Sunday, September 25, 2011

Benjamin Franklin on Education

I've always been interested in the life of Benjamin Franklin.  The guy just seemed so unique!  And while I was disappointed to learn that the Disney cartoon I watched about Franklin and a mouse as a child was pure fiction (sigh!) I still enjoyed considering how he came up with all his inventions and theories.


So when I had a choice of class assignments on Franklin, I jumped at the activity.  Check out THIS ARTICLE for a brief explanation of what Franklin thought of the formal educational system in the early United States.


Although never a president, Franklin earned his way onto a bill.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

All About Relational Aggression

Parents and teachers alike should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of relational aggression and bullying.  Recognizing the difference between harmless teasing and cyberbullying is important, and could actually save a child's life.


Check out THIS ARTICLE for information on the subject, and view the other related articles at the bottom for more information on what relational aggression is, and how to report or prevent it from harming your child.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Set up a Recycling Center

Encourage your family (or even your classroom of students) to recycle more by setting up a recycling center for easier sorting and convenience.


Instead of dumping everything into one container, set up a complete shelving with baskets or bins for each type of recyclable.


Check out the article DIY Recycling Center for great tips, ideas, and even products you can integrate into your own center.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Creative Parenting- Turning ho-hum outings into traditions

When creating the article "How to Turn Outings into Traditions" I couldn't help but think of the great musical "Fiddler on the Roof".  Even though this article has nothing to do with the song, or the movie for this matter, I couldn't resist adding it to the blog.






But if you're interested in how to change everyday outings into fun traditions for the family check out THIS ARTICLE for more information, tips and ideas on parenting.  For more info on the resource I used for the article, check out Creating Family Traditions: Making Memories in Festive Seasons (Let's Make a Memory Series).

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Science Project on Hand Washing

Is hand washing really as important as the Centers for Disease Control (and moms) tell us? Consider conducting a fun science experiment (instructions HERE) with information on how germs spread, and why washing your hand thoroughly is so important.


Be sure to click the link to the left for supplies you'll need for the experiment, such as glo-germ and a black light that shows how much "germs" on your hands before and after washing. This experiment makes a great science fair project, and also works as a great teaching activity for science class.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Making Bulletin Boards

Ready Letters Playful Font Yellow 4" Uppercase/Lowercase Combo PackTeachers decorate the classroom with bulletin boards to make the learning environment more colorful and intellectually stimulating.


Learn how to size the titles for your bulletin board, and learn placement options with the help from this ehow article: How to Put Titles on a Bulletin Board.


Look for bulletin board letters HERE, HERE or HERE on Amazon.com

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Teaching Your Child to Read

Photo from: AKARAKINGDOMS
Teaching your child to read can be the most fun (and frustrating) parts of parenting.  Some children pick it up easier while others struggle to form the sounds and blends into words.


Help your child learn to read easier, but employing the techniques found the article titled How to Teach Your Child to Read Easily or check out my other Hubs for reading helps and tricks, useful for parents, homeschoolers and teachers alike.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Classroom Craft- Visualize Votives

Looking for a fun and functional craft for the kids in your class?  Consider decorating votive candle holders with a variety of decorating supplies. For example, while you can paint the glass votives, you can also apply things such as stickers or spooky googly eyes.


Check out THIS ARTICLE for steps and suggestions on how to make several varieties of votives.


Keep in mind that glass votives aren't an appropriate craft for young children, as the glass may break on the child's way home.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Gearing Up for School

photo from: photostock
It's school time again! Although some schools in the country have already started up again, others won't start until after Labor Day.


Regardless of when school starts, routines help things run smoother inside the home and at school. Help your child start the school year out on the right foot by setting up plans and routines. Check out the article How to Get Your Child Ready for the Coming School Year.