"I saw your face, and I knew it was a signAnd I still think about that moment all of the time" Love You for a Long Time by Maggie Rogers Hi Reader, We are more than halfway through American Indian Heritage month! I want to share some inspiration to talk with your kiddos! Quick tip: if you know the name of a person's tribe, it is always preferred to use the name. If you're speaking generally, then it's often preferred to say American Indians, Native Peoples, or Indigenous Americans. The term...
4 days agoย โขย 2 min read
"Make it up as we go along" This Must be the Place by Talking Heads Hi Reader, ๐ A note to my wonderful readers: The goal of this newsletter is to provide educational tips and news to help your children thrive in school and to keep you informed about educational policies that may affect your family. Iโll often share my insights alongside the news, based on thorough research and my experience as an educator. Iโll always aim to make clear whatโs opinion versus fact, and Iโll cite sources for...
11 days agoย โขย 2 min read
Hi Reader, ๐ Hi there! Thanks for giving a few moments of your busy day to this newsletter Did you know November 1 is the worst day of the year? Well- just to teachers. The day after Halloween is a notoriously tough day in school. Kids who were out trick or treating are exhausted. They can be cranky, sleepy, or hyper from the excitement. Right now teachers everywhere are sending notes to parents begging them not to let their kids bring candy in Nov 1. Because after Halloween, teachers become...
25 days agoย โขย 1 min read
"We're singing in the car, getting lost upstateAutumn leaves falling down like pieces into place" All Too Well by Taylor Swift Hi Reader, Happy fall! Autumn is a time of year loved around the world. Here, stateside we usually hear about Halloween and Thanksgiving, but there are so many unique festivals celebrated this time of year. If you're already tired of hearing about "spooky scary skeletons" this is for you! 4 Autumn Holidays to Teach your Kids About ๐ฅฎ Mid Autumn Festival: I used to live...
about 1 month agoย โขย 2 min read
"I have to celebrate you, baby I have to praise you like I should" Praise You by Fatboy Slim (Mike and I entered our wedding reception to this song ๐) Hi Reader! During my livestream yesterday, I got this question: My child (age 5, kindergarten) wants constant affirmation for the smallest things. How much is too much and how can I show him he needs to do hard work to get praise? Rephrase the praise: Praise is good, but to a child looking for affirmation it can be like an addiction. Rephrase...
about 2 months agoย โขย 1 min read
"The things I was taught only took me so far, had to figure the rest out for myself" Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves Hi Reader! I was inspired by a recent article by Gene Fashaw on EdSurge on using a growth mindset to help students with math. I connected with it because as a child I deeply believed I was naturally bad at math. It wasn't until I went to college to study education that I realized some misconceptions in elementary school prevented me from excelling in math. I don't want the next...
2 months agoย โขย 1 min read
"Go home, get ahead" As It Was by Harry Styles Hi Reader, ๐ Welcome to my 10 new subscribers! ๐ Got a friend who would love this newsletter? Tell them to sign up here. There's a secret I've learned from seasoned parents I want to pass along. Those who have experienced multiple Septembers with overwhelmed kids, emptying their wallets on back to school stuff, and spent more hours in carpool line they they do at home. Quit the extracurriculars in September. Why? Everyone is tired: prioritize...
3 months agoย โขย 1 min read
"You say it best, when you say nothing at all" When You Say Nothing At All by Ronan Keating How's it going Reader? Tis the season of open houses! Open House is such a strange night for everyone. It's the only time you'll see the school sparkling clean, the time your child will guide you around their space, and a new beginning for everyone. As a teacher it was just as strange of a day! Every year I was in leggings and a t-shirt up til the last minute trying to get my classroom perfect. More...
3 months agoย โขย 2 min read
"Like that bottle we've been saving of California wine,We keep getting better with time" Better with Time by Emily Scott Robinson (such a beautiful song!) How's it going Reader? Many people make resolutions in January, but as a student and then a teacher I found my time for reflection and renewal landed in August. As we enter the new school year, your child may feel the same. So let's dive into some simple goal setting for kids. Plan it out: Thinking a year out is hard for adults, but for a...
3 months agoย โขย 2 min read
"1, 2, 3, 4, tell me that you love me more" 1234 by Feist Hi Reader, If you've ever watched your child struggle with a math problem, you know the frustration is contagious. It's hard to watch and even harder to figure out why they don't understand. โพ๏ธ Here's how you help your child solve not just that problem, but every one after it. Watch them closely. When they get to the step where their confidence breaks down, or they make a mistake you've found the target skill ๐ฏ Work Backwards. Most...
4 months agoย โขย 2 min read