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learning in the every day | teachmama.com provides the tools and resources parents need to be the best teachers for their children | by amy mascott

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YouTube dances for kids: fun indoor moving and grooving to get the wiggles out

YouTube dances for kids: fun indoor moving and grooving to get the wiggles out

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...]

04 | 04 | 2020

top 5 must-read books for kids: babies through teens

books your kids must read teachmama.com sq

Over the years, many readers and friends have asked me the about the must-read books for  kids. Every few weeks, I get asked the million dollar questions: What books should my kids read? What are the best books for 5-year-olds? Which books will my 12-year-old love to read? Please tell me how to spend my book money--which are the must-have books for kids? We're heading to the library. Which books should I pick up? I've had the conversation over and over and over again. So … [Read more...]

10 | 12 | 2018

STEM Lab: free, hands-on STEM activities for kids & teens

STEM Lab: free, hands-on STEM activities for kids & teens | teachmama.com

As a teacher and parent, I am always, always on the hunt for free, hands-on STEM activities for kids and teens. It's always been my goal to raise confident, curious kids--children who question the world around them and want to learn how and why things work the way they do. So whenever we've had questions about things, we researched the answer together. I was recently introduced to an incredible resource that I'm thrilled to share with parents and educators--it's totally free, it's … [Read more...]

09 | 21 | 2018

hello teacher notes: let kids connect with teachers

hello teacher notes

Another one of our fave back-to-school traditions 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. But 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, and Cora.  Okay, and me. We sent them: last year, when Owen went to Kindergarten, Maddy went to 2nd, and … [Read more...]

08 | 20 | 2018

how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways

how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways | teachmama.com

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...]

07 | 02 | 2018

where to find inexpensive books for your kids

inexpensive books for home library teachmaam.com

I'm so thankful that my mom is always looking for inexpensive books for my kids. From the time my kids were born, she's been on the hunt for great, new reads for Maddy, Owen, and Cora.  She searches for their favorite authors at her local library's book sale each time it's held. She keeps an eye out for books at yard sales. And when she finds them, she sets them aside to bring to Maryland, or she keeps them at her house for when we come to visit. It makes a difference. It really, … [Read more...]

06 | 25 | 2018

make this summer rock: Smart Summer Challenge 2018!

smart summer promo teachmama.com 2018 b

Next up? Summer. I'm over the moon thrilled and elated that summer is right around the corner! This year, I've got something so cool planned. So totally awesome and fabulous, I can't stand it. I've just finished up--after months of drafts!--the plans for our Smart Summer Challenge 2018. And it's going to rock. Totally, 110%, completely going to rock. Here's the skinny. . . Smart Summer Challenge 2018 -- an invitation to learn, play, create, and invent -- on their own … [Read more...]

05 | 28 | 2018

alphabet egg hunt: uppercase and lowercase letter match

alphabet egg hunt springtime literacy fun teachmama.com.png

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...]

04 | 13 | 2017

must-have books for easter baskets

must-have books for easter baskets | teachmama.com 3

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...]

04 | 03 | 2017

make free ICE [In Case of Emergency] cards for your kids

make free ICE [In Case of Emergency] cards for your kids @savethechildren #GetReadyGetSafe

Friends. I've shared that this month is National Preparedness Month. Have you checked it out? Have you created your Emergency Prep Kit? Your Go-Bags? Your ICE Cards? It's okay. I know you're busy. We all are. But take two minutes today and create ICE [In Case of Emergency] Cards for your kids. ICE Cards are super easy to make, and the whole purpose of them is to keep your kids safe. Thanks to Save the Children's site, you can make these cards in two minutes. Two … [Read more...]

09 | 26 | 2016

back to school tips and tricks: make this year ROCK #backtoschool #schoolsuccess

school year tips and tricks | teachmama.com

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...]

09 | 02 | 2016

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How to get kids ready for reading and wanting to read! Parents and teachers can help our little ones pull from their growing schema so that they can better understand and appreciate the texts we’re reading to them in read-alouds. #teachmama #reading #activitiesforkids #teaching #learning #elementary #education #literacyWe're all at home (or most of us, anyway!), so let's keep things light and as fun as possible for our children. Let's play Neighborhood I-SPY! No one has to even come close to one another for this game. Simply share the flier and tally sheet, and pass around on your Facebook groups, your neighborhood listserves, you name it. Then choose a date, and start putting the items in windows and on doors. Then let families walk or drive around to hunt for the items!
I like to use some fun hands on learning activities to teach my kids some of the basics and this alphabet activity does just that! Let’s go on an Alphabet Hunt right here in our backyard for things that begin with each letter. #teachmama #alphabet #earlylearning #toddler #preschooler #toddleractivities #abc's #earlylearning #literacy5 super-smart keys to success when it comes to getting kids in the garden!   These are tried and true tips, sure to surprise even the most green-thumb family.   And? Grab a FREE Garden Plan and Harvest Record, which serves a few purposes: 1.) help track of the plants that we are cultivating this year 2.) keep track of the weather this summer 3.) count the number of plants we yield 4.) evaluate the taste of each plant  SUPER cool and actionable tips for you to use today!Have a little one that's ready to start kindergarten and ready to learn to read? This sight word Go Fish game is the perfect way to take the beginning reading phase and the interest in reading and words with a fun educational word game! #learning #kindergarten #reading #literacy #earlychildhood #teaching #words #preschool #kindergarten #activities
Want to raise readers? Here are some top insider secrets top for motivating your kids to read. These tips for moms and teachers will help you to motivate your kids or students to read if they are a bit reluctant! #literacy #reading #education #teaching #kids #readers #learning #tipsFriends, I’ve had the chance to really take a look at @duolingo ABC app over the past few days, and we LOOOVE IT!  In this app—in the form of games and mini-lessons, kids learn: phonemic awareness, fluency, phonics, comprehension, handwriting, sight wordshow to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways  to play with the letters of the alphabet -- some cool, easy ways that take little to no prep at home--> tried, tested, and parent and teacher approved!  Great post to share with parents for some extra at-home support and early literacy learning !
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