Get your kids reading this summer! As a teacher, mom, and book nerd, I’m always reading something – for me or for someone slightly younger. Click here for my recommendations by age and topic.
My favorite “get your child to read trick” is (drum roll please . . . ) let them read in [...]

Colorado is home to the first live-action 3D exhibit, and it’s right in your backyard!  …well, depending on how close you live to Globeology at The Wildlife Experience.  That’s right!  Globeology has incorporated 3D technology into their already incredible exhibit.
This exhibit opened just yesterday (June 30th), and Claire and I got a sneak peek [...]

We’ve all been there. Making our children sit down to WRITE seems like punishment for them and for us. Us, when they throw a fit, cry, or refuse to do it . . . sound familiar?
How about these real life writing experiences . . .

LISTS – make a grocery list of your [...]

Last year my daughter came home from school and told me one of her friends “locked her out” or wouldn’t let her play. It happened the next day and the next. I asked, “Do you really think she’s a good friend?”
“Yes,” she insisted.
Suddenly, my whole life flashed before me. How many times [...]

Take a pretend trip around your house. Find a suitcase your child can pack with all the very important essentials of travel — favorite toys, books, and valuables – obviously, no clothes required. Mom and dad can do that.
Use chairs to make your car since your child has just learned to drive.
Don’t forget to [...]

Twenty minutes a day.
It’s the standard homework assignment.  With good reason — practice makes “better.”
Only, it’s not a happy time at my house.
My daughter (A.) has not inherited my passion for books. Since I began reading, I have read for fun, pleasure, escape, and learning.  A. not so much.
And, the irritating thing is that [...]

Children differ.  Does your child . . .
love animals?
like to work with others?
like to set goals?
enjoy singing?
do mental math easily?
like word games?
love maps?
excel in sports?
Everyone is smart. In some way. The examples you just read show the different ways in which children are gifted, or in other words, smart.
Parents, you know your kids are [...]

Don’t you want to tell your kids to just “go outside and play, already?” Do you hear, “But, there’s nothing to do”? Well, how about some Frisbee fun then!
Getting active with kids is all about the fun. First, show your child how to turn the Frisbee into the body, and pitch it [...]

Sort, count, add and compare . . . with food! Okay, m&m’s aren’t very healthy – think of the motivation to snack and count at the same time. Or you could try these activities with Chex Mix, jelly beans, Fruit Loops, or trail mix. (Am I on a food kick or what?)
Grab your [...]

Choose a “weather window” in your house. Label it to remind yourself and your kids. Maybe somewhere near your eating area.
Post a large thermometer outside. Put up a windsock.
Observe. Is it sunny, cloudy, partly cloudy, rainy, or snowy? (Parents, you can talk about what happens to your kids when the barometer changes. [...]