Learning about culture is important. For one, understanding other cultures helps people develop empathy and I think the ability to have empathy is one of humanity’s strongest assets. So we need to nurture that ability as much as possible. The winter holidays are a perfect time to work on learning about other cultures and religions. For…
If you’re doing a U.S. State Study or just want to create your own map – this is the perfect project. Get your kids more excited to learn about the states with their own hands-on project. How to Create a Large Map to Paint at Home When we started our U.S. State Study this year…
There’s nothing that says Thanksgiving more than a turkey teaching fractions (just kidding). Come meet this Tom Turkey that accidentally baked too much pie and doesn’t quite know how to get rid of it all. Turkey Fraction Set Fractions are one topic I love to approach from multiple angles. They can be very confusing. Especially…
As a kid, I really loved drawing books that went step by step. I loved learning how other people drew things and always picked up a few new techniques. I also loved writing. And while I don’t remember ever struggling to know what to write about, I do know that some how to draw books…
Word problems can be a great way to help kids understand the context in which we use math. So often we teach math in an abstract way that it can be hard for kids (and adults) to understand how to use the concepts. Word problems aren’t the only way to illustrate the usefulness of math…
I remember the first time I tried to teach parts of speech to Baloo. He was about 6 or 7 and we were working through First Language Lessons. I loved that it was open and go. So we started with the poem which he memorized…eventually. But probably only because I read it to him multiple…
I love making learning fun. And the more repetition a skill needs, the more I work at making it fun. Not many people enjoying practicing a skill over and over again until they have it memorized. And the people who do enjoy it don’t usually need special things to make it fun. Multiplication is definitely…
Acrostic poems are a great introduction to poetry for kids. This Pumpkin themed acrostic poem is an excellent way to introduce acrostic poems with a fun fall theme! Pumpkin Acrostic Poems I really enjoy poetry. I’m not sure what is it about poems but I’ve enjoyed them for most of my adult life. So I…
It’s funny – it feels like just yesterday when I was trying to teach my kids about elections and how they work. But it’s actually been 4 years since that was a real focus of ours. Now, they’re somehow 4 years older and ready to delve even deeper into elections. I created this game to…
Try this fun Star Wars Art project for an art activity that you’d also be willing to hang on your walls. Star Wars Art Sometimes it’s difficult to get my kids into art. Let me clarify though. I have one child would could craft all day – especially if it’s a favorite theme of his…
Multiplication facts are not the most fun in terms of things to practice and learn. Well, at least that’s what many kids think. As a kid, I was the one who put forth all her effort and energy to learn my multiplication facts I thought it was fun. And if I’m being honest – I…
We’ve played Shut the Box for years at my parents house and it’s such a fun and simple game. I love that it has a bit of strategy to it but can really be played by anyone who can read dice. I love having this DIY version at home so we can play whenever we…