Math practice, especially just rote math practice, can be very boring. But I’ve found that presenting math on new and interesting mediums can persuade a pretty reluctant child to practice their math. We regularly find new ways to practice. I remember the first time I saw a dry erase board. Vividly. It was Take Your…
Learning a language, at any point in life, can develop brain pathways that make a significant difference throughout our lives. And don’t for one second believe the myth that it’s easier for kids to learn a new language – untrue! In fact, when using immersion programs adults and kids learn at the same speed (same…
I am a big fan of anything that makes learning to read a bit more fun and engaging. Reading is so challenging but so totally worth that, and many kids can see that from the beginning. Logi-Bear wants to read so so badly and he tries so so hard, but I still want him to…
We got one of those amazing spy kits last year and there were a lot of fun activities in it for breaking codes and whatnot. I noticed a few that they came back to over and over and the red cellophane thing was one of them. It was almost like magic! So of course I…
Pokemon is awesome and multiplication facts stink, right? That’s pretty much what Baloo thinks, but he’s 9… Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of Pokemon Go. We immediately jumped on and joined the game and we are having a blast. Now, you guys know me, I will take advantage of any…
I love playing board games with the boys and I hate it at the same time. On the one hand, it’s great for learning how to take turns, losing to lose, learning to win, and it’s great family time. On the other hand, it’s heartbreaking to watch your kid getting more and more frustrated by…
I’m sure I don’t have the only kids that will talk your ear off about Minecraft, right? Baloo (nearly 10) and I just went on an errand that took about an hour total and I swear he did not take a breath the entire time. His entire stream of thoughts just came pouring out and…
Sometimes it can be hard to get kids to go along with an activity that seems educational, even if it is a fun activity at it’s core. However, I’ve learned, when LEGO® Bricks are involved, they’re game. Every.single.time. So when I saw a book for Learning with LEGO®, I knew it would be awesome. This…
We are well into summer which means the regular kind of cool activities are no longer cutting it. I’m having to up my game. A few years ago I did a bunch of activities featuring water and I thought I wanted to do more like that. Well, the activity morphed beyond water play, but it…
Practicing multiplication facts is boring. I don’t remember it being an issue as a kid, but I was really into school. My kids aren’t like that. They don’t learn for no reason. Learning is a natural response to an interest, and they’re not interested in math facts. I wouldn’t push, but I think memorizing facts…
Pool noodles are cheap and kids need something fun, right? We did all of this with just 3 pool noodles (and we didn’t even use all of them…). Pool noodle sculptures saved the day! Now, I’m not a mom that feels I need to entertain my kids all the time. Boredom is incredibly helpful to…
I feel like a broken record telling you how hot it is…but it is so hot! Cooling off this summer is becoming something we must do constantly. I can barely walk to the car. As such, we are not in the kitchen cooking. We make snacks and salads, but cooking it limited. So I wanted…