When we introduce diverse cultures to kids, it enlarges their worlds. Picture books from different countries give kids an important appreciation for both other cultures and people. In today's list, many of the picture books are about foods! Very relatable to all kids, right!? Because we all eat. It's a fun way to learn about different countries. Read the books. Then, … [Read more...]
Financial Literacy with Star Banks Game and Money Confident Kids Curriculum
Disclosure: I'm working with T. Rowe Price to bring you this information. We often forget to teach our kids financial literacy. Now you can. Teachers and parents, you can introduce age-appropriate financial concepts with the updated (and free) Star Banks Adventure game by T. Rowe Price for grades 5-8 and the free Money Confident Kids curriculum. Star Banks Adventure Financial Concepts … [Read more...]
Comprehensive Learning Upgrade English and Math App
Disclosure: I am working with Learning Upgrade to bring you this information. Learning Upgrade is an app with over 900 lessons about reading English and math. It's an app for students who are struggling, English language learners, special needs students, homeschool students, and any adult learner who wants practice. Comprehensive Learning Upgrade: English and Math App What does this app … [Read more...]
Minecraft Coming to a Denver Movie Theater This Week!
Disclosure: I'm working with Super League Gaming to bring you this post. Does your child love Minecraft? This weekend on Saturday morning, instead of just playing at home, they can enjoy the game while meeting new friends as part of a local team representing Denver, thanks to Super League Gaming and their Minecraft City Champs tournament, run in partnership with Nickelodeon. It’s like little … [Read more...]
STEAM Play With American Girl Dolls
Get your imaginative kids to incorporate pretend doll play, specifically with American Girl dolls, with technology, art, and writing -- a STEAM activity -- by making a stop motion movie of your dolls. Here's how. . . STEAM Play with American Girl Dolls First, make a plan and write a script. (The A in STEAM.) JJ, my 12-year old, LOVES her American Girl dolls. She wanted to showcase two specific … [Read more...]
STEM Skills in ThinkFun’s Roller Coaster Challenge
We've been loving ThinkFun's Roller Coaster Challenge. Kids get the STEM skills of logic, spatial reasoning, and engineering plus a satisfying end result in a fun loop de loop roller coaster game. The game is for ages 6 and up. Both my 12 and 15 year old enjoy playing with it so it's engaging enough to span a wide range of ages. Get ThinkFun's Roller Coaster Challenge! STEM Skills in … [Read more...]
Monica Wellington’s Cheerful, Kid-Appealing Picture Books
Monica Wellington writes and illustrates the most charming picture books and board books for children. Have you seen any? Kids love the bright, cheerful illustrations and the appealing storylines. Parents and teachers appreciate the learning opportunities within each book. Monica Wellington's Cheerful, Kid-Appealing Picture Books Pay close attention in Wellington's new picture book, Truck … [Read more...]
Parent and Teacher Resources for National Fire Prevention Week
This is a post sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association and SparkySchoolhouse.org. Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week is October 8 - 14? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is my recommended go-to source for Fire Prevention Week 2017 resources. Parents and teachers of preschool through 5th grade kids, you'll want to check out these … [Read more...]
26 Book Series for 6th Graders (11 Year Olds)
Find 26 compelling book series for your 6th graders (11-year-olds) to keep them reading. Because there's nothing like a good book; even better when it's in a series! 26 Book Series for 6th Graders (11 Year Olds) Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders by Brandon Mull FANTASY / ADVENTURE Brandon Mull has outdone himself with an inventive, totally unique world and characters! Cole, a regular kid, is … [Read more...]
Take a Technology Inventory: What’s Working and What We’re Changing
I'm excited to be working with CenturyLink to discuss taking a technology inventory. Have you taken inventory of your technology lately? With summer's end and the kids back in school, it's a good time for anyone to do a technology check. In our case, we really needed to readjust. Last school year I realized my teen needed more limits on her screen time to start her freshman year strong. So, we … [Read more...]
27 Book Series for 5th Graders (10 Year Olds)
If you're looking for a good book series for your 5th graders (10 year olds), here are 28 great choices for every interest. See ALL my book recommendations for 10 year olds here. Printable list here. Book Series for 5th Graders (10-Year-Olds) All Four Stars by Tara Dairman REALISTIC Food-enthusiast Gladys is suffering in a house of microwaving parents. Gladys not only appreciates quality … [Read more...]
Clever Logic Race Game: Dr. Microbe
Ready for a new family game? You're going to love this clever new game from Blue Orange. It's called Dr. Microbe. It's a fine motor, visual perception, and logic game using microbes in a petri dish. Clever Logic Race Game: Dr. Microbe The Dr. Microbe Game is for 2 - 4 players, ages 7+. (The box says age 8 plus but I am positive younger than 8 kids can easily play this game with modified … [Read more...]