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Early Learners

Homework help: There’s an app for that

October 15, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

Your child’s smartphone or tablet ranks high on the list of potential distractions to getting homework done. But instead of viewing technology solely as the enemy, you can harness its potential to improve organizational skills and enhance learning. An application called MyHomework (iOS, Android) provides a digital calendar for students to keep track of homework […]

How to raise an eager reader

October 1, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary

If you love to read, it’s likely you hope that passion will be passed on to your children. You can play an important part in creating an eager reader before they ever step into a school classroom. More than just an enjoyable hobby, reading is the key to success in school and life. It is […]

Getting exercise a smart idea

October 1, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

A new study says exercise doesn’t just benefit kids’ physical health – it gives their brains a boost too. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that 70 minutes of play per day can improve children’s thinking, particularly in multitasking. The study included 222 children ages 7-9, of which 109 met after school […]

The time to talk about depression and suicide is now

September 17, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

There is a stigma surrounding mental health issues that makes starting a conversation difficult. When comedic actor Robin Williams committed suicide in August, reportedly motivated by severe depression, people around the world were stunned and saddened, prompting many to post tributes to him and send supportive messages for his family and friends through both social […]

It’s not just a cold; EV-D68 a serious threat for some kids

September 15, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

A new virus sweeping through the Midwest — and now appearing in the northeast including New York state — has parents concerned and health officials on alert. The virus, known as Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), has hit children particularly hard, sickening hundreds. EV-D68 is believed to be associated with the common cold, but symptoms can quickly […]

Can we talk?

September 15, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

The conversation went about as expected. “How was your first day?” I asked my son, a 5th grader. “Good,” he said, in a monotone. “How was your new teacher?” I asked, adding enthusiasm to my voice. “Good,” he replied, in the same monotone voice. I asked him to use more than one word to tell […]

Routine gives preschoolers structure, security

September 15, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners

Preschoolers crave structure and routine – whether they know it or not. An ordered life provides a sense of security and helps teach about boundaries, expectations and how to follow a routine. Why are routines important? Routines can help children learn healthy habits, such as brushing their teeth, washing their hands after going to the […]

Ways to save at back-to-school sales

August 22, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

As the lazy days of August dwindle and the first day of school looms on the horizon, parents everywhere are gearing up for the (often dreaded) back-to-school supplies shopping trip. Despite the fact that we know it’s coming each year – in fact, many elementary schools send home school supply lists with the year-end report […]

In busy-ness of back-to-school, don’t let family time fall through the cracks

August 22, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

A new school year means readjusting to a schedule that frequently includes lots of extracurricular activity, in addition to homework and responsibilities at home. While we want our children to be active, their happiness relies on another key ingredient: family time. Experts point to a number of reasons why family time is important. When parents […]

Help for back-to-school anxiety

August 22, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

Anxious feelings are normal and expected in times of transition, particularly with a change such as going back to school. For younger children, anxiety often revolves around separating from parents. For older children, it’s frequently about social situations such as fitting in, making new friends and personal performance in specific areas such as academics, music […]