Going Beyond Hour of Code: A Non-Coding Parent’s Guide
What do you say, are you ready to teach your kids code, and learn along with them? It is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
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Category: Education
bionicTOYS Flex-Bricks: Because Nature Is Flexible
Nature is flexible which is why you should check out these LEGO compatible flex bricks now on Kickstarter. bionicTOYS are great for construction-based play. Your children will learn physics as they play!
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Gather ‘Round, Padawans: Panther Pride
Wakanda has an ugly spot on its soul. So do the rest of us. What are you going to do about yours?
Continue ReadingHour of Code Lesson Ideas: Back to Basics
When I say ‘Lesson Plan’, it comes with a disclaimer. But yeah—I am totally taking over the world, and my kids’ classroom, for an hour of code next week.
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12 Educational Stocking Stuffers Kids Will Love
I’m sharing some of our family’s favorite EDUCATIONAL stocking stuffers. I promise these items will be fun for your children and inspire learning.
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Hour of Code 2016: Unplugged to Fully Connected
The Hour of Code website, www.code.org, provides lessons ranging from no computer necessary to all online making Hour of Code 2016 accessible to all.
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National Geographic Kids, Holiday Gifts + Giveaway
I was able to take a look at National Geographic Kids’ new range of fact-filled books, and knew my fact-obsessed seven-year-old would be a perfect fit.
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Boredom Fuels Creativity and Imagination in Children
As a parent, it can be challenging to listen to whining and squabbles over boredom, but if you can get past that, boredom fuels creativity and learning!
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As Un-American as Apple Pie
Apples from Kazakhstan, wheat from Iraq, and lard from Spain. Is there anything from America in an American Apple Pie? History and food nerds need to share this at your Thanksgiving feast.
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Little Passports Launch New Science Expeditions Service
Little Passports: Science Expeditions introduces kids age nine and up to science through a new monthly delivery service.
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Musical Education: Live or Digital?
Does creating electronic beats on the computer give the same benefits as banging on a live drum set? Is it worth the time and struggle to make your kid practice that piano? Rebecca Angel, a music teacher, explores and compares electronic music education versus live traditional music learning.
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Flash Academy: Does the Latest Language-Learning System Measure Up?
The team behind Flash Academy offered us a three-month premium subscription, so I decided to spend some time improving my French.
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The Whispering Giants Thanksgiving Road Trip
Whispering Giants are massive, solemn sculptures. You’ll come upon them unexpectedly—or, if they’re in your neighborhood, you’re probably used to them; they’re part of the local scenery, waiting and watching.
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20 Completely Random Facts about Tanks
The tank first trudged into battle a century ago. Here’s some of what the big metal beast has been up to since then.
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SBrick Plus: Programmable Interlocking Bricks You Want
When educators asked for better programmable interlocking bricks that were compatible with LEGO, SBrick Plus answered the call. Check out their fully funded Kickstarter before Monday, November 7.
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Delight Preschoolers With ‘Tinyville Town’
Delight your preschooler with the ‘Tinyville Town’ series by Brian Biggs. The community will remind you of Richard Scarry meets Mr. Rogers!
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Review: ‘Frightlopedia’
‘Tis the season for chills and thrills.
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10 Fantastic Family Games for Your Game Closet
Our family loves board games and, as a homeschool mom, I rely heavily on board games as a resource for learning. Our homeschool routine is built upon carefully selected read-alouds and educational family games. I’ve seen so much learning happen in this way.
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‘Unbored Treasure Hunt’ Sparks Imagination and Creativity
We are a game loving family and we cannot resist a new find. Today I’m going to tell you about a new favorite game in our closet: ‘Unbored Treasure Hunt.’
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Nail Biting: Mental Disorder or Gross Habit?
Nail biting is classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Does this mean your child should be treated for the very common habit?
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Is It Time to Move to the Island of Misfit Toys?
There comes a time in the life of every geek parent when we seriously question whether it’s time to make a bold move on behalf of our “atypical” child. How do you know when it’s time to make an audacious change? Where’s the sign that tells you when it’s time to pull up stakes and move to the Island of Clever Geeks?
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Soccer Needs Sportsmanship, Not Violence
The fact that unsportsmanlike behavior in soccer, rather than being stopped, is instead accepted as part of the game, concerns me. The win-at-all-costs philosophy is not a lesson that is going to serve kids well in the long run.
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Navigating Reading Levels Without Letting Them Sink You
Told your child reads at a certain reading level? Is your child required to read books at or slightly above that level? Avoid the common pitfalls of reading level assignments that might kill a love of reading. Understand how reading levels do—and do not—work.
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Make Bath Time Educational with Tub STEM
I do not think you need to spend much money to have some STEM fun. My children have enjoyed STEM challenges using cardboard boxes and broken pool toys. They have built forts and fairy houses. And one time I make a tinker kit for only $5.
That said, I spent a little money on our Tub STEM and the learning and peace has been priceless.
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My Favorite Milestone: And Why I Love Brave Writer
Last Thursday, my youngest son read his first three books to me. As a bibliophile and homeschool mom, building a love of written language has been on my mind from the beginning. That is why I chose Brave Writer as our homeschool language arts curriculum. I know, without a doubt, that Brave Writer helped us to grow a love of the written word in our children.
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Procrastination Destination: Fire!
Fire! What would humanity be without it? Not much. Check out this month’s Procrastination Destination and spend a few minutes learning about fire, flames, and, of course, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked!
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Review: Workman’s New ‘Paint by Sticker’ Books
Workman’s ‘Paint by Sticker’ books are the perfect on-the-go craft.
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ThinkFun’s ‘Memory Yoga’: A Fun Twist on an Old Classic
What happens when your traditional memory game meets yoga poses? ‘Memory Yoga’ from ThinkFun! Work on balance, coordination, mindfulness, and memory in this fun twist on an old classic!
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Awesome Skills Your Child Will Learn from Role-Playing Games
As a GeekMom or Dad, you probably already have a soft spot for role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. But did you know that these nerdy relics from your childhood are not only educational, but actually good for your children? Like vitamins?
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Gather ‘Round, Padawans: That’s COLONEL Danvers to You
What’s in a name? More than you might think.
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