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 … [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...]
how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways
Let's face it: the letters of the alphabet are the building blocks of the English language. They are. The ABCs are among the most important things our children will learn when they're young, and the good news is that they're something that families can very easily help children learn. But how should you teach kids the ABCs? Where should you begin and when should you start? What kinds of supplies do you need? How much time do you need? Really, it's pretty simple, friend. … [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...]
what is a Kendama and why do your kids need one?
My son, Owen, has been pretty much obsessed with the Kendama for the past year. And though I do stress that moderation is key for just about anything my kids do, I'm totally cool with him overdoing it with the Kendama. Why? A few reasons. The Kendama has helped Owen increase his hand-eye coordination. The Kendama has given Owen--and his buddies--a ton to do the past year. The Kendama has boosted Owen's confidence. The Kendama has allowed Owen and his Maryland Kendama Club to … [Read more...]
sight word bingo: color and learn sight words
Playing Sight Word Bingo with my first graders means that these kids are getting more and more practice learning these important words! Like I've said before, it's imperative that emerging readers commit these words to memory since sight words often defy the rules of standard phonics. We need our readers to know these words by sight and to read them quickly and with automaticity. What I love about Sight Word Bingo is that students are not only practicing reading sight words, but they're … [Read more...]
our visit to nintendo us headquarters: 5 cool surprises #nintendoamerica
We visited Nintendo US Headquarters in Seattle, Washington last week. Nintendo. Headquarters. Nintendo HQ. You guys, it was awesome. Our family was invited by the great people at Nintendo to check out the HQ and to learn about what Nintendo has in store for the upcoming holiday season. Actually, even though I really, truly enjoyed the experience, I think I may have scored some really huge mom-points with Maddy and Owen. And as they move quickly into their teen years, I will … [Read more...]
how to get kids to talk about school: what every parent must know
School's in full swing here, and if your house is anything like mine, getting kids to talk about their day is sometimes difficult. I want to know everything: Who did they sit with at lunch? Who did they play with at recess? How do they like their tablemates? What book did they start in Guided Reading? Who hosted the morning tv show? But it's hard. The kids are tired at 3pm, they're even more tired at 7pm, and the last thing they want to do is talk to boring old Mom about … [Read more...]
quick and easy math game: strike it out!
Originally published December 7, 2011, but republishing because it rocks. I'm always on the hunt for ways to make math more fun over here, especially since math is not my forte. So when Maddy came home with 'play game with someone' as her assignment one day a few weeks ago, I was all for it. Mommy! I get to play a game for homework tonight! Let's start it right away!! Music. To. My. Ears. And the more we played, the more I loved it. And the more we played, the more Owen wanted … [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...]
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