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...]
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...]
Online PD for teachers: Advancement Courses
This year, I'm thrilled to be partnering with Advancement Courses, courses designed to be more engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable-- with real feedback and application in today's K-12 classroom. Continuing education can be one of the biggest challenges for us as teachers today. I feel like I'm always asking: Where are all the relevant, meaningful courses? Where are all the courses approved by my school and the state? Where is the professional development that fits my schedule? Where is … [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...]
back-to-school deals at staples that families don’t want to miss
This past weekend, Maddy, Owen, Cora, and I did our annual Back-to-School Supply shopping extravaganza only at Staples. But this year was a wee bit different than other years. And? It was an absolute blast. This year, we went to Staples, and we shared our school-supply haul live on Facebook--and we were live on Instagram. If you joined us, thank you. If you missed it, no problem. I have it all here, and I'm highlighting a few of our fave deals--deals that families don't want … [Read more...]
hello teacher notes: let kids connect with teachers
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...]
back-to-school eye exams: get kids ready for the school year
This post was written as part of a partnership with MyEyeDr. Did you know that kids should have their eyes examined each year before school begins? Did you know that back-to-school eye exams will help to ensure that children's eyes are performing their best for academic success each school year? It's true. And honestly, I'm embarrassed to admit that back-to-school eye exams are something that I never, ever thought of for my kids. Ever. Until now. So along with … [Read more...]
how to prepare your child for kindergarten — summertime prep
This time last summer, we were gearing up to send off my sweet boy to Kindergarten, and this year, it's my baby's turn. Cora will walk into those elementary school doors this time, and then it will just be me. I'll walk home by myself, to an empty house, with a happy dog, until the kids' day ends at 3 o'clock. I can't even begin to think about it, or I swear I'll bawl my eyes out. But what's been keeping me focused this summer, along with our crazy swim and dive schedules, trip to the … [Read more...]
help kids stay in touch with friends when school’s out: autograph sheet
I can't even believe it, but school's almost out for my kids. Though I'm totally psyched to begin our Smart Summer Challenge this year, I'm also always a little sad when the school year ends. It means my kids are getting older and that time continues to move . . . quickly. This year, especially I feel like I'm having a difficult time as Maddy moves into the wilds of middle school leaving Owen and Cora behind in elementary school. It has been a true joy for me to have all three kids … [Read more...]
yoga brain breaks: use fitflow to teach kids yoga moves from fit4Schools
I am a longtime fan of keeping our kids moving and grooving so that they feel better and do better. And now that I'm back in the classroom, brain breaks are my fave. Add a little yoga to the brain break mix, and I'm the happiest teacher of 'em all. Yoga brain breaks? You got it. Thanks to fit4Schools fitFlow cards and their super-cool Slideshow of Yoga presentation, my students and I have been taking yoga brain breaks each day for the past few weeks, and I really think my first … [Read more...]
teacher appreciation gifts for all of your kids’ teachers
Friends. Teacher Appreciation gifts can sometimes break the bank, and I know that can be hard. But being a teacher myself, I can tell you that really, sometimes simple and heartfelt is a much better way to go. Teachers appreciate hearing 'thank you' any day of the week. Really and truly. Having three kids in school and about a million teachers to recognize, I know it can also get super expensive to give gifts to these important people in your children's lives. Here's a sweet and … [Read more...]
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