Pecan trees are the only nut tree that’s native to North America, which is a good reason to celebrate National Pecan Day on April 14 of each year. Pecans can be used in many interesting and surprising ways, and you’ll be able to find some to suit your personal tastes. Besides their delightful taste, pecans […]
My kids do their homework at the kitchen table, so that I can help them. It seems like we are always having to run into either the playroom or my craft room to grab something for homework. I have wanted to make a homework station to corral all of the necessities that they might need, […]
 Tri-fold display board (48 by 36 inches; makes two stations, available at office supply stores) Yardstick and pencil Craft knife Con-Tact paper or paint (optional) Hot glue gun Clothespins Magnets / magnet strip or metal ruler Adhesive backed Velcro dots Zip close binder pouch Small cork square   Use glue dots to affix […]
 With school days coming quickly…kids can get so busy. After school can be a whirlwind of backpacks, notebooks, permission slips, homework, coats, and hats. What better way to keep your “A-students†organized than their very own homework board.  More than just a chalkboard…more than just a cork board….more than just a place to […]
Three easy activities build writing skills now and prepare your child for school this fall. • pad of paper • markers • paintbrush or craft sticks • water or ice cubes 1. Travel Reporter. Whether you’re heading to the beach or the backyard, bring along a pad and markers for your child to record the experience. Remember, her first […]
Watching your child learn to write is thrilling. Here’s how you can help her develop this new skill with confidence.  Three-year-old Hannah and her dad regularly have breakfast together. When she heard that he wouldn’t be home from work until after her bedtime, she decided to write him a note about the blueberry pancakes […]
 Sharing information at the start of school helps you build a strong partnership that will benefit your child all year long.  A few weeks after the start of school, Naomi received a call from her daughter’s preschool teacher. Her normally upbeat 3 year old, Jane, was upset and screaming, “I want my mommy!” […]
In order to understand abstract concepts, your child has to abstract the ideas from their physical surroundings and from the objects that are significant to them. After listening to her mom read The Giving Tree, for example, 4-year-old Rose said, “This book is about selfish.” She was able to extend the theme from the story […]
