written by Christa Jimenez of Pura Vida Moms Disclosure: I had the opportunity to test the app Read With Me Kids in partnership with Imagination Soup and sponsored by Read With Me Kids. As usual, all opinions are my own. I'm always looking for ways to encourage my kids to read-- we have an independent reader and an emerging reader-- and this personalized book app from Read With Me Kids is … [Read more...]
What Learning Benefits Happens When Kids Listen to Lunii Storyteller?
Disclosure: I worked in partnership with Lunii to bring you this information. Lunii, My Fabulous Storyteller, is SO much fun for kids -- it's an interactive, screenless storytelling toy that narrates audio stories which kids have created themselves. Not only does this develop a child's imagination, it builds their vocabulary and builds important pre-reading strategies as well. Use this … [Read more...]
What I’m Doing About My Teenager’s Screen Time Addiction
My 16-year-old daughter's therapist recently had yet another come-to-Jesus talk with my husband and me. Don't get me wrong, it was awesome. They are always awesome. But there's always some regret and a little shame that I feel getting told I need to make changes. Like, why didn't I do things differently in the first place? Why aren't I a better parent? Which is why I'm proud of my husband and me. … [Read more...]
Circle Round: A Storytelling Podcast for Kids With a Global Perspective
Disclosure: I partnered with Circle Round to bring you this information. Do your kids love stories? Then, they'll love Circle Round, a storytelling podcast for children ages 4 - 10 of fascinating fables and folktale stories from other cultures emphasizing values such as kindness, being a good friend, and generosity. Perfect for boys and girls, these 10 - 20-minute stories are the right length to … [Read more...]
Meet Botley, An Adorable Coding Robot for Children 5+
"This is cool!" my daughter exclaimed after trying Botley, the new, adorable blue and green coding robot from Learning Resources. And she's right! Botley is a cool {engaging & fun} way for children five and up to learn hands-on coding. Even better, Botley does not require any other devices-- NO smartphone or tablet required. What's more, I love the growth mindset opportunities like failure and … [Read more...]
Help Your Kids Improve Touch Typing with TypeDojo.Com
Disclosure: I worked in partnership with TypeDojo.com to bring you this post. I think my single MOST helpful class in high school was typing. Why? Because it increased my ability to be productive in my classes by typing faster... and helped me later in life with jobs. (I worked as a temp during my Master's program and now am a freelance writer.) Kids also NEED to learn typing. Touch typing, more … [Read more...]
Hey Clay Modeling Clay App for Kids
Hey Clay! just launched Talking Clay. Talking Clay is an interactive modeling clay app that teaches kids step-by-step how to make clay creations (monsters, aliens, animals, and birds). My kids tested it out by making cute penguins. I loved that it got them being creative together while on screen time! Download on the App Store Download on Google Play Hey Clay is selling a kit to … [Read more...]
Four Steps to Get Your Screen-Loving Kid to Enjoy Books
written by Kaye Newton, Author of How to Get Your Screen-Loving Kids to Enjoy Books Research shows that reading helps children do well in school, the workplace, and life. But many kids prefer to spend all their free time on PlayStation and social media. As parents, how can we get our kids to put down their screens and give books a chance? Four Steps to Get Your Screen-Loving Kid to … [Read more...]
Tips to Teach Kids How To Be Entrepreneurs
Recently my family played a board game invented by 10-year olds. It got me thinking about how to teach kids to be entrepreneurs. Then my daughter announced, "I want to be an entrepreneur," adding, "because you have a good schedule." So clearly being a role model is helpful -- my husband and I are entrepreneurs --with flexible work hours. :) But what else supports children in their efforts to learn … [Read more...]
How to Help Kids KEEP an Innovator Mindset
written by Katey Howes, picture book author of Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe Our children are born with the mindset necessary to be top-notch innovators. From day one, they are curious, flexible, and persistent. As babies and toddlers, every development milestone is achieved through trying, failing, and trying again. No blame, no shame when things don’t go right the first … [Read more...]
3 New Products that Help Kids Learn to Code
In honor of the Hour of Code the second week of December, I wanted to share with you 3 new products that will help kids learn to code: Let's Start Coding, Girls Who Code, and A Beginner's Guide to Coding. Products that Help Kids Learn to Code Let's Start Coding Let's Start Coding Kit teaches kids coding using a kit of hardware and components and a computer app with lessons and projects. I … [Read more...]
DIY STEM Solar System Bracelet (A Great Stocking Stuffer)
Want a cool STEM stocking stuffer? We do, too. And we found it with Rosie Research's DIY Solar System Bracelet! Of course, you can make and gift this crafty learning bracelet anytime of the year. Rosie Research is the brain child of Dr. Erica, a scientist mom who wants kids to be passionate about science. Read more about her journey here. DIY STEM Solar System Bracelet (A Great Stocking … [Read more...]