School is finally starting, but that doesn't mean the wonder of summer has to end. Science experiments are a great way to explore the world around you - and for some schools an experiment for the science fair is mandatory. At a loss for ideas? We're starting a new series of science experiments for you. The Not-So-Magical Floating Paperclip Have you ever gone for a walk with your child and stopped to visit a pond along the way? Often times, you'll see small bugs skimming the surface of the ... Continue Reading
Science Experiment: The Not-So-Magical Floating Paperclip

Show your child the strength of water molecules by floating a paperclip on it.
What You Can Learn From Homeschooling

Learn from the homeschooling approach and incorporate it into traditional schooling for your child.
Studies show that homeschooling can be more effective in developing a child’s intelligence, compared with traditional schooling, says the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association). Children who are homeschooled are found to outperform their peers on standardized tests, and their ACT and SAT scores are higher than those of public school students. It would seem that a homeschooling education delivers benefits that traditional schooling does not. But not every parent is capable of ... Continue Reading
Finding the Perfect Preschool For Your Toddler

Steps to take to find the perfect preschool for your toddler.
When I decided to put my three-year-old daughter in preschool this fall, I was at a loss at where to begin. Even though I'm a retired teacher, I had to start with the basics. Most Expensive Isn't Necessarily Best Every parent wants their child in the best possibly school regardless of it being preschool or college. Unfortunately, many of these schools are very expensive. Immediately, we took those off our list. My husband works hard for me to stay at home with our children, which doesn't ... Continue Reading
5 Reasons to Think About Going Back to School

Going back to school can be a scary consideration, but there are several reasons to think about enrolling in college now.
Have you ever thought about going back to school? Many parents have, for various reasons. Maybe you weren’t ready for college when you were younger or maybe you tried and got burnt out. Whatever the reason is, a number of adults decide that this time in their life is right for going back to school. There many reasons to consider enrolling in college now. 1. Repayment Terms are More Lenient Now President Obama recently used his executive power to take steps to make college loan repayment ... Continue Reading
What Kind of Scholar Do You Have?

Knowing your young scholar’s “time of learning” style will help you to motivate and promote academics.
Every child has a style of learning, but in this article we're going to talk about their use of time. Does he rush through his work at the last second, plan a project from start to finish before actually beginning it, or perhaps she plods meticulously through her homework at a steady pace? Here we'll discuss why it matters and how can you work within this time-style of learning to both motivate the child and her on task. The Rusher Is your student the kind who puts everything off until the ... Continue Reading
Healthy Snacks for Fall and After School

Find tips for healthy snacks and snacking habits after school this fall.
I love to snack, just like my kids! It's only human to want some nourishment between meals. When looking for snacks this fall, remember that after school is the perfect time to recharge and keep your kids (and you) motoring along, nourished and ready for after school studying and activities. Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind when in between meal noshing: Go for healthy. Try granola-topped yogurt, celery or carrots, whole-grain toast or whole grain crackers, apples or oranges. ... Continue Reading
Making the most of Parent/Teacher Conferences

Here’s how you can be prepared and make the most of Parent Teacher conferences.
It's back to school time, the book bags are packed, the clothes or uniforms are ready to go and you actually managed to get the kids to bed on time. You've already met the teacher at orientation and you've made sure all their homework is done. Why a Parent/Teacher conference when there are only 24 hours in a day? Even if your child is at the top of his class and doing well, a one-on-one meeting with the teacher is very important. Parent Teacher conferences are meant for you to get to know your ... Continue Reading
Share Excitement, Not Germs This School Year

Prevent the spread of germs in your home and at school with these 6 easy steps.
The back to school season is full of excitement, new school supplies, new clothes, meeting new friends and teachers. It's also a time of busier schedules and after school activities. Classrooms filled with kids, an abundance of shared surfaces and less fresh air offer the right environment for sharing germs. Take time this Fall to teach your kids some good habits while sharing the excitement of a new year to make it a healthy season for you and your family. I'm glad I can say that even though ... Continue Reading
Good Nutrition for Back to School

Good nutrition is important for learning, so keep these tips in mind as you send your child back to school.
Back to school time means a getting back on track in many ways. The lazy days of summer can sometimes lead to lax eating habits and sleep schedules. Now is the time for parents and children to discuss healthy eating habits and nutrition. Good nutrition is important for learning; research has shown that children who regularly ate breakfast had better standardized test scores, better behavior, and were less hyperactive than children who skipped breakfast. When children eat high sugar breakfasts, ... Continue Reading
