How to Handle Reluctant Learners

How to Handle Reluctant Learnes

Reluctant Learners: Keep your Son Engaged with Learning

Parents of boys are more aware than anyone when their bright, eager sons hit an invisible wall somewhere near fourth grade, after which they go from engaged to unengaged, discouraged, and disaffected. But as parents, we don’t always know what to do about that, and we hope the school will solve it. No! Let’s take back the power and pleasure of raising our boys, and figure out what we can do outside of school to help halt that potential slide down a slippery slope.

How Important is Vocabulary to a Child’s Reading Level?

Vocabulary and Reading

How Vocabulary Knowledge Impacts Reading Skills

Words are the most valuable things your children can acquire because vocabulary is the cornerstone of reading, and reading is the foundation of all learning.

The more words kids know, the better readers they are and the more they learn.  But all readers are limited to the reading level that equals their vocabulary level.  If children know fourth grade words, they are limited to fourth grade books.  If they know ninth grade words, they are limited to ninth grade books.  Some students never make it past fourth or ninth grade words so they never make it past those reading levels.  It is important that students’ word levels grow so their reading levels grow.

Myths About Head Lice

Untangling the Myths About Head Lice

Common Myths About Head Lice

With the school year in full swing parents should take the time to learn about the “facts of lice” to all the conflicting myths out there about the icky hair critters that are not a health threat, are not a sign or poor hygiene, and unlike body lice, do not spread disease.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are six to 12 million infestations each year in the U.S. To help prevent infestations, here are a few facts from Penny Warner, RN, NE-BC, and owner of The Lice Place that parents need to know to protect their children, their families and their homes from head lice:

Myth #1: Lice jump head-to-head.

Thomas & Friends Blue-Ray DVD Giveaway

Win One of 20 Thomas & Friends “The Great Race” DVD’s

Get ready, get set, GO! When the best engines from around the world gather to compete in The Great Railway Show, Thomas is determined to find a way to represent Sodor.  But he’s left disappointed as Gordon is chosen to be the new “Shooting Star” for The Great Race. With Gordon and the other engines making the journey to compete, something suddenly goes terribly wrong… and Gordon is in danger! Will Thomas get to the mainland in time to help him and save the day? Join Thomas and his new international friends in this high-speed musical adventure where friendship always wins!

Vegetable Parmesan Sticks with Creamy Marinara Sauce

Parmesan Sticks with Creamy Marinara Sticks

Starters and Sides Made Easy: Parmesan Sticks with Creamy Marinara Sauce

Recipe Excerpt from Starters & Sides Made Easy

Who doesn’t love a good main course?  But why should main courses get all the attention?  For any meal to truly shine with creativity, elegance, or just plain fun, it needs a good opening act and side kick. This fall a new cookbook delivers 60 easy-to-make kosher recipes that focuses the spotlight on meal co-stars. Starters & Sides Made Easy by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek puts the “wow” into side dishes and appetizers.

Is Virtual Education Right for Your Kids?

Is Virtual Education Right for Your Kids

How to Determine if Virtual Education is the Right Choice for Your Kids

Parents have never had more options for educating their children than they do right now. There is a certain amount of relief knowing that you have the ability to select a school that is tailored to your students’ specific needs, but with so many options, how can you be certain you are making the right choice? Virtual education is growing in popularity. Parents with kids who are academically advanced, high performers in sports, arts other areas, or those who are shy, or experience difficulty leaving the house due to medical challenges could be good candidates for virtual education. Virtual education allows students to learn online, regardless of their special circumstances, through classes taught by highly qualified and innovative teachers. This differs from homeschooling because parents are not responsible for purchasing curriculum and teaching lessons. Everything is done online through the virtual school.

Students who excel in online learning are generally: