As a teacher, I understand that children who do not do much summer learning lose two months of taught skills. For example, if a student left my classroom on a reading level 4 at the end of the year but read nothing over the summer, they are most likely to test at a reading level 3 when they return to…
Read More
Are you planning a trip to Disney? Planning a Disney vacation is my favorite! We have been there five times and each time is a new experience filled with amazing memories. Each time we go, we learn new things too. I don’t think I will every grow old of visiting Disney. I hope that this will be a continued family…
Read More
If you want some engaging activities and crafts to make with the kids, these Earth day ideas are just right. From fun ideas using recycled materials to engaging learning activities we are sure you will find just the idea you need. 1. Stained Glass Earth Suncatchers Sun catchers make a great decoration both for classroom and at home. We are…
Read More
Standardized testing has drawn its share of criticism from teachers, students and parents. One of the most common complaints is the stress that all three groups feel – from preparation through performance. From a young age, students take these timed tests that measure academic competency and, ultimately, whether they’re college material. Countless articles on standardized testing in the U.S. point…
Read More
As flowers are already in full bloom we thought it would be fun to share a few ideas for flower crafts for kids to make. These will make wonderful gifts for friends and family, even more so for the fast approaching Mother’s day. 1. Paper Flower Craft You can do all kinds of cool things just by using colorful strips…
Read More
Easter is the time for new beginnings, celebrating the resurrection of God, and the arrival of the Easter bunny! Make Easter morning especially fun for your little ones and have them write him a letter thanking him for all his hard work in hiding the eggs. Then, on Easter morning, print out and create Personal Creations’ bunny footprints so that…
Read More
Really, you don’t need 5 reasons to take a girls only trip this summer but we will gladly remind you why this is so important! Women are from Mars and Men are from Venus, right (or is that so twenty years ago, ha)?! It doesn’t matter if you are single or married or if you have ten kids or maybe…
Read More
Traveling can be a great experience for any family but some people put it off when their children are young, for fear it will be too much trouble. Actually, getting kids adjusted to traveling when they are young will help them appreciate it even more when they are older. Also, it’s good to be prepared for those times when…
Read More
Spring is here! Well, on the calendar it says Spring but outside, I still see snow so I am not sure what’s up with that. Anyway, I LOVE Spring. Bring on the sun, flowers, insect studies, beautiful colors in nature and all things warm. Winter weather and boots are fun for about five minutes and then I am ready for…
Read More
So, if you follow my Facebook page (and you should!), you may have seen an article I shared the other day by Kara of ALLterNATIVElearning.com. The article was called Parenting Without Saying No, and it made some good points: 1. We say no too often and too easily. 2. Constant use of the word “no” isn’t very effective. 3. Telling our children what…
Read More
Do you have any left over Easter eggs? Well, before you put them away until next year, use them to make this fun baby bird next craft. You kids will LOVE this adorable activity, perfect for any classroom or home art project. MATERIALS 2 Brown Paper Lunch Bags Shredded Brown Paper 4 Plastic Easter Eggs—2 blue, 2 red Paper—orange, black,…
Read More
I’m super excited to finally finish my center tubs for MARCH. I uploaded my Literacy Centers last week and tonight I finally posted my Math Centers. I have tons of thematic units already created but since my class this year has different needs, I wanted to create new ones. Instead of sticking with one theme, I went with several…
Read More
Planning a trip to the zoo? Make ahead this fun, easy snack for the zoo that your kids will love. This zoo snack is so easy that your kids could almost do by themselves. We love a good themed snack too, perfect for zoo lovers of all ages. My family is really fortunate to have a great zoo in where…
Read More