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Learning About "Freedom" Friday, May 02, 2008 As summer approaches, try to plan activities that are specific to upcoming events. National holidays during the summer are Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th and others. If children are not aware of why we celebrate these holidays, they are also unaware of events that have shaped our nation. TOTAL IT - A Math Skill Game Tuesday, April 01, 2008 Imagine this – children asking to play a game at dinner or bedtime never guessing they are improving their math skills every time they play. The name of the game is “TOTAL IT”. Math Bowling Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Around this time of year, cabin fever can easily begin. This is an activity oriented game that can keep a child's mind and body involved. Invite a child to join in this variation of bowling where the rules can be changed to fit your own child's math level. Learning the Months of the Year Tuesday, February 05, 2008 Teachers quickly learn that many of the approaches used in the classroom are also handy at home with children. Reviewing Math Statistics by tracking temperatures Mean, Mode and Range Thursday, January 03, 2008 There was another recent report stating how students in the United States are behind other countries in their math and science skills. Making math and science awareness part of a child's environment is something all adults can encourage. Swedish Pancake Mixes Tuesday, December 04, 2007 Making a gift from the kitchen teaches cooking and measuring skills and the packaging of the item encourages creativity. Swedish pancakes is a favorite meal in our family. Here's a way to make a Swedish Pancake mix and package to give as gifts. Classic Games With a Learning Twist Tuesday, October 02, 2007 Simple, easy, and challenging ideas can be hard to find. Solitaire and tic-tac-toe are favorite classic activities that with a twist become learning tools for all ages. Memory Activities Thursday, August 02, 2007 While the current attention is on the task of getting backpacks and school supplies organized, a parent’s key role is to provide a continuously stimulating learning environment. Memorization is an important school skill that can be improved with practice. Learning About Insects Wednesday, June 06, 2007 Bugs, not usually a favorite animal to study, can teach children in unusual ways. There are over 750,000 different species of insects so finding a bug that is interesting to a child is easy. Crickets were the chosen insect for this unit but all the activities can be used with a child’s chosen insect to study. READING - Discovering the Importance of VOWELS Friday, January 05, 2007 When a child becomes a reader they need to focus on words. They discover that every word has a vowel. Any “reader” can play – just adjust the choice of reading materials. Time For a Break Friday, January 05, 2007 Teachers know that quick fun activities are needed throughout the day to give students a break. Children at home need breaks also from chores and tasks or just an activity that includes friends. This idea works best with 5 or more people and encourages rhythm patterns, memory skills, a chance to dramatize, and decision making while also being the center of attention. Using Fingers For Math Thursday, January 04, 2007 Children often need encouragement to practice math skills. Using fingers can give students a different method to practice addition and multiplication. Keeping children involved in holiday preparations Friday, December 08, 2006 Keeping children involved in holiday preparations reinforces the need for planning and teaches children the joy of giving. Using Apples to Teach Thursday, October 05, 2006 Teaching children can be fun if we look at all experiences as learning situations. Here are ideas using an object that is very common – an apple. Look at the following variety of activities and you will discover many educational subjects will be covered while exploring an apple. Summer, for some children, is their BEST time for learning. Thursday, June 01, 2006 Summer vacation from school is here, but children’s learning should continue. Summer, for some children, is their BEST time for learning. As parents and adults we can encourage children to become life-long learners with these ideas. Thanking Mom & Using Flashcards Monday, May 01, 2006 Mother’s Day is a time to share with moms how special they are in our lives. Children can be encouraged to find ways to thank their moms for being so important to them. Math is a subject that is easily reviewed with flashcards. You can use addition, subtraction, division or multiplication flash cards.