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Back in School: Creating a Homework Central Station
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Jul 27, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
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Social-Emotional Learning
A History of Caring: The Origins of Mother’s Day
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On May 12, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
10 Things to Cherish About Your Toddler
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On May 9, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
5 Educational Sensory Bins for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Apr 26, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
Ask An Expert: How To Help Kids Learn About Money
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Apr 18, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
by Erica Sandberg, Consumer Economics Expert and Author of Expecting Money: the Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families
Encouraging kids to learn about money is such a great way to help them build important skills like problem solving, critical thinking, and more.
That’s why I was so excited to host a Facebook Live Dollars & Sense session for Learning Resources. Since I didn’t have time to answer all the wonderful questions during the live session, I wanted to take a moment to address a few of them here. Check them out below…
Q: Should you teach kids about investing too? Or is that subject too complex?
A: Absolutely, and you can do so in a really simple and powerful way. Using the play money, have your child hand you a bill. Explain that the longer you have it, the more he or she will get back in return. You can chat a little about risk (like, “don’t just give it to anyone, you have to be confidant the money holder will give it back”) but that’s advanced material.
Q: My kids think everything is 'free' with a credit card—how can I help them understand the value of the things we buy?
A: Good question! All you have to do is make a short statement when you use the card. “I’m borrowing money from the bank to pay for this and I have to pay them back. If I don’t send everything I spent in 30 days, the bank will add on a fee which means extra money out the door—and I don’t want that!”
Q: When is the best time for savings?
A: The best age is three or four because kids are observing you use money. The best time is when you’re actively making deposits at the real ATM. Then they can do it themselves with the toy ATM. Outside of that, grab a box or piggy bank and throw in money together whenever you have spare change.
Q: Do you think young kids should get an allowance?
A: A ‘real” allowance is best for children who are ten and up. Kids ages 3 to 7 are still in the counting and early concept stage. They need to be taught what money is and how it can best be used. A little practice paying for things is smart, though.
Talk about what you’re doing with money in positive ways. “I’m going to work because I like it and the company pays me for what I do. With what I earn, I pay for all kinds of fun and important things!” It’s a great set up.Then act it out when you’re with your child. Enjoy yourselves. Laugh. Kids love absurdity. Say, “I’m selling this broccoli for a million dollars,” and ask if that makes sense. You will be teaching so many important money skills just by communicating and playing. Have fun with it!
Did you like this post? Let us know at blog@learningresources.com, and don’t forget to check out Erica’s recent post: Dollars and Sense! Teaching Kids Skills That Pay The Bills.
Learning is Where We Play:
Ask An Expert: How To Help Kids Learn About Money
READ MORE
by Erica Sandberg, Consumer Economics Expert and Author of Expecting Money: the Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families
Encouraging kids to learn about money is such a great way to help them build important skills like problem solving, critical thinking, and more.
That’s why I was so excited to host a Facebook Live Dollars & Sense session for Learning Resources. Since I didn’t have time to answer all the wonderful questions during the live session, I wanted to take a moment to address a few of them here. Check them out below…
Q: Should you teach kids about investing too? Or is that subject too complex?
A: Absolutely, and you can do so in a really simple and powerful way. Using the play money, have your child hand you a bill. Explain that the longer you have it, the more he or she will get back in return. You can chat a little about risk (like, “don’t just give it to anyone, you have to be confidant the money holder will give it back”) but that’s advanced material.
Q: My kids think everything is 'free' with a credit card—how can I help them understand the value of the things we buy?
A: Good question! All you have to do is make a short statement when you use the card. “I’m borrowing money from the bank to pay for this and I have to pay them back. If I don’t send everything I spent in 30 days, the bank will add on a fee which means extra money out the door—and I don’t want that!”
Q: When is the best time for savings?
A: The best age is three or four because kids are observing you use money. The best time is when you’re actively making deposits at the real ATM. Then they can do it themselves with the toy ATM. Outside of that, grab a box or piggy bank and throw in money together whenever you have spare change.
Q: Do you think young kids should get an allowance?
A: A ‘real” allowance is best for children who are ten and up. Kids ages 3 to 7 are still in the counting and early concept stage. They need to be taught what money is and how it can best be used. A little practice paying for things is smart, though.
Talk about what you’re doing with money in positive ways. “I’m going to work because I like it and the company pays me for what I do. With what I earn, I pay for all kinds of fun and important things!” It’s a great set up.Then act it out when you’re with your child. Enjoy yourselves. Laugh. Kids love absurdity. Say, “I’m selling this broccoli for a million dollars,” and ask if that makes sense. You will be teaching so many important money skills just by communicating and playing. Have fun with it!
Did you like this post? Let us know at blog@learningresources.com, and don’t forget to check out Erica’s recent post: Dollars and Sense! Teaching Kids Skills That Pay The Bills.
Learning is Where We Play:
The Dos and Don'ts of Summer Camp
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Mar 16, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
The time is upon us. Before the leaves even bud on the trees, Mom and Dad need to decide how their children’s summer months will be spent. All day? Half day? Sleep away? Trying to navigate summer camp options can be unnerving. Take a few deep breaths and read the advice below.
The Dos
Do take your time to pour over the flyers and websites of different camps. Getting familiar with what’s out there is worth the effort. And it’s not just your local park district or private camps offering up options this summer. Check places of worship, your child’s school, local play spaces, libraries, or even museums for their seasonal offerings.Do be sure to find a camp that fits your child’s interests. Is your child more interested in the visual arts? Find a sculpting or painting camp. Does your child love building and experimenting? There are more STEM-based camp offerings than ever. There are also theater, dance, sports camps and more! Thankfully, there are plenty of specialized opportunities for your camper.Do familiarize yourself with the before- and after-care options of day camp. If camp is only offered from 9 a.m. to noon, what options do you have after camp is over? Some day camps even offer bus rides to and from camp.Do research payment terms. Writing a big check in January for camp can feel unsettling for an event that’s still six months away. Explore payment installment options, sibling discounts, or vacations rebates for the camp you’ve chosen.Do make sure you know the camp’s safety parameters. If the program you’ve selected includes a lake or pool option, find out if campers must pass a swimming test to go in. What is the ratio of campers to counselors? How often do campers stop to reapply sunscreen? When it comes to your child, there are no over-precautions.The Dont's
Don’t wait. While it’s daunting to decide in the cold months how your child will spend their summer, scrambling at the last minute feels much worse. Educate yourself on the options and cross it off your list.Don’t try to coordinate camp with your child’s friends, especially when they are in first grade or under. If their friends’ schedules work out, terrific. If it doesn’t, your child will toddle of to the camp and make new friends. Trying to synchronize calendars with their besties can be nearly impossible.Don’t spring a brand new activity or sport on your child for camp. Sure, a weeklong golf camp sounds awesome, but what if day one is a disaster? Stick to your child’s interests.Don’t schedule every second in the summer. As they say, its summertime and the livin’ is easy. Try not to forget that your child has worked hard all school year and deserves some downtime. If your work allows for summer hours on Fridays, make sure your child isn’t at camp at the same time. Searching for sticks and running through the sprinkler in the backyard is good old-fashioned fun your child has earned.Doing all of these things will help your little camper enjoy their summer months!
The Dos and Don'ts of Summer Camp
The time is upon us. Before the leaves even bud on the trees, Mom and Dad need to decide how their children’s summer months will be spent. All day? Half day? Sleep away? Trying to navigate summer camp options can be unnerving. Take a few deep breaths and read the advice below.
The Dos
Do take your time to pour over the flyers and websites of different camps. Getting familiar with what’s out there is worth the effort. And it’s not just your local park district or private camps offering up options this summer. Check places of worship, your child’s school, local play spaces, libraries, or even museums for their seasonal offerings.Do be sure to find a camp that fits your child’s interests. Is your child more interested in the visual arts? Find a sculpting or painting camp. Does your child love building and experimenting? There are more STEM-based camp offerings than ever. There are also theater, dance, sports camps and more! Thankfully, there are plenty of specialized opportunities for your camper.Do familiarize yourself with the before- and after-care options of day camp. If camp is only offered from 9 a.m. to noon, what options do you have after camp is over? Some day camps even offer bus rides to and from camp.Do research payment terms. Writing a big check in January for camp can feel unsettling for an event that’s still six months away. Explore payment installment options, sibling discounts, or vacations rebates for the camp you’ve chosen.Do make sure you know the camp’s safety parameters. If the program you’ve selected includes a lake or pool option, find out if campers must pass a swimming test to go in. What is the ratio of campers to counselors? How often do campers stop to reapply sunscreen? When it comes to your child, there are no over-precautions.The Dont's
Don’t wait. While it’s daunting to decide in the cold months how your child will spend their summer, scrambling at the last minute feels much worse. Educate yourself on the options and cross it off your list.Don’t try to coordinate camp with your child’s friends, especially when they are in first grade or under. If their friends’ schedules work out, terrific. If it doesn’t, your child will toddle of to the camp and make new friends. Trying to synchronize calendars with their besties can be nearly impossible.Don’t spring a brand new activity or sport on your child for camp. Sure, a weeklong golf camp sounds awesome, but what if day one is a disaster? Stick to your child’s interests.Don’t schedule every second in the summer. As they say, its summertime and the livin’ is easy. Try not to forget that your child has worked hard all school year and deserves some downtime. If your work allows for summer hours on Fridays, make sure your child isn’t at camp at the same time. Searching for sticks and running through the sprinkler in the backyard is good old-fashioned fun your child has earned.Doing all of these things will help your little camper enjoy their summer months! READ MORE
Activism for Kids
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Mar 16, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
Camping With Kids: A Springboard for Learning
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Mar 16, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
In the hustle of urban and suburban life, we can become very disconnected from the natural environment. Research says that nature is not just good for the soul, it’s important for the mind as well.
Here are just a few reasons to dust off the camping gear, pack up the car, and head into the wilderness for a few days with the kids.
Being outdoors changes the brain
Time outside camping gives us a boost of natural Vitamin D from sunlight. It also maximizes learning potential. In a 2012 study called “Creativity in the Wild”, researchers found that creativity and problem-solving increased in over half of the participants after just four days immersed in nature. Other studies have also found that spending time outdoors stimulates learning ability and improves psychological health.Quality screen-free time
Camping with kids maximizes family time and reduces screen time. With no tempting gadgets or electronics nearby, there is expansive time for kids to engage in creative, imaginative play. Unplugging from the digital world and from the scheduled life at home encourages rest, relaxation, fun and learning.A natural educator
Camping, by nature, allows families and kids to live closer to the land. This is an amazing opportunity for kids to encounter the basic stuff of life and science: dirt, insects, animals, the stars...The opportunities for discovery are endless. Kids will love identifying bugs, studying animal tracks, gathering flowers and plants, and learning about the Milky Way by looking up at the night sky. Time spent outdoors also helps kids develop a sense of respect for nature and a keener interest in taking care of it. Just beware of poison ivy.Gaining Crucial Life Skills
Camping offers the opportunity to teach kids basic survival skills in a fun and exciting way–like starting and putting out fires, setting up a tent, and helping make food outdoors. In trying out and mastering these new activities, children gain a boost of confidence while learning the importance of risk, responsibility and safe boundaries.
Ideas to expand the camping experience
While camping on its own is adventure enough, here are a few activities to enhance any outdoor experience:- Geocaching (https://www.geocaching.com/play): In a nutshell, it’s an outdoor, global treasure hunt. People have hidden ‘geocaches’ (small boxes, containers, etc.) in locations all over the world and have registered their GPS coordinates. Participants use a GPS-enabled device–an iOS or Android phone will do–to navigate their way to the hidden geocache. Numerous geocaching apps are available with user-friendly maps to explore what treasures might be hidden nearby. Sadly, no pirates will be found near the hidden treasure.
- Scavenger hunts: Send kids out on a quest to find a list of items around camp. Feathers, pinecones, rocks, beetles, leaves, shells and sticks are just a few examples. The list can be as long or as short as you want it to be and children will love the thrill of the hunt.
Learning is Where We Play:
Camping With Kids: A Springboard for Learning
READ MORE
In the hustle of urban and suburban life, we can become very disconnected from the natural environment. Research says that nature is not just good for the soul, it’s important for the mind as well.
Here are just a few reasons to dust off the camping gear, pack up the car, and head into the wilderness for a few days with the kids.
Being outdoors changes the brain
Time outside camping gives us a boost of natural Vitamin D from sunlight. It also maximizes learning potential. In a 2012 study called “Creativity in the Wild”, researchers found that creativity and problem-solving increased in over half of the participants after just four days immersed in nature. Other studies have also found that spending time outdoors stimulates learning ability and improves psychological health.Quality screen-free time
Camping with kids maximizes family time and reduces screen time. With no tempting gadgets or electronics nearby, there is expansive time for kids to engage in creative, imaginative play. Unplugging from the digital world and from the scheduled life at home encourages rest, relaxation, fun and learning.A natural educator
Camping, by nature, allows families and kids to live closer to the land. This is an amazing opportunity for kids to encounter the basic stuff of life and science: dirt, insects, animals, the stars...The opportunities for discovery are endless. Kids will love identifying bugs, studying animal tracks, gathering flowers and plants, and learning about the Milky Way by looking up at the night sky. Time spent outdoors also helps kids develop a sense of respect for nature and a keener interest in taking care of it. Just beware of poison ivy.Gaining Crucial Life Skills
Camping offers the opportunity to teach kids basic survival skills in a fun and exciting way–like starting and putting out fires, setting up a tent, and helping make food outdoors. In trying out and mastering these new activities, children gain a boost of confidence while learning the importance of risk, responsibility and safe boundaries.
Ideas to expand the camping experience
While camping on its own is adventure enough, here are a few activities to enhance any outdoor experience:- Geocaching (https://www.geocaching.com/play): In a nutshell, it’s an outdoor, global treasure hunt. People have hidden ‘geocaches’ (small boxes, containers, etc.) in locations all over the world and have registered their GPS coordinates. Participants use a GPS-enabled device–an iOS or Android phone will do–to navigate their way to the hidden geocache. Numerous geocaching apps are available with user-friendly maps to explore what treasures might be hidden nearby. Sadly, no pirates will be found near the hidden treasure.
- Scavenger hunts: Send kids out on a quest to find a list of items around camp. Feathers, pinecones, rocks, beetles, leaves, shells and sticks are just a few examples. The list can be as long or as short as you want it to be and children will love the thrill of the hunt.
Learning is Where We Play:
6 Ways to Support Autism Awareness Month
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Mar 16, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate inclusion and acceptance of those with autism. One in 68 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control. On the site Autism Speaks, they define “spectrum” as the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Here are 6 easy, fun ways we (adults and kids) can help these kids and families feel understood and welcome in our lives.
1. Start with a story
An engaging storybook can help kids feel empathy with all kinds of characters, including those with autism. Some great titles include My Brother Charlie, written by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete. In the book, we learn about 10-year-old Charlie, and his autism, through the eyes of his loving sister. A Friend Like Simon, by Kate Gaynot, follows the story of kids in a mainstream school befriending a new student with autism. Different Like Me, by Jennifer Elder, is about an 8-year-old boy with Asperger’s, who introduces young readers to his heroes in math, science and history.
2. Show your support
You and your kids can join tens of thousands of people around the world wearing bright royal blue on World Autism Awareness Day next year. It’s a simple way to promote awareness of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. Then show your support to all your friends on social media by sharing your photos with the hashtag #LightItUpBlue.
3. Crafty ideas
Did you know that the symbol of autism is a puzzle piece? It’s easy to explain to your children that just like each puzzle piece is different, each person is different, including kids with autism. And that’s a good thing!
Celebrate this message with crafts using an old jigsaw puzzle you no longer use. Your kids can paint pieces solid colors, then glue them to card stock in creative designs. Add a positive message inside each card, and give to someone you know affected by autism, including caregivers. Older kids can glue 4 or 5 painted puzzle pieces together and add a bar pin on back (available at craft stores) to make a wearable piece of art that shows support. It can also be a great conversation starter!
4. Make a play date
Would a child who might be sensitive to loud noises really want to have a play date? It’s easy to assume the answer is no, but that may not be the case. Why not approach the parent of an autistic child you know and ask them?
Kids with autism can have challenges, but also great gifts as well, like knowing lots about dinosaurs, insects, math, etc. Try to find a common interest with your child beforehand and plan an activity or two around it. It can be as simple as giving both children new sticker books featuring those beloved dinosaurs or insects. Or, it might mean providing a building set both kids can use together.
5. Remember sisters and brothers
The siblings of a child with autism can sometimes miss out on everyday outings we take for granted. Since many children with autism dislike bright lights, loud noises, and strange surrounds, families with an autistic child may stick close to home. If you’re planning a trip to an amusement park, circus, or even a big mall, invite one of these siblings to join you. Your outing could be just the break they need!
6. Just connect
Simply showing that you’re open and interested is a great step toward making a family affected by autism feel more accepted. You might discuss if they are planning to participate in any local Autism Month events and ask how you can get involved. It could be something as simple as baking puzzle-shaped cookies for a fundraiser or participating in a walk. When we practice empathy and appreciation for differences, everyone benefits!
What are you doing to celebrate Autism Awareness Month? Let us know at blog@learningresources.com!
6 Ways to Support Autism Awareness Month
READ MORE
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate inclusion and acceptance of those with autism. One in 68 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control. On the site Autism Speaks, they define “spectrum” as the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Here are 6 easy, fun ways we (adults and kids) can help these kids and families feel understood and welcome in our lives.
1. Start with a story
An engaging storybook can help kids feel empathy with all kinds of characters, including those with autism. Some great titles include My Brother Charlie, written by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete. In the book, we learn about 10-year-old Charlie, and his autism, through the eyes of his loving sister. A Friend Like Simon, by Kate Gaynot, follows the story of kids in a mainstream school befriending a new student with autism. Different Like Me, by Jennifer Elder, is about an 8-year-old boy with Asperger’s, who introduces young readers to his heroes in math, science and history.
2. Show your support
You and your kids can join tens of thousands of people around the world wearing bright royal blue on World Autism Awareness Day next year. It’s a simple way to promote awareness of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. Then show your support to all your friends on social media by sharing your photos with the hashtag #LightItUpBlue.
3. Crafty ideas
Did you know that the symbol of autism is a puzzle piece? It’s easy to explain to your children that just like each puzzle piece is different, each person is different, including kids with autism. And that’s a good thing!
Celebrate this message with crafts using an old jigsaw puzzle you no longer use. Your kids can paint pieces solid colors, then glue them to card stock in creative designs. Add a positive message inside each card, and give to someone you know affected by autism, including caregivers. Older kids can glue 4 or 5 painted puzzle pieces together and add a bar pin on back (available at craft stores) to make a wearable piece of art that shows support. It can also be a great conversation starter!
4. Make a play date
Would a child who might be sensitive to loud noises really want to have a play date? It’s easy to assume the answer is no, but that may not be the case. Why not approach the parent of an autistic child you know and ask them?
Kids with autism can have challenges, but also great gifts as well, like knowing lots about dinosaurs, insects, math, etc. Try to find a common interest with your child beforehand and plan an activity or two around it. It can be as simple as giving both children new sticker books featuring those beloved dinosaurs or insects. Or, it might mean providing a building set both kids can use together.
5. Remember sisters and brothers
The siblings of a child with autism can sometimes miss out on everyday outings we take for granted. Since many children with autism dislike bright lights, loud noises, and strange surrounds, families with an autistic child may stick close to home. If you’re planning a trip to an amusement park, circus, or even a big mall, invite one of these siblings to join you. Your outing could be just the break they need!
6. Just connect
Simply showing that you’re open and interested is a great step toward making a family affected by autism feel more accepted. You might discuss if they are planning to participate in any local Autism Month events and ask how you can get involved. It could be something as simple as baking puzzle-shaped cookies for a fundraiser or participating in a walk. When we practice empathy and appreciation for differences, everyone benefits!
What are you doing to celebrate Autism Awareness Month? Let us know at blog@learningresources.com!
