Honoring History: Celebrating the Wampanoag and the True Story of Thanksgiving

Honoring History: Celebrating the Wampanoag and the True Story of Thanksgiving

When we think of the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, we often focus on the Pilgrims. But the truth is, the successful harvest and the three-day celebration would not have been possible without the generosity and knowledge of the Wampanoag nation. This holiday is truly Read more…

Why is the Turkey the Star of Thanksgiving? The True History Behind the Tradition

Why is the Turkey the Star of Thanksgiving? The True History Behind the Tradition

Thanksgiving. The word conjures up images of family, football, and, most importantly, a massive, golden-brown roasted turkey sitting proudly at the center of the table. For generations, the turkey has been the undisputed symbol of this uniquely American holiday. But have you ever stopped to Read more…

Barton vs. Orton-Gillingham vs. Wilson: Which Dyslexia Reading Program Is Best?

Barton vs. Orton-Gillingham vs. Wilson: Which Dyslexia Reading Program Is Best?

If your child has dyslexia or struggles with reading, you’ve likely heard of Orton-Gillingham, Barton, and the Wilson Reading System. These are three of the most trusted, research-based programs for teaching children with reading disorders. All three follow the same foundation of structured literacy, but Read more…

An Online Pre-Kindergarten Course: Who Might Be an Ideal Candidate?

An Online Pre-Kindergarten Course: Who Might Be an Ideal Candidate?

  When Covid-19 hit and schools closed, my school also closed. I began to work on my goal of videoing an entire year’s worth of preschool. 4 videos a week, about 25 minute videos, creating all of the worksheets, coloring pages, craft videos, etc. When Read more…

Learning to Blend is Not Enough- the 8 Essential Phonemic Awareness Skills Your Child Needs to Become a Solid Reader

Learning to Blend is Not Enough- the 8 Essential Phonemic Awareness Skills Your Child Needs to Become a Solid Reader

  To Whom It May Concern: Children cannot just learn the letter sounds, decode letters and be long-term successful in reading and spelling. It seems like that is all it should take. However, studies show (and experience shows) that children must learn the relationship that Read more…

Why Do I Teach My Preschoolers the Alphabet Letter Without Teaching Them It’s Name?

Why Do I Teach My Preschoolers the Alphabet Letter Without Teaching Them It’s Name?

Every once in a while I get a blank stare when I tell other educators that I teach my preschoolers to identify the letters ONLY by their sound at the beginning.  Some are annoyed. Some strongly disagree. This is WHY I do it: I am teaching 3, Read more…

Tree Craft with Knotty Branches: Teaching the Four Seasons Through Art

Tree Craft with Knotty Branches: Teaching the Four Seasons Through Art

There’s something magical about trees. They stand tall, changing their look with each passing season—bare in the winter, blossoming in spring, full and green in summer, and bursting with color in the fall. When teaching kids about trees, it’s the perfect time to also introduce Read more…

Why do some children not thrive academically in kindergarten?

Why do some children not thrive academically in kindergarten?

Not every child takes to kindergarten right away—and that’s okay. Success in school depends on a mix of developmental, social, and environmental factors, and sometimes children simply need more time or support. Understanding why some children struggle helps parents and teachers provide the right encouragement. Here are some Read more…

Jetpack Craft for Kids: Blast Off Into Space Learning

Jetpack Craft for Kids: Blast Off Into Space Learning

There’s nothing quite like space to capture a child’s imagination. Planets, stars, astronauts, rockets—it’s a universe full of wonder! And what better way to bring that excitement to life than with a Jetpack Craft? This activity is one of the most fun crafts of the school Read more…

DIY Bat Mask Craft | Fun Halloween & Science Activity

DIY Bat Mask Craft | Fun Halloween & Science Activity

Kids love crafts that spark their imagination, and this one is both spooky and smart! With just an empty plastic gallon jug, scissors, and a little creativity, you can create a Bat Mask that’s perfect for Halloween or a lesson on nocturnal animals. Not only is it a Read more…