Educational Activities

Spring into science: Get outside and learn

Tiany Davis — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

We're ready for spring! This is the time of year when we enjoy spending homeschool days outdoors — reading in the clubhouse, math on the patio, gardening and observing nature. With so many changes outside, spring is also the perfect time for science activities.

Winter nature study: Taking your homeschool outdoors

Tiany Davis — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

While most would not think of winter as a prime season to study nature, the winter months are the perfect time to kick off the best of the year's nature studies. You will find there are many things to observe and experience during the winter months.

Fun ways to introduce other cultures to your kids

Susie Fougerousse — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 04:24:00 -0800

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, my closest friends were either born in other countries or first generation immigrants. All were multilingual, and their families travelled as often as they could to their home countries. They made sure to continue the rich traditions of their native lands and pass along their heritage to the next generation. I developed a deep affection for other cultures, a love of languages and a yearning to travel and learn about the world. My husband, who was born and raised in Europe, shared this sentiment, and we have always strived to impart a global view onto our children.

The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik teams up with Texas Instruments

Kori Ellis — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0700

Actress Mayim Bialik not only plays a scientist on The Big Bang Theory, but she also has a Ph.D. in neuroscience to back it up. Bialik has partnered with Texas Instruments as an ambassador to inspire students to pursue math and science studies and as spokeswoman for TI-Nspire CX graphing calculators.

Educational toys that encourage learning at home

Christina Holt — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:00:00 -0700

There are many different toys that encourage children to learn — even from the home environment. But when looking for toys that encourage learning through play, it’s important to select a variety of toys that stimulate your child’s senses and spark the imagination.

Teaching your child a language when you don’t speak it

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:00:00 -0700

We know that teaching kids a second language is a tremendous help in life, but how do you go about teaching, say, French when you only speak English?

Movie night ideas that are fun and educational

Christy Pogorelac — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:08:00 -0700

Are you looking for something to do this weekend that will entertain and engage the entire family? Plan a movie night with an educational twist! Here are a few ideas for your next movie night that are packed full of fun along with a few valuable lessons.

10 Things you should do now to get your child ready for school

Maria Mora — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0700

Your kids are probably loving the homework-free summer, but take it from us, staying sharp and prepared will make the transition back-to-school easier this fall. Encourage your child to prepare for school by spending just a few minutes a day with an age-appropriate workbook or joining a summer reading program at the local library. Use these tips to prepare your entire family for school this fall.

Keeping learning fun for preschoolers

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:03:00 -0700

Children learn best when they are having fun. Take advantage of playtime to make learning fun and enriching for your preschooler.

Learning a second language: Great summer activity for kids

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Summertime is here, and sometimes learning takes a backseat to other activities. While it’s nice to have a break from school, there is also a window of time for learning a new skill. Speaking a second language is a valuable asset in the world of today, and what better time for your child to start learning one? Keep reading for a few options in second language learning tools.

Top 5 electronics for home school students

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:37:00 -0700

Many homeschooling families have discovered the power of technology to enhance and deepen their children's educational experience and success. Read on to find out which electronic learning tools are most useful for homeschoolers today.

Are electronics really educational?

Whitney Coy — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:25:00 -0700

Electronic toys certainly are fun. You may wonder, however, if they really are educational, and if all that music and flashing are doing your child any good. Is it just a big advertising scheme? As it turns out, it depends on the game.

Our favorite educational games

Whitney Coy — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:21:00 -0700

Help your kids maintain sharp minds and learn new skills, all while having a great time with electronic games.Don’t just sit back and watch; join in on the fun. You may just learn something, too!

Guide to electronic educational tools

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:09:00 -0700

The high-tech world of electronic educational tools offers your kids endless possibilities for hands-on learning fun. For maximum benefit, make sure the following six traits can describe the digital gadgets you choose for your child.

Design tips to make learning fun for your kids

Michele Borboa, MS — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:30:00 -0700

Enhance your children’s learning by providing them with an environment that makes learning fun. We spoke with Cortney Novogratz of HGTV’s Home by Novogratz about how parents can make their children’s bedrooms more conducive to learning and the kid-friendly decorating and design strategies she used at Winegard Elementary School in Orlando, Florida. Winegard was the grand-prize winner of Bounty’s We Love Our School sweepstakes and received a school makeover designed by Cortney and her husband Robert Novogratz.

Teach your kids the value of nature

Michele Borboa, MS — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Kids who are constantly engaged in gaming, texting and television often have little connection or appreciation for nature because their daily lives revolve around technology and not the outdoors. Fostering an appreciation of nature in our kids is a crucial component to ensuring the welfare of the environment and wildlife. We talked to Jay Holcomb, director emeritus of International Bird Rescue, about his involvement in the newly launched Junior Wildlife Champions program for kids and how parents can teach their kids the value of nature.

Take your child to work day

Mary Fetzer — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:28:00 -0700

Since 1993, millions of Americans have participated in the annual Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work® day. A day at work will help your child discover the link between what they do now in school and what they can become in the future.

3 Questions you should ask your child after school

Christina Caldwell — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 22:45:00 -0700

While you were at work or taking care of business at home, your child experienced a full day of their own at school. In their prime growing years, those seven hours spent in a classroom every day can lead to life-changing experiences. Keep up with what’s going on in your child’s head and life with these three questions to ask when they get home from school.

Family adventure vacations you never knew existed

Sandy Smith — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 04:28:00 -0800

If your definition of "family adventure vacation" is limited to crisis mode when you forget the portable DVD player, maybe it's time to expand your horizons a little. The following are a sampling of wild, wonderful, utterly unforgettable family vacations. Just don't be surprised if you get a call from a skeptical teacher after your kids hand in their "What I Did on My Summer Vacation" compositions.

Kiddie tech: 4 educational apps and games for kids

Lauren Fairbanks — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 04:11:00 -0800

Technology isn't just for adults and teens anymore. Each and every year, we see more and more technology rolled out to engage kids -- and not only with video games. Tech companies and startups are creating kid-friendly apps, social networking sites and interactive games that teach children everything from how to safely represent themselves online to intermediate math and science. There's no doubt that kid-friendly technology is a trend that will continue -- likely even into the classroom. Here are four educational apps and games for kids.

Teaching our kids the art of creativity

Dr Ben Michaelis — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:35:00 -0800

As parents we often put a tremendous emphasis on our kids doing well in school. A good education is important, but academic learning is just one type of intelligence. It’s important to remember that school is not an end in and of itself but a way to help children develop. There are many ways we can encourage learning that do not involve long division or physics. Promoting creativity is one way you can have a tremendous impact on your child’s development and well-being as well as bond with them in a fun and meaningful way.