PBS Kids Play is a new online learning software tool for children ages 3 to 6. The PBS Kids Play games are designed to help kids prepare for school with skill-based activities that align with national educational standards. The software works on both Windows and Mac.  Children learn with the help of their favorite educational PBS shows like Curious George and Super WHY!
The games have can be adapted to your child’s skill level, then grow more challenging as your child learns, a personalized chart shows your child their learning progress with the games.
The PBS Kids Play Software includes:

Three …read more

It’s back to school time, which also means it’s back to daily homework. With the homework come the questions about grammar, math, and spelling. I know I look at my son’s homework sometimes and think, “I used to know that.” It’s somewhere back in my brain but I just can’t seem to pull it out.
Now there’s a set of homework help books from Reader’s Digest just for parents. There are 3 different books available to give parents  a little memory nudge when they’re trying to help their children with homework.

The three books help you cover the bases. The titles include: I …read more

A couple weeks ago I was asked to test toys for ebeanstalk. Of course I jumped at the chance. They sent out the toys last week. They sent out a variety of baby toys and toys for 1 year olds to toy experts (moms) for their review.
While ebeanstalk picks great toys, they like to get some help from the real experts – moms and kids, to help them select great learning toys. The toy we received was the Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle from Melissa & Doug who specialize in wooden toys.
My son is a little older, so I dropped …read more

Elmer’s Glue and Walmart are teaming up this fall to help children and schools recycle their old glue containers. The Elmer’s Glue Crew Recycling Program, began in 2008, the program encourages classrooms nationwide to learn about recycling by collecting their empty glue bottles and glue sticks to be recycled.
The program begins on Earth Day, and continues through the end of the school year. Teachers, parents or a classroom volunteer can take their boxes collected of empty glue containers to their nearest Walmart store and drop them off to the stores greeter at the front door.

The Elmer’s Glue Crew website also …read more

Since today is the 40th anniversary of the moon walk, I thought I’d share a few fun space activities you can do with your kids. Don’t tell them they might actually be learning something about history or science from any of these activities, just let them think they’re having fun.
My son enjoys science and space, so getting him to do activities like the ones listed below is easy, and it’s a bonus that he’s learning something at the same time.

Learn more about the moon with a skywatchers guide to the moon.
A printable maze to help the astronaut get to the …read more

Kauzbots are a new line of plush robots with a cause. They were developed by a team of friends, artists, and ex-pastors who are passionate about helping kids make a difference in their world.

There are 10 different Kauzbots being released during 2009. Each of them has a different cause (kause). Some bots are making a difference in the environment, other Kauzbots are tackling issues of global poverty, and still others are helping to fund cancer research.
For each Kauzbot purchased, 10% of the retail price is donated to the kause that is close to that robot’s heart. So these little robots …read more

A couple weeks ago I talked about preventing summer brain drain. I mentioned a workbook series called “Summer Bridge Activities.” Several friends and local schools have recommended the Summer Bridges program, so I was really excited when they sent me a review copy to take a look at.
My son and I have been checking out the Summer Bridge Activities book for 4th graders going into the 5th grade. The Summer Bridge activity books are to help children bridge the gap between grades. It’s a summer program that has two sections to review the grade your child just completed, and one …read more

I’m a worrier, whenever my son is away playing with friends, swimming , or spending the night away from home, I worry. Summer seems like it’s full of activities, with something different every day. I just like to make sure that I’m doing everything I can to keep him safe on my end, and to make sure he knows what to do to keep himself safe.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offers parents ten safety tips to help keep their children safe this summer.
1. MAKE SURE children know their full names, address, telephone numbers and how to use …read more

I remember hearing Smokey Bear when I was growing up reminding everyone, “Only you can prevent wildfires.” Smokey Bear has been reminding Americans about wildfires since August of 1944. Smokey’s still out there 65 years later reminding a new generation how to prevent wildfires.

His message has made a big difference, from about 22 million acres burned in forest fires in 1944, to an average of 7 million today. Smokey Bear still works to get his message out. Many Americans believe lightning starts most wildfires. On average, 9 out of 10 wildfires across the nation are caused by people. Most are …read more

We’ve just started using a behavior chart for my son. We tried it once before, and it only lasted for a couple weeks. He was great about marking things off and following the chart when it was new. Then he started marking things off without doing them and making up his own tasks to do. So it didn’t work out, and eventually we just gave up.
He’s a little older now so we decided to give the chart a try again this summer. He can do tasks without being asked to earn TV, computer, or video game time. He can also …read more