Back to school season is here (already!). It’s time to think about setting our kids up for success in the homework department. Helping grade schoolers create a consistent homework routine is one of the best ways to teach them good study habits and prepare them to be lifelong learners. So, where to begin? How can you create a non-stressful and consistent homework routine? Once the novelty of a new school year wears off, you might be facing complaints and procrastination when it comes to homework assignments. Scheduling conflicts with after-school activities can also make it a challenge to get it...

 The word flashcards makes me think of the multiplication table. I’m pretty sure that’s how I learned it as a kid. (Yes, I still remember it today, so it seems to have worked!) Using flashcards to review academic information with your child can be an effective way to help them study. So when is it best to use flashcards, and how can you use them in a way that keeps your child engaged, beyond doing repetitive drills? 1. Flashcards appeal to visual learners. If your child learns best when she sees material, rather than just hearing it, she may do...

  Is your summer routine getting a little stale? Do you need some ideas to keep your kids occupied during the hot days with lots of free time? Here are some great resources for activities that keep kids interested while inspiring creativity and learning.1. Printable calendars from 1+1+1=1These free August calendars include a traceable option for your child to practice writing the month, days of the week, and numbers. At the link, you’ll also find suggested learning activities using calendars. This is a great way to reinforce calendar knowledge and give your kids a sense of time throughout the month.2. Summer worksheets from Woo...

Sometimes, the early stages of learning how to read can seem like drudgery. Each child is different, and some enjoy building literacy skills, while some struggle. Many emergent readers have grasped the basic building blocks of reading but have not yet achieved ease and competence. How can you as the parent provide encouragement and motivation for your child to continue to build her reading skills?Involve your child in choosing books.Go to the library together and look through the early readers section. These books are often grouped together separately from other children’s books; ask a librarian if you’re not sure where...

As parents of preschoolers, we’re often tired. Raising young kids is both a lot of fun and a lot of work. Pre-kindergarteners still need hands-on care, and they also have a lot of verbal skills, which means they’re probably chatting to you throughout the day. Add to this the fact that most of them have outgrown naps, and their brains and bodies are constantly busy.Of course, they need us to interact with them, and they need to learn. We might have a vague idea about making sure they’re learning every day, but sometimes creating simple daily habits can help make...