9-12 years

Sometimes you just want a little fun whether it’s you and one kid or the whole neighborhood. Here are twelve of the best games we’ve found with a handy printable set of instructions and score sheet. Enjoy! We’ve researched, analyzed, …

color puzzles: fun math and logic for kids | teachmama.com

Helping your child learn how to summarize will greatly increase their ability to sift through details in order to recognize and communicate the main idea of a text, chapter or whole book. All of which are important for understanding and …

How to calm both your child’s “Mommy, Mommy, MOMMY” attention-seeking behaviors and your frazzled Mom nerves by actually noticing and interacting with your kids. The pay-off lasts long beyond that one moment. A little boy, about four, stood at the …

Equals 26 is a truly challenging but “easy” math game that will keep your child engaged as they try to solve the puzzle. Practicing addition skills has never been so much fun! You know those activities that sound so simple …

With a small amount of planning you can give your kids an easy fun way to focus on what they need or want and not be overwhelmed by all the choices available when you make your trip the library. Kids …

strategies for handling sad, tragic news–as a family

how to get kids to talk about school: what every parent must know

Geocaching wraps learning cardinal directions, following clues, and map reading in all the excitement of an old-fashioned treasure hunt. Players, known as Cachers, try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS. They can then share their …

With so many families moving toward self-sufficiency, organic food and homesteading interest in raising chickens is skyrocketing.  Here are five reasons you need a flock in your backyard. We didn’t get our first flock until we were grandparents when we …

8 things all kids must hear their parents to say #selfesteemproject

Anxiety is a normal reaction to some situations, we all get a little anxious the first time we try something or when we are heading into an unknown or unpleasant situation, but when our child’s anxiety reaches a chronic level …

Judge me if you will, but I have finally given in to the pressure of Owen and Cora. I’ve held up for quite a while, though, and for that I’m proud. Every, single year when I bragged about creating fun, …

halloween class party: 10 quickie activities for that extra 10 minutes || free download includes Halloween Word Search, Halloween Crossword Puzzle || teachmama.com

valentine’s day water bottle labels: get kids reading jokes! teachmama.com

Believe it—summer is around the corner.  Woo-hoo! Around the corner!  As in like just a few weeks away!  It’s May! Pools open in May. Weather warms in May.  Swim team registration starts in May.  We buy bathing suits in May. …

flower wish boxes teachmama.com | flower craft for kids | Star Darlings extension activity | friendship craft | flower wish box craft | flower craft

last minute valentine ideas for busy families from valentines to games to valentine party ideas for kids and families | teachmama.com

books about kindness — must-have’s for older and younger readers

the must-send email to teachers before holiday break (or after!) | email for teachers from parents | parent teacher communication letter