs, especially the Energy and Waves Physics Lab of the Youth Education Series. But I would be remiss if I didn't share my love for Disney's … [Read more...]
disney youth programs: YES you need to know about the youth education series
This summer, I had the great opportunity to learn about Disney Youth Programs. Have you heard of Disney Youth Programs? Maybe you've seen those cool, Disney Cast Members with YES! on their blue shirts? Or maybe you've heard of a high school band or choir performing in a Disney parade? Honestly, Disney Youth Programs are Disney's best-kept secret if you ask me. You know I'm always on the hunt for fun and sneaky learning opportunities, and you know we're huge Disney fans. Right? So … [Read more...]
create summer sparks with everyday acts of kindness
Sponsored by author T.A. Barron and the Spark Goodness Program. If you want my expert opinion, teaching our kids about the importance of being a good, kind person is the greatest lesson we could teach them. It's the absolute biggest, most important lesson ever. And it's not like we can just say, "You've got to be kind to others," and we're done. Nope. Teaching our kids about kindness is something we need to do nearly on a daily basis from the time they're toddlers until they … [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...]
what your kids MUST know about plants (hint: they’re a big deal)
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by BLOOM! to spread the word about its Educational Resource Toolkit. All opinions and stories are my own. Did you know that: half of the top 100 most prescribed medicines come from plants? spinach is being used to replicate human organs? simply looking at flowers and nature can improve your mood? 39% of the annual horticultural job openings are unfilled due to lack of qualified applicants? Guess what, friends? Plants are super important. … [Read more...]
5 ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading
Believe it—summer is around the corner. Woo-hoo! Around the corner! As in like just a few weeks away! It’s May! Pools open in May. Weather warms in May. Swim team registration starts in May. We buy bathing suits in May. Wait. How can we even talk about ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading when school isn’t even out yet? Many of us still have assessments to think about, big projects coming though, and a whole lot that has to happen between now and the time those … [Read more...]
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