Parent involvement in the education system, more specifically in your own child's education is extremely important. Not only does it show the teacher that you are willing to help and do what it takes to help your child succeed, it...
Continue reading "Why You Need to Know How Your Child Is Doing in School"
Schoolwork
There is increasing concern among parents today about the quality of education being given to their children. Each state is participating in different things to monitor and maintain standards within their local schools. The education system can only do so...
Continue reading "Parent Involvement in School"
Dorothy Rich, author of Mega Skills once said, "In this complex world, it takes more than a good school to educate children. And it takes more than a good home. It takes these two major educational institutions working together." Parent...
Continue reading "Parent Involvement in Education"
Most parents aren't sure when to teach the ABCs to their children. You hear different time frames from friends and family that you should start at two years or so when the child begins to talk. Others will wait until...
Continue reading "When to Start Teaching the Alphabet"
Teaching your child the ABCs is a fun and rewarding time for both you and your child. There are many different methods to teach the ABCs and it is always best to go at your child's pace. Let's look at...
Continue reading "Toys and Games that Help Teach the Alphabet"
If you are a parent you are probably aware of all the different methods used to teach the ABCs. Finding a method that will work for your child is not always an easy task. Of course learning the ABCs depends...
Continue reading "Top Five Ways to Teach the ABCs"
The best way to evaluate what age you should start teaching the ABCs is with your child. Pace yourself and don't try to make your child into a genius by forcing too much on them, after all, they are still...
Continue reading "Tips for Teaching ABCs"
Do you know how to teach the ABCs? There are a few things you need to learn before you start teaching your child the ABCs. You need to know when your child is ready to learn the alphabet. The perfect...
Continue reading "Teaching ABCs 101"
If you have a preschooler you are most likely teaching the ABC's to them. Your child doesn't need to know all the academics of the ABC's, just the basics. Get them ready to learn the ABC's by reading to them...
Continue reading "Teaching ABCs to Preschool Age Children"
If you are like most parents you are looking for ways to teach the ABC's to your toddler. There are many different methods for teaching the ABC's, but there isn't one particular method that stands out the best. So many...
Continue reading "Proven Methods for Teaching ABCs"
The ABC's are a wonderful time in your child's life as they continue to grow and increase their knowledge. There are many ways to teach the ABC's to your children and making the ABC's fun is easy to do. Play...
Continue reading "Making ABCs More Fun"
If you are the parent of a school-age child you may want them to eat a healthy lunch but you may be wondering if it is worth the trouble. With the ease of purchasing a school lunch or other choices...
Continue reading "The Importance of Your Child's Healthy Lunch"
Most parents like to teach the ABC's to their children, but aren't sure how to teach the ABC's. There are so many different ways to teach the ABC's that it can be confusing to find a method that works for...
Continue reading "How to Teach Your Child Their ABCs"
So you have decided that your child will brown bag his or her lunch to school. You will send your little darling off with a lunch bag full of nutritious delights that will entice them to eat lunch while still...
Continue reading "What Every Nutritious Brown Bag Lunch Should Include"
As a parent teaching the ABC's to your child can be rewarding and frustrating. Never rush your child to learn the ABC's too quickly. Studies have shown that most children can begin learning the ABC's around age two. Let's explore...
Continue reading "Fun Ways to Help Your Child Learn ABCs"
One of the biggest challenges facing a parent or caregiver everyday is the dreaded lunch pack. This is where you must decide what to pack in your child's lunch that just might entice them to eat while providing them with...
Continue reading "What to Avoid if You Want to Send Nutritious Sack Lunches"
If you are a parent faced with the dilemma everyday of packing a lunch your child will actually eat while providing them with some nutrition, you are not alone. Parents everywhere face the challenge of getting some nutrition into their...
Continue reading "Tips for Sneaking Nutritious Foods into Your Child's Brown Bag"
It is becoming increasingly difficult to provide children with healthy foods, especially for those school aged children. Providing nutrition at school has not become a hot topic and schools' are beginning to change menus, and provide more eating options for...
Continue reading "Nutrition at School"
Many parents are suffering from brown bag burnout by this time of year. You may have spent the last several months trying to dream up a sufficiently varied and nutritious lunches for your children to take to school, or your...
Continue reading "The Benefits of Nutritious Sack Lunches"
The state of school lunch today is one of almost complete disarray. School districts across the country are turning their school cafeterias into mere delivery systems for pre-packaged and overly processed food for their students' lunches. In many districts schools...
Continue reading "Sending Healthy Lunches to School with Your Child"
If you are a parent you may be struggling with a way to come up with something new and nutritious for your child's lunch. While you may be tempted to give in and let them eat the overly processed food...
Continue reading "Nutritious Sack Lunches For Your Child"
When parents consider the present state of many school lunch programs with their massive budget cuts and little regard for nutrition they are left in a state of concern about what their kids will be eating during the school day....
Continue reading "How to Make Your Child's Lunch More Nutritious"
If you are facing the challenge of sending nutritious brown bag lunches with your child to school you are not alone. Parents everywhere are constantly racking their brains and their recipe files in an attempt to tempt their little darlings...
Continue reading "Helping Your Child Want Nutritious Brown Bag Lunches"
If you are confused and overwhelmed about all the possibilities for brown bag lunches you are not alone. Whether you are concerned about sending your child to school with a nutritious lunch or want to up your own nutrition during...
Continue reading "A Look At Nutritious Brown Bag Lunches"
Here are some things that you need to do when searching for colleges. Number One: The first thing that you need to do when doing a college search is to know important questions and considerations about the colleges when you...
Continue reading "What You Need to Do When Searching For Colleges"
Choosing which college your child is going to attend is a major decision that you and they are going to need to make. This is a decision that can not be taken lightly and a lot of thought and preparation...
Continue reading "Finding the Best College For Your Child"
Choosing which college your child is going to attend is a major decision that you and they are going to need to make. This is a decision that can not be taken lightly and a lot of thought and preparation...
Continue reading "College Trip Tips"
When you are looking at colleges for your child there are some things that you are going to need to keep in mind so that you can choose the college that is right for your child. One of the first...
Continue reading "Tips for College Searches and Visiting Colleges"
When you are searching for colleges for your student one of the most important things that you are going to do is to actually go and visit the college. One thing that you need to do is to make sure...
Continue reading "Questions to Ask On Your College Search"
When you are getting your child ready to go to college it seems that you can get answers to almost every question out there. There is information that is provided to you about financial aid, how to apply for each...
Continue reading "How to Go About A College Search"
Choosing the right college for your child is one of the most important things that you will be doing. There are some things that you need to know about before you go and visit colleges. One of the reasons why...
Continue reading "Finding the Right College Through College Trips"
If you and your child plan on making a few trips to colleges to help decide which college would be the best choice then you need to think about a few things. What this means is that you don’t want...
Continue reading "Need to Know: College Trips"
When you send your child off to school for the first time there are a lot of things that go through your head. You are probably worried about whether or not your child will make friends easily or if they...
Continue reading "Need to Know: Backpack Safety"
Every child who goes to school is likely to have a backpack. We even send our kindergarteners and preschoolers off with cute backpacks that are really more for show than for real function. As our kids get older they develop...
Continue reading "Making Sure Junior's Backpack Isn't Too Heavy"
Image and appearance are very important for children. They want to express themselves and to be liked by their peers. As their backpack will be one of the things that they will have on their person at all times and...
Continue reading "Making Sure Your Child Has A Proper Backpack"
As parents we have the responsibility of doing what we believe is best for our children. This means protecting them from harm and teaching them the things that they will need to know in order to grow and develop into...
Continue reading "Backpack Safety Tips for Parents"
A child’s backpack can cause serious health problems if it is not chosen carefully and worn properly. Chiropractors and physical therapists have reported a dramatic increase in child patients who suffer from back pain that can be directly linked to...
Continue reading "Adjusting the Straps of Junior's Backpack for Safety"
The following are some of the common worries moms and dads have: 1.Drugs: Let’s face it. In today’s world. Getting drugs and using drugs is much easier than it once was. Most children know at least one person that uses...
Continue reading "Top Five Worries of Moms and Dads"
College is a choice in a student’s life that should take serious consideration and time. For one, it is an expensive thing to do. Going to college for the sake of only experiencing the social perks might not be the...
Continue reading "Considerations For The Family Looking at Colleges"
When a child starts high school, as a parent, you should be actively talking to your child about college. Regularly discuss all of the choices that they need to make to put themselves in a good position so that it...
Continue reading "Helping Your Teen Make the College Decision"
Choosing the right college isn’t a decision that you make all by yourself as a parent. Hopefully you involve the child that will be attending school in the Fall in the decision making process so that they can appreciate the...
Continue reading "Tips For Choosing the Right College For Your Child"
There is a stereotype in the American mind that pictures a high school graduate packing up in the summer and then moving out of the house in the fall and attending a four-year college that they will graduate from and...
Continue reading "Alternatives To The Traditional College Education"
Picking a college to go to is an exciting choice that you get to make in your life. Think of it as one of the most important choices you will make in your teen years that will affect your entire...
Continue reading "Tips For Choosing The Right College For You"
There are several facts that we need to look at regarding peer pressure. Here is a list of several of those facts, and how they pertain to your teen. Puberty facts There is something that happens to our teens that...
Continue reading "The Facts You Need To Combat Peer Pressure"
There are a number of different and simple things that you can do in order to help your child love to read. Reading is one of the most important tools for any child to master for a number of reasons....
Continue reading "Steps To Grooming A Book Lover"
The single most important factor in raising a reader is the activity of the parent in the child's early life. An enormous number of studies have demonstrated that the most important factor in children learning how to read and loving...
Continue reading "Raising A Reader"
There are a number of important things that you can do in order to encourage your child to read. Numerous different studies have demonstrated that the intervention of parents and daily reading to your children are the most important elements...
Continue reading "Books, Books, Books: Steps For Encouraging Reading"
Consumers today have more options than ever in their attempt to combat rising tuition costs and save for college. One of the most popular (and perhaps easiest) is known as the loyalty program. These are also known as affinity programs;...
Continue reading "Using UPromise to Save for College"
There are a number of ways that you can get your child to love reading. By following a few simple tips and participating in reading with your children, it is much easier for you to get your child to love...
Continue reading "How To Help Your Child Learn To Love Reading"
Studies have shown that one of the most important indicators of a child's future success in school and in the workplace is the ability to read and the love of reading. The ability to read well opens up access to...
Continue reading "How To Raise A Reader"
While we can all hope for the easy fix, saving for college often comes with a lot of sacrifice and certainly a lot of planning. While tuition costs keep rising, there are very specific things that parents (and students) can...
Continue reading "What You Can Do to Save for College"
Every parent knows that teenagers think they know everything; in fact, trying to tell teenagers something is sometimes next to impossible. But as a parent, you want to make sure that your teen is more money-smart; this way they don't...
Continue reading "How To Make Your Teen Money Smart"
The time has come for you to send your baby out into the world of kindergarten. Even though the first day of school might be one of anxiety for you, it doesn't have to be one of anxiety for your...
Continue reading "Tips for Making the First Day of Kindergarten Easy As 1-2-3"
Kindergarten is the very beginning of your child's academic career. It is the place where they will learn the alphabet, how to count, how to follow direction, art skills, and all sorts of other fun stuff. To make sure your...
Continue reading "Skills Your Child Should Master Before Kindergarten"
Movies and advertisements may show beaming college graduates tossing their caps in the air while their proud parents look on. While every parent eagerly looks forward to a day like this, the reality is that this may have come with...
Continue reading "Expert Tips for Saving for College"
If your child is getting ready to start kindergarten, there are a number of things you can do to help them prepare. One of these things is to incorporate books about kindergarten into your normal reading routine. You don't need...
Continue reading "Books to Read For Kindergarten Preparation"
Without doubt, reading with children spells success for early literacy. Putting a few simple strategies into action will make a significant difference in helping children develop into good readers and writers....
Continue reading "Simple Strategies for Creating Strong Readers"
Adams, Marilyn J., Foorman, Barbara R., Lundberg, Ingvar, & Beeler, Terri. (1997). Phonemic Awareness in Young Children: A Classroom Curriculum. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co....
Continue reading "Reading Bibliography"
Living Books: Interactive Animated Stories (Ages 3-7) These programs provide a place for children to hear a story, read along with the narrator, or read by themselves. They also can interact with characters and objects and play games that teach...
Continue reading "Computer Programs for Reading"
Children's Magazines...
Continue reading "Children's Reading Magazines"
Beginning Readers...
Continue reading "Beginning and Early Readers Books"
Multiple-Language Books for Preschoolers-First-Graders...
Continue reading "Multiple-Language Reading Books"
Rhyming Books for Toddlers-Kindergartners...
Continue reading "Reading Books for Toddlers-First-Graders"
Alphabet Books for Preschoolers-First-Graders...
Continue reading "Reading Books for Preschoolers-First-Graders"
Here's a sampling of books, computer programs, and Web sites that you and your child can enjoy together. Check with your local librarian for more suggestions....
Continue reading "Reading Resources for Children"
Some Other Informative Web Sites for Parents and Caregivers...
Continue reading "Web Sites for Parents and Caregivers on Reading"
The following books are just a few of the many excellent books on reading with children. Check with your librarian for titles of more books and for children's book lists....
Continue reading "Books on Reading for Parents"
Learning Disabilities Association of America...
Continue reading "Other Awareness and Advocacy Organizations for Reading"
Federal or Federally Funded Clearinghouses...
Continue reading "Resources for Reading Problem or Learning Disability"
For information about adult and family literacy programs in your community, be sure to check at your local library. Other resources on literacy and reading include:...
Continue reading "Private Organizations That Deal with Literacy and Reading"
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)...
Continue reading "More Federal Reading Resources"
Federal Offices or Federally Funded Clearinghouses That Provide Information on Literacy and Learning U.S. Department of Education (ED)...
Continue reading "Reading Resources for Families and Caregivers"
At age 6, most first-graders can:...
Continue reading "Language Accomplishments for Children - age 6"
At age 5, most kindergartners become able to:...
Continue reading "Language Accomplishments for Children - age 5"
From ages 3-4, most preschoolers become able to:...
Continue reading "Language Accomplishments for Children - ages 3-4"
From birth to age 3, most babies and toddlers become able to:...
Continue reading "Language Accomplishments for Children - birth to age 3"
Learning to read is built on a foundation of language skills that children start to learn at birth—a process that is both complicated and amazing. Most children develop certain skills as they move through the early stages of learning language....
Continue reading "Typical Language Accomplishments for Children"
There are many ways that you can encourage your child to become a reader. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to make sure that you are keeping on track:...
Continue reading "A Reading Checklist"
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your child's learning and watch for signs of possible problems. Here are some things to look for and to discuss with his teacher:...
Continue reading "Watching Your Child Progress with Reading"
There is a law—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA—that may allow you to get certain services for your child from your school district....
Continue reading "There is a Law"
Your child may resist being read to or joining with you in the activities in this booklet. If so, keep trying the activities, but keep them playful....
Continue reading "If You Think There's a Problem"
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it. Keep in mind, though, that young children often imitate what they see, good or bad. It's up to you to decide how much TV and what kinds of shows your...
Continue reading "Taking Charge of TV"
Parents Guide to the Internet published by the U.S. Department of Education, 1997. (call toll-free 1-877-4ED-PUBS to request a free copy, or order online at http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html)....
Continue reading "Useful Computer Resources for Reading"
If you don't have a computer at home, ask your librarian if you and your child may use one of the library's computers....
Continue reading "Finding and Using a Computer for Reading"
Computers can't replace the reading and writing activities discussed earlier in this booklet. But computers can support what these activities teach your child....
Continue reading "Learning to Read with Computers"
Babies and toddlers. Many libraries have group story hours that are short and geared to the attention spans of the children....
Continue reading "Supervised Story Times"
Visiting the Library Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning and discovery for everyone. Ask at the library about getting a library card in your child's name and, if you don't already have one, get a card...
Continue reading "Other Ways to Help Your Child with Reading"
For children ages 3 to 6 Reading and writing support each other. The more your child does of each, the better she will be at both....
Continue reading "Write On!"
For children ages 3 to 6 Telling family stories lets your child know about the people who are important to him. They also give him an idea of how one thing leads to another in a story....
Continue reading "Family Stories"
For children ages 3 to 6 When your child acts out a poem or story, she shows her own understanding of what it is about. She also grows as a reader by connecting emotions with written words....
Continue reading "Take a Bow!"
For children ages 3 to 6 Listening for and saying sounds in words will help your child to learn that spoken words are made up of sounds, which gets him ready to match spoken sounds to written letters—an important first...
Continue reading "Match My Sounds"
For children ages 3 to 6 Rhyming activities help your child to pay attention to the sounds in words....
Continue reading "Rhyme with Me: It's Fun, You'll See!"
For children ages 3 to 6 Books that have no words, just beautiful pictures, invite you and your child to use your imaginations to make up your own stories to go with the pictures....
Continue reading "A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words"
For children ages 2 to 6 Starting a home library for your child shows her how important books are. Having books of her own in a special place boosts the chance that your child will want to read even more....
Continue reading "A Home for My Books"
For children ages 2 to 6 Books with words or actions that appear over and over help your child to predict or tell what happens next. These are called "predictable" books. Your child will love to figure out the story...
Continue reading "What Happens Next?"
For children ages 2 to 6 Sharing the alphabet with your child helps her begin to recognize the shapes of letters and to link them with the sounds of spoken language. She will soon learn the difference between individual letters—what...
Continue reading "As Simple as ABC"
For children ages 1 to 6 Continue talking with your older child as you did with your baby. Talking helps him to develop language skills and lets him know that what he says is important....
Continue reading "Chatting with Children"
For babies from age 6 weeks to 1 year Sharing books is a way to have fun with your baby and to start him on the road to becoming a reader....
Continue reading "Books and Babies"
For babies from birth to 1 year Babies love hearing your voice. When you answer your child's sounds with sounds of your own, she learns that what she "says" has meaning and is important to you....
Continue reading "Baby Talk"
What follows are ideas for language-building activities that you can do with your child to help her build the skills she needs to become a reader. Most public libraries offer free use of books, magazines, videos, computers, and other services....
Continue reading "Reading Activities"
If your child's first language is not English, she can still become an excellent English reader and writer. She is on her way to successful English reading if she is beginning to learn many words and is interested in learning...
Continue reading "Reading in Another Language"
Writing and reading go hand in hand. As your child is learning one, he is learning the other. You can do certain things to make sure that he gets every opportunity to practice both....
Continue reading "Early Efforts To Write"
Children are fascinated by how books look and feel. They see how easily you handle and read books, and they want to do the same....
Continue reading "How Does a Book Work?"
When you take your child to the library, check out a book for yourself. Then set a good example by letting your child see you reading for yourself....
Continue reading "Show Your Child That You Read"
The books that you pick to read with your child are very important. If you aren't sure of what books are right for your child, ask a librarian to help you choose titles. (For more information on what libraries have...
Continue reading "Look for Books!"
From the earliest days, talk with your child about what you are reading. You might point to pictures and name what is in them....
Continue reading "What Does It Mean?"
Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a book to him for the first time. How different from just talking!...
Continue reading "Reading Together"
Scientists who study the brain have found out a great deal about how we learn. They have discovered that babies learn much more from the sights and sounds around them than we thought previously. You can help your baby by...
Continue reading "Talking and Listening"
Every step a child takes toward learning to read leads to another. Bit by bit, the child builds the knowledge that is necessary for being a reader. Over their first 6 years, most children:...
Continue reading "Becoming a Reader"
Keep in mind, however, that children don't all learn at the same pace. And even though they learn new things, they may have "old favorites"—books and activities from earlier years—that they still enjoy. You are the best person to decide...
Continue reading "Reading: Introduction 4"
The major portion of the website contains activities that you can use with your child to strengthen her language skills and encourage her love of reading. However, these activities are only a starting point. We hope that you and your...
Continue reading "Reading: Introduction 3"
You could say that your baby starts on the road to becoming a reader on the day she is born and first hears the sounds of your voice. Every time you speak to her, sing to her, and respond to...
Continue reading "Reading: Introduction 2"
Years of research show clearly that children are more likely to succeed in learning when their families actively support them. When you and other family members read with your children, help them with homework, talk with their teachers, and participate...
Continue reading "Reading: Introduction 1"
Camps that focus on many different fields of science and technology are available across the country for children of elementary school age and up. Some of the organizations listed in the section above may provide information. In addition, check the...
Continue reading "Science Camps"
The following websites are some of the many that contain great links for both you and your child, in addition to the federal websites. Most of these listings provide information about how to search for specific information and links to...
Continue reading "Science Websites"
Through the Internet, your child can have access to a vast array of science resources. Many of these resources are both educational and entertaining. Others, however, are inappropriate for children or provide inaccurate information. Here are some suggestions for helping...
Continue reading "Science on the Internet"
Even though the quality of the science programming seen on TV varies a lot, some programs are able to provide accurate science information in a way that both informs children and captures and holds their interest....
Continue reading "Science on TV"
Children don't need fancy science toys or kits to learn science. However, if you want to buy them for your child, you'll find that toy stores, hobby shops and science specialty shops have a large selection of kits and toys...
Continue reading "Science Toys"
Ask. Cobblestone Publishing Company. Toll-free: (800) 821-0115. www.cobblestonepub.com. (grades 2-4)...
Continue reading "Science Magazines for Children"
Cobb, Vicky. Don't Try This at Home! Science Fun for Kids on the Go. New York: Harper Trophy, 1998. (P)...
Continue reading "Science Activities and Science Fair Project Books"
Adler, David A. How Tall, How Short, How Far Away. New York: Holiday House, 1999. (P)...
Continue reading "Physical Science, Engineering and Technology Books"
Arnold, Caroline. Animals That Migrate. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 1982. (P)...
Continue reading "Life Science Books"
January, Brendan. Science in the Renaissance. Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts/Grolier, 1999. (E)...
Continue reading "The History and Nature of Science Books"
Aulenbach, Nancy Holler and Barton, Hazel A., with Delano, Marfé Ferguson. Exploring Caves: Journeys Into the Earth. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 2001. (E)...
Continue reading "Earth Science Books"
Allan, Jerry and Allan, Georgiana. The Horse and the Iron Ball: A Journey Through Time, Space, and Technology. Minneapolis: Lerner, 2000. (E)...
Continue reading "Astronomy and Space Science Books"
Aliki. Digging Up Dinosaurs. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1981. (P)...
Continue reading "Archaeology, Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Times Books"
Baeuerle, Patrick and Landa, Norbert. The Cell Works: Microexplorers: An Expedition Into the Fantastic World of Cells. New York: Barrons Juveniles, 1997. (E)...
Continue reading "Anatomy and Medicine Books"
Libraries and bookstores now have available an enormous number of excellent science-related books for children. When making selections, you may want to consider questions that the National Science Teachers Association uses in evaluating books. For instance:...
Continue reading "Science Books for Children"
American Association for the Advancement of Science. A Family Guide to Science. Washington, DC, 2003. (Available online at www.scienceeverywhere.org)...
Continue reading "Science Publications for Parents"
Federal Sources of Information...
Continue reading "Science Resources-Federal"
Research has shown that children at all grade levels do better in school, feel more confident about themselves as learners and have higher expectations for themselves when their parents are supportive of and involved with their education. Here are some...
Continue reading "Working With Science Teachers and Schools"
Many communities have groups and organizations that include science programs as part of their services for children. Some may sponsor local summer science camps—focusing on areas that range from computers and technology to natural science to space. Check out, for...
Continue reading "Community Science Groups and Organizations"
Your child may recognize that many people use science to do their jobs—chemists, doctors, science teachers, computer technicians and engineers, for example. However, she may not realize that many other jobs also require science skills....
Continue reading "Science at Work"
A visit to a farm can be a wonderful trip for you and your child. If you don't know a farmer, ask for a referral from your county extension office, farm bureau or local agriculture office....
Continue reading "Farms"
Planetariums have wonderful exhibits and activities for youngsters. There are over 1,000 planetariums in the United States, ranging from small ones that hold about 20 people to giant facilities with hundreds of seats. These facilities are particularly useful for children...
Continue reading "Planetariums and Aquariums"
In museums, both you and your child can have fun and learn science together. Science and technology museums, natural history museums and children's museums can be found in many middle-sized and smaller communities, as well as in large cities....
Continue reading "Museums"
Zoos are great places for you to encourage your child's interest in the natural world and to introduce him to exotic animals that he might not otherwise ever see. Here are a few suggestions to help make your visit to...
Continue reading "Zoos"
Our communities offer many opportunities and resources to help children learn science, including: Zoos, Museums, Planetariums, Aquariums, Farms, Science at Work, Community Groups & Organizations and Other Community Resources...
Continue reading "Science in the Community — Activities"
All ages Making cakes is an enjoyable way to help children of all ages learn about chemical reactions and change....
Continue reading "Let 'Em Make Cake!"
Grades 4 and 5 A crystal is a special kind of solid. Growing crystals introduces children to change and variation....
Continue reading "Crystals"
Grades 3 and up A few seeds and household plants can teach children about cause and effect and change....
Continue reading "Plants"
Grades 3 and up Here are some great hands-on ways to learn about static electricity....
Continue reading "Hair-Raising Results"
Grades 2–3 This activity introduces children to the scientific concepts of volume and measurement....
Continue reading "Splish Splash"
Grades 2–3 Adhesives are used to stick things together. Many adhesives occur in nature and have important uses for plants and animals....
Continue reading "Icky Sticky Stuff"
Grades 1–2 Capillary action is the name for the process that takes place when a paper towel soaks up a spilled liquid or when a plant transfers water from its roots to its leaves....
Continue reading "Celery Stalks at Midnight"
Grades 1–2 When one object moves against another, the result is friction....
Continue reading "Slime Time"
Kindergarten–Grade 1 Learning to make and test predictions is a good first step toward making and testing hypotheses....
Continue reading "Float or Sink?"
Kindergarten–Grade 1 Children can improve their understanding of the natural world and their classification skills by observing bugs....
Continue reading "Bugs!"
Preschool–Kindergarten Children can learn more about surface tension and about change just by blowing bubbles!...
Continue reading "Bubbles"
Preschool–Kindergarten These simple activities demonstrate surface tension....
Continue reading "Breaking the Tension"
Your home is a great place for you to begin to explore science with your child. Incorporating science activities and language into familiar routines will show your child how science works in his everyday life and provide him with a...
Continue reading "Science in the Home - Science Walk"
Children learn by doing, by trying new ideas and challenging old ones. This doesn't just happen in school. You can help your child learn by providing him with safe, interesting learning experiences in a supportive atmosphere....
Continue reading "Science Activities"
Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov describes science as a "way of thinking." It is a way to look at the world that involves special principles of conduct, and the early years of elementary school are a good time to start...
Continue reading "Scientific Integrity"
It's hard for children to understand evolution (how things change over time) and equilibrium (how things attain a steady and balanced state of being). During these early years, you can, however, talk about how things change over time and point...
Continue reading "Evolution and Equilibrium"
Checklist for Helping Your Child With Homework...
Continue reading "Checklist for Helping Your Child With Homework"
Federal Sources of Assistance If Your Child Has a Learning Disability...
Continue reading "Federal Sources of Assistance - Learning Disabilities"
The following publications provide more information about how to help your child with homework....
Continue reading "Homework Help Resources"
Homework problems often can be avoided when families and caregivers value, monitor and guide their children's work on assignments. Sometimes, however, helping in these ways is not enough. If you have problems, here are some suggestions for how to deal...
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The basic rule is, "Don't do the assignments yourself." It's not your homework—it's your child's. "I've had kids hand in homework that's in their parents' handwriting," one eighth-grade teacher complains. Doing assignments for your child won't help him understand and...
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Children are more likely to complete homework successfully when parents monitor their assignments. How closely you need to monitor your child depends upon her age, how independent she is and how well she does in school. Whatever the age of...
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Be Interested and Interesting Make time to take your child to the library to check out materials needed for homework (and for enjoyment) and read with your child as often as you can....
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Set a Good Example Show your child that the skills he is learning are an important part of the things he will do as an adult....
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Provide Supplies and Identify Resources Have available pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper and a dictionary. Other supplies that might be helpful include a stapler, paper clips, maps, a calculator, a pencil sharpener, tape, glue, paste, scissors, a ruler, a calculator,...
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Pick a Place Your child's homework area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is nice, but for many children, the kitchen table or a corner of the living room works just fine. The area should have...
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Having a regular time to do homework helps children to finish assignments. The best schedule is one that works for your child and your family. What works well in one household may not work in another. Of course, a good...
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How to Help: Show That You Think Education and Homework Are Important...
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The right amount of homework depends on the age and skills of the child....
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Homework helps your child do better in school when the assignments are meaningful, are completed successfully and are returned to her with constructive comments from the teacher....
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Before discussing ways that you can help your child with homework, it is important to discuss why teachers assign homework and how it benefits your child....
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Homework is an opportunity for children to learn and for families to be involved in their children's education. However, helping children with homework isn't always easy. At parent-teacher meetings and in conferences with parents, teachers often hear questions such as:...
Continue reading "Homework: A Concern for the Whole Family"
Appleseeds 800-821-0115 (www.cobblestonepub.com) Contains articles, activities and games that develop skills and interest in various content areas, including geography and U.S. history. (Ages 7 and up)...
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Preschool-Grade 2 Doherty, Gillian and Claybourne, Anna. The Usborne Book of Peoples of the World. Usborne Publishing....
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Preschool-Grade 2 Atwell, Debby. Pearl. Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin. Barnes