Education

These online tools and poetry collections provide guideposts and inspire children writing and reading poems in a broad range of styles.

Homework is counterproductive. It causes family stress and fails to help the child learn, teaching only resentment. This article explores why.

Obsession or ally? How Lego contributes to a homeschool education by developing problem-solving and fine motor skills.

One of the best things about Christmastime is all of the great books you get to read about the snow, snowmen, Santa, and hibernation, etc. You'll want to check out these 10 great books to read with your kids in December for some beautiful picks, great authors, and creatively funny stories.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a children's picture book about a child's day playing in the snow. This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1963 with its groundbreaking illustrations of Peter's explorations of the snow. This article includes a story summary and recommendations for use in a preschool circle time or as part of a snow-themed library storytime.

Some common misconceptions and myths about homeschooling from the socialization myth to the idea that we are all religious.

Teaching preschool at home can be a fun learning adventure for you and your child. Learn about some simple preschool activities you can do at home with your preschooler to help your child be ready for Kindergarten.

The Montessori method of education speaks to the curiosity within each child and allows each child to blossom. Learn simple ways of creating a Montessori home environment that will enable your child to soar to great heights.

As a teacher and a mother of an autistic son, I get outraged when educators deceive parents with the inclusion lie. Kids with special needs require special help and inclusion is not enough. Yes, it saves us money in the short term, but it has a long-range negative impact on kids and our society.

It is vital for parents and guardians of special needs children to understand the importance of having an individual education plan. An IEP ensures your special needs child will get an appropriate education in the public school system.

For teachers, parents, and librarians, a thorough list of books for children ages 3-8 which exemplify everyday diversity. These books feature diverse characters in everyday contemporary life.

This slime changes color with the temperature, due to heat-sensitive pigment embedded in the recipe.

Fun hands-on art lesson for early elementary children on painting a Christmas tree card in 45 minutes for Kindergarten,1st, and 2nd grade-level children. Use this with your class, homeschool, after-school program, or co-op!

Teaching kids about the stock market can be enjoyable and relevant when you follow kid-friendly companies that sell well-known consumer goods and products during a stock market simulation experiment.

This article features activities in a lesson to help students with vision loss and others manage and organize money.

Are we sufficiently preparing the next generation for the future? An examination of the realities our kids face following graduation.

A librarian's reviews and summaries of the best narrative nonfiction books for children, which are emphasized in the curriculum of the common core from kindergarten through 6th grade.

The Magician’s Nephew is an inspiriting magic adventure about the ancient battle of good and evil, and a protest against slavery and the unkind treatment of others (and animals), especially those under our power or authority. It is also the prequel to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Advice for parents who want to get their kids started with computer programming. Includes free coding resources for kids.

Our country's obsession with an "earlier is better" philosophy is cruel to children in kindergarten. A teacher points out how homogeneous reading groups, too many standards and assessments, and the elimination of imaginative play are evidence of this.

A former preschool teacher explains how hands-on learning turns children into active learners. Their teacher is not the source of knowledge but a facilitator who encourages them to explore. Unfortunately, hands-on learning is threatened as the government involves itself in early childhood education.

This article features a card game developed for children with various disabilities, including vision loss and mild autism.

Four simple activities for fourth-grade students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.

Almost every preschool in the United States has circle time as part of its daily routine. Research, though, shows kids learn more with small group activities, kinesthetic learning, and hands-on exploration.

Simple steps for easy early elementary school Science Fair Project. Teach your child or a group of children how to do a Science Project.

This article is about why I chose to homeschool my daughter instead of giving her a traditional education in a brick and mortar school setting.

History and Time Travel collide in this fantastic book by Alison Uttely. Penelope steps into the past and encounters Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington Plot! Pure magic!

The greatest magic in the Cinderella Story is the lessons it teaches children about choices.

Most people homeschool for religious reasons, concerns about school safety and education quality, or because they want to be their child's teacher. Here's a look at 13 reasons for homeschooling.

Homeschoolers rate better on standardized tests than public school students. Homeschool kids outperform other students in spelling bees and other academic contests.

Compete instructions on how to do a science fair project and set up a board. Includes pictures, examples, resources and step-by step original projects.

The problem of bullying in schools is widespread in many countries. Students who experience bullying fear going to school. One way to help them is to build their self-esteem and assertiveness skills.

Tips to running a toddler classroom while keeping structure and order in a room full of one year olds.

A fun drama workshop lesson plan for 8-10 year old pupils which will teach them how to create characters and write a creative ending for a story.

Numbers, shapes, and other mathematical concepts pop up in many of our daily activities. Share these opportunities with your children as a foundation for later learning.

A fun science experiment. Grow your own salt crystal garden. It's easy, and uses items you have around the house.

Full inclusion or mainstreaming is the new trend in special education. Still, many students with disabilities need support in the classroom. Co-teaching can offer that needed help.

An early childhood educator details what parents should avoid when choosing a preschool including computers, workbooks, and long circle times.

How to teach children/preschoolers/toddlers about zoo animals before and while attending zoos and aquariums.

Choosing a preschool can be an overwhelming task with so many choices. As a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, I urge parents to pick a place with a strong and distinct philosophy that attracts a community of like-minded moms and dads such as Montessori, Waldorf, and co-op.

The Chinese Tangram Game is a cool activity to do with kids that has great educational value and is loads of fun to play. Find out its history, how to make your own, and the fun you can have with it!

Uniforms can help prevent bullying and violence over appearance, and discourage the theft of shoes and clothing.

Want a science fair project using your pet? Full instructions for a quick and easy science experiment for elementary students.

Are you driving your child's preschool teacher crazy? You probably are if you send your kid to class in fancy duds, expect special treatment for your precious tyke, fret about her being bullied, and pick her up late with no apology or explanation. Find out if you're the pain at preschool!

There are pros and cons for uniform school dress codes. Should public schools have dress codes and uniforms? Do they really make a difference?

A teacher explains what phonological awareness is, why it's important, and how parents can promote it, turning their children into strong readers, writers, and spellers.

Going against decades of research in early childhood education, preschools today have become more academic than ever. Youngsters are now guinea pigs in an experiment that may prove highly detrimental to their futures and ours.

Homeschoolers often, and I mean very often, hear the question "But what about socialization?" Here's why this question is completely cringe-worthy. Please stop asking us that!

When choosing a preschool, it's easy for parents to get enthralled by all the bells and whistles: their child learning Mandarin, doing yoga poses, and studying the violin. Yet, a former preschool teacher tells moms and dads that developmentally appropriate practices and lots of play matter most.

Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar year and each year is named after an animal. This Chinese Zodiac is an animal story based on the great race and should be in your short bedtime stories for kids collection

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, as part of his Series of Unfortunate Events, is both entertaining and educational. Follow this study guide to learn about activities that can make your reading experience even better.

These 10 great books to share with your kids for Valentine's Day should be at the top of your holiday list this year. They teach concepts like sharing, showing love, cooperation, being a good friend, and more. You and your kids are sure to enjoy them.

Easy 7th or 8th Grade girls flexibility Science Fair Experiment with full instructions and research links.

Easy and fun snow and ice science experiments for kids. Includes making frost, snow, icicles, dry ice, exploding ice, and more cool experiments.

Looking for a great science fair project? Love to chew gum? Here you'll find complete instructions for gum science fair projects, with photos and videos. Sample project too!

We now see the effects less play has on children with higher rates of depression and anxiety. What can we learn from other countries so American kindergarten becomes developmentally appropriate, joyful, and creative once again?

Introverts such as myself may recall middle school as the worst time in their lives. Volunteering at my son's school, I see little has changed. If teachers and administrators, though, would consider introverts when planning lessons and extracurricular activities, they could make a huge difference.

Do you feel guilty for not paying for your child's education? Don't. Paying for college is hard in this economy. Kids learn responsibility for their actions and have ownership in their education when they have to pay for their own college tuition.

This is one of the farm-based education lessons from my Ellison Family Farm curriculum of agriculture-based lessons.

Questionnaire to help parents determine if home schooling is right for their children and their family.

Some practical tips for organizing a children's story time program including finding a host organization, planning a calendar, and other common-sense logistical considerations.

The Waldorf method of education is gaining in popularity, but the tuition is expensive. Learn simple, easy ways to provide the benefits of this method to your child at home.

As an early childhood educator, I've seen how gender inequality at preschool hurts girls as they become observers in the classroom, not doers. When teachers allow girls to wear princess dresses to class, praise their looks, and limit dramatic play to just a kitchen area, they're disempowering them.

Reading to preschoolers can enhance their imaginations and promote dramatic play. Discover 13 classic children's books that are ideal for doing just that.

Are you worried that your child's preschool isn't living up to expectations? Is the owner adding more students? Is she making a lot of unfulfilled promises about accelerated learning? Do you feel like your kid's creativity is getting squelched? These are red flags that need your immediate attention!

Calendar, craft projects, teacher-directed lessons, worksheets, and "letter of the week" are part of the daily routine at preschool but are they supported by research? A former teacher explains why they're not only a waste of time but even detrimental.

Full instructions for winning middle school science fair project using robot made from NXT Lego Mindstorms.

Use these resources at home for kids, ages 5-11, to learn some programming basics.

If you hear something often enough, you're bound to believe it. Busy moms and dads, juggling family and career, are highly susceptible to hearing and believing incorrect information about parenting young children. Now it's time to set the record straight on important issues affecting their kids.

How much of a problem is bullying in schools? Why do kids bully, and what can be done?

As a parent, you are in a highly strategic position to help your child be a better reader. Here are 10 strategies you can use at home and in your everyday interactions with your child to help him read and enjoy reading.

An article on the benefits of including children with special needs in mainstream schools, and things to consider when doing so.

Book ideas, sample questions, and a step-by-step guide on how to start a book club for your child.

Children become fluent in reading with practice, and these free, engaging reading games hold their attention and keep them motivated.

Alphabet recognition is an important prerequisite to reading and writing. Here are some fun ways to work on learning the alphabet, such as alphabet puzzles, books, iPad/iPhone games, and Android alphabet games.

You may remember the perceptual-motor program at elementary school: walking on the balance beam, crawling through wooden shapes, and skipping around traffic cones. It combined physical and mental tasks designed to enhance balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. It's time to bring it back!

From beginner to advanced, these ten free tutorials help kids learn coding skills. Programming languages include HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, Java, and C.

One-third to one-half of preschoolers are introverts. There's little acknowledgement of that fact at preschools today, though, as kids are packed into tiny classrooms where there's a non-stop activities, songs, games, and constant social interaction.

School doesn't have to be a boring place! Learn how to enjoy school more, along with some tips of how to earn good grades, join a sport, or join a club.

How do you explain space to kids? Here are some facts about space for kids, and fun activities for the whole family!

Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader is a T.V. show quiz game that can be integrated into your lesson plan at school or even played at home? Children of elementary and even middle school ages can learn a lot of general knowledge topics, helping them turn into well-rounded, educated world citizens.

Students from around the country receive invitations to join the National Society of High School Scholars. What is this organization, and is the enrollment fee worth it?

Same-sex or single-gender education has advantages and disadvantages, so why aren't more schools implementing this way of teaching? I discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert is a whimsical children's picture book containing a family of collage-art snowmen. Use the ideas in this article to augment your preschool curriculum.

A comprehensive guide to help you teach your child to read in 30 days, designed for parents who are homeschooling or pre-schooling their children.

Public charter schools can be an excellent school choice for many, but there are pros and cons just like with any other school. Find out how charters differ from traditional public schools.

In-Hand Manipulation skills—translation, shift, and rotation—are important fine motor skills for a child’s development. IHM skills have been shown to directly correlate with handwriting skills and self-help skills like dressing.

Find the best books and resources for elementary school-aged kids to learn more about the human body, cells, and genetics.

Beginning home-schooling is a huge decision and can engender terror in the hearts of parents brave enough to undertake such a commitment. Fear not, it's not so scary after all. First comes 'deschooling'...

Christian craft projects for kids: ideas for Sunday school, vacation Bible school, CCD classes and home school.

We're at a tragic point when preschools are seen as places to prepare students for kindergarten. Not only is this developmentally inappropriate and cruel, but it also has long-term negative consequences for our nation. It results in kids who are less creative, less curious, and less communicative.

Parents in the United States are enthralled with academic preschools, buying into the belief that earlier is better. However, research shows that play is how kids learn best. It enhances their imaginations, promotes exploration, increases vocabulary, and builds social skills.

Recess was once an accepted part of a child's school day. With increasing pressures for academic success, many schools are cutting or eliminating play time in favor of rigorous academic pursuits. Many schools are built without playgrounds in cities like Chicago and Atlanta. Research shows recess actually boosts test scores and increases a child's attention span: some parent led initiatives are striving to bring recess back to American schools.

Music education is highly important for young children, increasing math skills, fine motor coordination, and helping children learn the benefits of perseverance and delayed gratification. Think your child is ready for music lessons? Consider the age of the child, developmental readiness, and time commitment before staring formal instrument lessons!

This article covers five significant reasons for the importance of preschool education written by an experienced early childhood educator. The preschool aged child is eager and ready to learn.

Keep your kids engaged in learning all summer long in ways that are creative and fun! Helping them stay sharp isn't drudgery when you do it right. These tips will get you started.

Music is a useful component when working with toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten students, with proven benefits. This article offers some tips and advice for integrating music and simple preschool-friendly musical instruments into your teaching and library story hour.

Do you know what high stakes standardized testing is? Is your child a victim of "teaching to the test" or never-ending test prep? How is your child's education affected by test-based accountability?

Complete, detailed instructions, links, and videos for easy and practical science fair project for 5th to 8th grade students.

You can stimulate language skills, imagination, and creativity through simple activities with preschool age children. Learn more about how to do it here.