Because tornadoes turn and twist as they move, they’re sometimes called twisters. The new movie, Twisters, sparks curiosity about these extreme weather events and a desire to learn about tornadoes. I enjoyed the original Twister when it came out in 1996 so it was a joy to see the just-released Twisters with my teenage son….
Education
Free Thingamajig Summer Challenge Inspires STEAM Learning
Our kids spend a majority the school year learning about the discoveries of others. They learn how the world works, ways systems have functioned in the past, and inventions by others. They hear about successes and failures, but they don’t always get to engage in learning that unleashes their creativity. This summer the Thingamajig Invention…
How to Extend Shark Week Learning with Outschool Classes (w $50 GC giveaway)
It’s officially Shark Week! If your kids have been captivated and inspired to learn more about sharks, extend Shark Week learning with Outschool classes. Outschool is an online learning platform where over 5,000 top-rated teachers with diverse, experiences, and passion teach affordable age-appropriate classes on all sorts of amazing topics that fit your child’s interests…
International Space Art Contest and Poetry Invites Kids to Imagine Living in Space
When my son was in elementary school, he brought a copy of Space Case home. The book is a about a 12-year-old who is one of the first humans to live on the moon and finds himself having to solve a murder mystery during his space adventure. The book inspired a lot of conversations about…
Annie: The Musical is Coming to DC’s National Theatre January 23-28
When I was young, my parents had season theater tickets. For years, I looked forward to going to a Sunday matinee performance of a musical followed by dinner out. We saw a lot of memorable shows, including Annie. Next week Annie the Musical opens in Washington, DC at the National Theatre and whether you’ve never…
How to Teach Kids About Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights
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…
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,…
