parenting challenges, joys, wishes, lessons
Originally published 12/7/09 but republished today because, well, it’s worth it– When I first started teaching, in order to make ends meet, I ran several after-school activity clubs at an elementary school near the high school where I taught. …
The following guest post is written by A.J. Juliani, an author, teacher, and ‘learning addict’.  A.J. is a K-12 Technology Educator who believes in #20time and #geniushour. He’s a father and blogger, and you need to check him out. He’s …
The following guest post is written by Natalie, of Afterschool for Smarty Pants.  Natalie shares ways she enriches her daughter’s learning at home, after school. Check it out. —————————— As you can guess from my blog title, Smarty is a …
Every day is a little bit different in our house—and everyone’s house. But deep down, we all thrive on consistency, on patterns, on schedules. I’ve always been a big fan of implementing a daily schedule for kids, even when parents …
One of our most favorite parts of summer is making our Summer Fun Cards. We’ve made them for the past three years, and each year I’m thrilled that each year the kids really seem to get into it. Summer Fun …
Like so many families, we love Play-Doh over here. And whether it’s the real-deal, packed-in-yellow-containers-Play-Doh or happy homemade-on-the-stovetop-playdough, it doesn’t matter–my kids love it just the same. They’ve even been known to love a total playdough flop. But what I’ve …
remembering the importance of pretend play | teachmama.com | research-based post all about why kids need time to PLAY | imagination and learning
It’s been a gorgeous fall week here, so one morning, Owen, Cora, and I spent a good while at the park with our buddies. Turns out there were a handful of 4’s and 5’s there, and Owen made fast …
This Quick Trick is one of those that works only when I use it only occasionally. It’s one that helps every so often to distract Maddy, Owen, and Cora from the actual task at hand–waiting in line. Whether it’s at …
Back in the end of May, our little familia was experiencing a rough patch. Owen finished preschool a few weeks before Maddy ended kindergarten, Cora’s playgroup was still meeting but Owen’s soccer wasn’t over. The pool was open but school …
In early December, I received an invitation to attend a really awesome event this February– It’s an event created by Resourceful Mommy Media, Mom Bloggers Club, 5 Minutes for Mom, Mom Select, and–of course–the good people at Walt Disney World!The …
