Teach risk taking and resilience to the next generation: "The Girl Who Thought in Pictures", a review

My heart pounded as I waited. I was estatic to start school! Finally, the big yellow bus headed down my street!

 I sprinted for the house. 

How to get a box of amazing hands-on science projects sent your door

"You haven't given your kids a chance to be bored!" My mom's assessment of our summer schedule reflects my own feelings, but I don't think my children would agree. No one wants the school schedule back, but they could handle a little excitement, and even some learning. The summer chaos has already doubled my work load in the kitchen and the laundry room. Planning great activities is tough. Can you relate? If so, I have the perfect solution for you today.

How to set up a patriotic craft for your toddler

"Mom, she's messing up my project!" I love having children of several different ages, but hearing this phrase is one of the hazards. So, when I put together the patriotic math craft for my six-year-old together the other day, I decided to put together a toddler July project for my two-year-old as well. The toddler of the patriotic craft offers great fine motor practice, and you can always get familiar with some shapes, colors and counting along the way.

How to stop the Summer Slide without destroying your child's summer

The warm sun bounced down through the leaves of my favorite tree. I'd finished my morning's work, and was now free to enjoy the afternoon. I settled into the perfect smooth corner the branches made with the trunk, and opened the book I'd brought up with me.

I wasn't thinking of anything but enjoying the afternoon, but as a mother and a teacher I now know that by reading all those books I was accidentally preventing something called the Summer Slide. 

5 Better Ideas than Bully Proofing Your Child

The truth is I haven't bully proofed my children. I haven't even tried. Bullying isn't fun and it can be dangerous. I remember how defeating and scary it felt, don't you? Bully proofing isn't the answer though.

Low Stress Guide to an Animal Themed Kids Party

When I first had kids my plans were to limit the number of large kid parties we threw. Then life got rolling and by the time my second child's sixth birthday came around last month, the only question was what kind of party she wanted to throw for her entire class. 

Goals February 2016 and Deep Clean Method for Moms with Toddlers

Happy February! Last month I joined in with the monthly goal share organized by Mama Smiles. Today, I'm back to report, set new goals, and share how I deep clean with my toddler in tow.

Christmas Ornament Subtraction Craft

These DIY ornaments turn out so pretty that children might like to do them at home for fun or as gifts. However, you could easily use them for subtraction practice. They even satisfy the algebraic component called for in Common Core. Who says you can't have Christmas fun and do math at the same time?

Super Fun Holiday Party Activity Cheat Sheet

"Would you make me a paper airplane?" Lunch time was just ending, and I didn't even have paper available when my son's  classmate asked this question.  I thought it was just a random request. Then the next time I visited the school, another child asked for one, and another, and another.  In fact, they were still asking months later when I went in to have them write end-of-the-year thank-you notes to their teacher.  Finally, I realized why they were asking.

Seven insider tips for getting good results when communicating with your child's teacher

10 Ways to be an Awesome Public School Mom

Are your kids starting school soon?  Mine already started this week!  If you are like me, the start of the school year is a bit of a let down.  After enjoying a fun summer of learning together, my kids suddenly take all the supplies we have so carefully gathered and disappear inside that place called "school".  Don't be fooled though!  Your kids need you to be involved during the school year, at least as much as they did during the summer.  As a teacher, always I knew that parents played an irreplaceable role in their students' academic development.  Ten years later, I am even more convinced that in most cases, parents make the difference in whether or not students are successful. Here are ten ways you can be an awesome public school parent (mom or dad!).  Why not try a few of these this year?