Years ago when I was in college, a friend and I drove from our New England schools to California. Along the way we stopped in Memphis- home of amazing barbecue, a rich musical heritage, Graceland, the Peabody Ducks, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Lorraine Motel. The Lorraine Motel may not have been mentioned in…
Education
2023 Gift Guide: Best Teacher Gifts
The links in this Best Teacher Gifts post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. Some items below were provided for review purposes. I think it’s safe to say that during the school year, our kids spend more of their awake hours…
Pretty Woman is Coming to DC’s National Theatre December 12-17
“Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream?” The line that began and ended the movie, plus the many memorable ones in between, came back to me recently as I rewatched Pretty Woman on a long flight. Who could forget Julia Roberts as Vivian and her dream of wanting to get out of where she was to…
2023 Gift Guide: Best STEM Gifts for Kids
The links in this best STEM gifts for kids post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. Some items below were provided for review purposes. STEM is a field with more jobs than people to fill them so toys that foster curiosity…
The Best Age-Appropriate Advent Calendars for Kids
When I was little, it was a family tradition to always have advent calendars to start the month of December. Each day my brother and I would open a little door that revealed a piece of chocolate, with the final one being opened on Christmas Eve. The tradition of advent calendars continues in our house,…
5 Ways to Teach Prevention Education at Home During Red Ribbon Week
This week is Red Ribbon Week, a week focused on prevention education activities that support a healthy lifestyle. It’s likely that Red Ribbon Week will be highlighted at your child’s school but it’s important to continue the underage drinking prevention conversations at home, especially since risky behaviors run together. What is Prevention Education? The goal…
The Big Build: Free Hands-On STEM at National Building Museum (Sat 10/14)
One of the best ways to get kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is through hands-on experiences. This Saturday, October 14 DC area families are invited to The Big Build at the National Building Museum. This free annual festival will include plenty of interactive learning experiences for all ages as the world…
Why Teaching Civics to Middle Schoolers Matters
This post is sponsored by National Civics Bee When you were in middle school, did you take a course in civics? I never had a dedicated civics class but learned about how our democracy works through my government and history classes. Teaching civics to middle schoolers provides lessons about how our government works and fosters…
How to Use Built-In iPhone Features for School Success
As your kids transition from summer to studying, did you know that their iPhone can be used as a study tool? Just in time for a new school year, here’s a look at how your child can use built-in iPhone features for school success. How to Use Built-In iPhone Features for School Success From…
Thingamajig: Free Summer STEM Learning for Ages 5-14
As a middle school STEM teacher and a mom of two teens pursuing engineering, I know getting kids involved in hands-on STEM activities is critical for taking on the world’s challenges. Answers to climate change issues, public health challenges, AI, and national security will come from kids with STEM skills who are ready to tackle…
