She is the one who taught your son to subtract. He is the person who helps your daughter with her understanding of science concepts. She is the constant influence of a love of learning in your child’s life. And, it is time to honor that special person. Next week, May 5 - 9, is Teacher Appreciation Week! Here are some simple ways to tell your child’s teacher how much he or she is appreciated. Read more…
My second grader came home last week with a small note stapled to his take-home folder. It seems that a project is to be created for a parade his class is having. This project could be an instrument, a flag or a banner, but the idea is to make the entire thing from recycled materials. Use things that you would normally get rid of in a new way. Read more…
The holidays are over, yet Spring is still months away. And, on top of it all, I’ve got a second grader that has decided to attempt to boycott homework and/or school on an almost daily basis (by the way, he doesn’t win, but he does try!). So, to help us through this chilly, “blah” time of the year, I’ve mapped out a few activities to put a spark back in our day. Read more…
Now that school is back in full swing, I’m making the rounds to the teachers, setting up parent-teacher conferences. Now, our schools offer conferences at various times of the year, but I try to make an effort to make a “get acquainted” meeting before then. To me, there is nothing more important in my child’s year than a good relationship between the parent and the teacher. When communication is strong, the child finds a comfortable learning environment and will thrive. Read more…
We all know how this question gets answered most often - with the standard “fine” response. My son was no different from most kids last year; he would not offer up any insight into his day at school without a little prodding. So, I have a little activity we do each day this year to help him recall exactly how his day went. It works whether I’m picking him up in the car, walking him home or he rides the bus. Read more…
Once again, our calendar for the fall overfloweth. And, that’s just with my older son. Cub Scouts, our mid-week ministry at our church, piano lessons, baseball practice and games…and that’s not even touching homework and chores. Throw into the mix my husband’s frequent business trips, my younger son’s preschool and gymnastics schedule, and my insane world of three jobs, a bunko group, church choir, and teaching a parenting class at our church, and you have the makings for a bit of stress. Read more…
