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Developing Memory Continued: Mnemonics

Developing Memory Continued: Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory devices that help recall larger pieces of information. I have listed examples, but you can create these for anything your child needs to remember. In a Name Mnemonic, the 1st letter of each word in a list of items is used to make a name of a person or thing. – Roy […]

Dealing with Adolescent Behavior

Dealing with Adolescent Behavior

When dealing with adolescence behavior, there are a few things we can do to make the relationship a better one. These are simple, yet difficult strategies. – Stop trying to fix things. All things do not need to be fixed by a caring adult. Adolescence are still changing both physically mentally and emotionally. When we […]

Halloween Sensory Bags

Halloween Sensory Bags

It is time for an activity and Halloween is a good time to make sensory bags. All ages will enjoy squishing the bags. Older children can make them, adding their own touches. These are great for fine motor development and hand-eye coordination. Witch Sensory Bag: – zip-lock bag – bottle of clear hair gel – 2 […]

Grades Are In, So What Now?

Grades Are In, So What Now?

Grades will be arriving home soon; will they be what you expected from your child? If not, what do you do? Do not sit back and wait for things to improve. Become your child’s advocate, as something is probably wrong. First determine what is wrong. Are your goals wrong? Does your child understand the material? […]

Differing Learning Styles

Differing Learning Styles

With school back in session, it seems like a good time to talk about how children learn. Knowing this and recognizing what your child’s learning style is will certainly help with homework and assignments this school year. There are three major styles of learning, visual, auditory and kinesthetic or tactile. While children usually employ all […]

New Classmates, New Friends

New Classmates, New Friends

With a new school year comes new classmates and new friends. Some children are better than others with school transitions and making new friends at school. Help your child the develop skills necessary for smooth transitions and new friendships. Teach your child to march to his/her own drummer (be real). Teach that he/she is unique […]

Coping with Social Stress

Coping with Social Stress

Back to school can bring social stress for your child: new class-mates, new friends. No matter what age, this can cause your child to become anxious. To some degree, we all like “the known” vs. “the unknown” in our lives, as this is human nature. Some children have harder times with transitions to new situations […]

Preparing for Your Child to Go Back to School

Preparing for Your Child to Go Back to School

How can you prepare your child for going back to school? Children have different responses to returning to school. Emotions run the gambit from fear and dread to sheer uncontrollable excitement. Most children fall somewhere in between, and vacillate between two or three reoccurring emotions. Some children hide their feelings, while some children act them […]

Parents As Teachers

Parents As Teachers

Parents are the most important teachers in their child’s life. Children are born eager to learn, but parents need to help them channel that learning. Talking with children before, during, and after any activity helps them acquire the steps involved in learning.The more you communicate, the more rewarding your conversations will be, and the better […]

Cool Interactive Play for a Hot Summer

Cool Interactive Play for a Hot Summer

With the hot summer temperatures, children often are prone to staying indoors. Get them outside with sun screen and water. Here are two ways to cool them off while they indulge in active play. Be sure to watch for safety and sun exposure. Pool Noodle Waterfall: – Foam pool noodle – Plastic shopping bags – […]

Post-4th of July Sensory Activities

Post-4th of July Sensory Activities

With July 4th having just passed, fireworks are still on the minds of many. Help your child create “fireworks” through science activities designed to please. Adapt to the age of your child by the amount of help you give. Even the youngest child will benefit from watching you make the objects for play. The lava […]

UT: Kids U

UT: Kids U

If you are looking for opportunities to enlighten your child’s knowledge, UT has a program called “Kids U” exclusive summer camps for area youth in grades 3-12. Children work with college faculty, staff, and graduate students on the UT campus in fields such as art, chemistry, cooking, anthropology, photography, microbiology, computers and veterinary medicine. Camps […]

Summer Science Fun for Kids

Summer Science Fun for Kids

Summer is a good time to have a little science fun. Here are two activities for you to try. Make A Rainbow: A rainbow is usuallly seen as an arc of color in the sky, but can also form in other situations. Rainbows form in the sky when sunlight refracts (bends) as it passes through […]

Childhood Independence

Childhood Independence

Independence is the cornerstone of life, and the sooner we gain it, the better our lives will be. Helping the child grain independence is an important task for moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers. I know we love to cuddle our children, as we should, but independence and cuddling are totally compatible actions. Yes, it is […]

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your child respect. Respect for others is necessary for a child to be a productive member of society, as an adult. An easy tool to teach this skill is through traditions, such as the ones we observe during holidays. Grandparents, caregivers and fathers can help even the […]

Taking Stress Away from T-CAP

Taking Stress Away from T-CAP

T-CAP testing will begin in a week. Test anxiety can be a problem for many students. You can help your child avoid this by following a few suggestions. Remind your child that he/she has been preparing all year to take this massive exam. All will be well… Just relax! – Talk about the test in […]