Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com on behalf of the Paper + Packaging Board. Staying organized is a huge goal of mine because I've been flying by the seat of my pants for too long. (I am not going to show you a photo of my office desk or floor. I'm a piler!) That's why I was so interested when Paper & Packaging offered to help me stay organized and be more productive with … [Read more...]
STEM Study Tips for Teens
Students in high school need study and organization tips that emphasize visual learning, especially with STEM topics. Most parents agree that STEM topics are essential subjects but are also subjects in which their children struggle. Students can use Post-it® Super Sticky Notes, Flags and Tabs from the Post-it® Brand World of Color Rio de Janeiro collection with these helpful study tips to improve … [Read more...]
Get Organized! Classroom Organization Ideas and Hacks for Teachers
Now that it’s mid-way through the year, it’s time to get your classroom organized with these easy tips and ideas sponsored by Staples. Don’t miss out on Staple’s Teacher Rewards program – it gives you free shipping, 5% back in rewards, and up to 10% back in rewards on teaching and art supplies. Classroom Organization Ideas 1. Color Code Subjects I always color code each subject – … [Read more...]
Cozi Back to School Organization App and Sweepstakes
Cozi, a TODAY Show ‘must-have app’ is giving away a Kindle Fire HD! Join me in using Cozi to organize your family calendar, shopping lists, and to-dos. It's the perfect app for families juggling new routines, school events, and after-school activities. Plus, it's accessible from your computer, mobile phone, or tablet. You just use one email for your entire family that everyone uses to log … [Read more...]
Back to School Daily Tips from iVillage
Join me for iVillage's 4-week back-to-school daily emails of tips and printables. I'm telling you because I love the idea of short reminders to help us transition into the school year. And, I'm also one of the coaches. :) The emails are free and last for four weeks. They include: -- 2 weeks of end-of-summer strategies (I need this, too!) -- 2 weeks of tips to help you save time and get … [Read more...]
Ideas and Activities for Summer Learning, Ages 3 – 6
If your kids are ages 3 to 6, you want to find easy ways to keep them engaged, playing, and learning throughout the summer. Don't worry, I got you covered with some snazzy, new ideas and resources. (Those of you with kids 6 - 10, you'll want to read yesterday's post about getting organized and finding fun activities for summer learning. Lots of ideas there, too.) Pretend Play Play is the way … [Read more...]
Activity Ideas for Summer Learning, Ages 6 – 10
Make this summer a time of playful learning and hands-on experiences. I love what I can do with my kids over the summer to encourage learning. Did you know that most kids regress two months in math and one or two months in reading? (Cooper, 1996) Yikes! We keep a summer schedule that includes learning activities, art, outside time, play, reading, friend time, room time, music, and choice time. … [Read more...]
Book Rhymes with Nook (Enter to Win!)
You, my wonderful readers, go to the library with your kids. I know this. Now I’m wondering about your home libraries; so is Target. And Target wants to give one of you a . . . NOOK . . . and to tell you about the Target School Library Makeovers and Literacy Pilot program. Nice, right? :) School libraries need our help - badly. (Did you see this post about DC Schools cutting almost 50 … [Read more...]
Spaces for Kids to Create
I don't know about you but I'm always adapting my organizational systems for my kids and their ages. Especially when it comes to writing and art - which go hand in hand, don't you think? At ages six and nine, I've given the girls work spaces and easy access to supplies. Not only that, I try to display as much of their writing and art as possible. Spaces for Kids to Create A large desk with … [Read more...]
Teach a Child to Fish, Feed Her For Life
I splurged on the Fisher Kids Responsibility System because I needed a system to encourage all of us to keep the house clean, to teach the kids new things, and to build responsibility. Here's what didn't work: Magnetic Chore Chart Written Chore Chart No Chore Chart Nagging Weekly allowance -we only sometimes remembered to give. The Fisher Kids belief is "If I fish for a man, … [Read more...]
Arts and crafts corner
"NO one in this house is allowed to say that they're bored any more!!!" Some of you remember theWhat Should I Do? post and printable. I still point my kids to that picture chart of ideas if they say that there is NOTHING to do. Oh, but there is. Most days, my kids choose to do arts and crafts. And, the best thing? I don't do anything!! I just provide materials in the arts and crafts … [Read more...]