"Plan some spontaneous fun"…I know, it's an oxymoron.  But let me explain and I think you will agree it could be helpful.  In fact, you may already do this -without realizing it.

If you are reading this post in March, it’s the time of year when kids can begin to move their focus away from school.  ...

We don't think about it very often but we make estimations all the time.  Estimation is a cognitive skill and it's not only about "how many."   We estimate when moving our bodies to walk and exercise, while driving any type of vehicle, playing sports and cooking.  The next time you are watching a ba...

Do you need a way to liven up your child’s after school routine?  To breathe some motivation -even excitement, into the homework routine?

Try this!  Have a “Homework Party!”  Or a “Homework Play Date!” 

Think about hosting a homework event -especially if you are looking for a way to combat the win...

I want to help you understand how children develop fact fluency and help sort through what research tells us about it. 

I also want to give you two ways you can help your child advance in fact fluency.  If you do these two things with your child, a more confident approach to basic facts will develo...

Most elementary-aged kids love building their own space -forts, closet hideaways and tents.  

I remember when my friends and I hauled refrigerator boxes from a nearby appliance store.  You should have seen the stacks of collapsed boxes we’d pile on our wagons, and then hitch the wagons to our bicyc...

Hi there!

This is the second half of a mini blog series about teachable moments using Valentine's Day cards your child gives and receives

Part One was about the teachable moments that occur while your child prepares Valentine's Day cards for classmates.  If you missed it, click here.

After the ce...

This is Part One of a two part blogpost about how you can use the excitement of Valentine's Day to have s'more teachable moments with your child.  This post focuses on moments leading up to Valentine's Day.  Part Two will focus on using Valentine's Day cards your child receives from classmates.

Mos...

This week, I want to focus on something that can influence any strategy you use at home to strengthen your child's learning power -whether it's during homework time or another teachable moment.  It's something we are all too familiar with, but If we talk it through, maybe you will be a little more a...

"Please attend!" 

That's right, it's time for "Back to school night", aka "open house". 

These events are an important first step to having a valuable school year for your child and you.  This is difficult for the introvert in me to admit, but relationships are a significant component to most thin...

By now, you are probably thinking about the new school year.  Shopping for clothing and supplies are usually first thoughts.  Eventually, it turns to a mental review of last year and wondering how this year can be made better but simpler.  After all,  assignments, activities and schedules become mor...

This is the second post in a two-part series about refreshing your child's homework routine.  If you haven't yet read the first part, click here.  

As I mentioned last week, I'm using the terms "home routine" and "homework routine" interchangeably.  I'm also using "new" and "refresh" interchangeabl...

It's hard to believe, but for some, the new school year has started.  I wish all of you a smooth transition into a new school year. 

This is the first post of a two-part series to help refresh the home routine as your child goes back to school.  This week we will identify how to build on last year'...