s m A R T k i d s

My daughter didn’t belong. I worried I’d failed her No one left my daughter out on purpose. But when your kid is different, she is always at the edge of the group, writes Caitlin O'Neil.

Via https://www.facebook.com/katyhigginsleemft and IG

No one knows a child like their parents, they have been there since their first breath. There is no better advocate for their needs (until they learn to advocate for themselves). 💙

“ If a coach degrades players, makes competition too central to the experience, leaves kids out, tolerates backtalk to the referees, and mismanages parents, then kids will pick up destructive lessons.”

Do youth sports really build character? What kids gain from sports depends on adults - MindShift Youth sports has changed over the years - becoming more competitive and expensive - leading many to question whether playing sports builds character in a positive way.

Sensory play with funnels and tubes. Such a fun idea!

http://frugalfun4boys.com/2016/09/07/sensory-play-funnels-tubes-colored-beans/

HOW TO HELP CHILDREN MASTER LETTER FORMATION AND INCREASE HANDWRITING SKILLS WITHOUT USING A PENCIL

Some many fun and easy ways to incorporate activities that promote skills needed for handwriting!

CALMING CLIPPER: Why my Sensory Sensitive Child Hates Haircuts - Integrated Learning Strategies Using the calming clipper to help sensory sensitive children who struggle with haircuts.

Artist: CM Privett

A neurological disorder is for life …

Dyspraxia Apraxia Letter to teacher

What a great way to learn about recycling!

https://www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com/2016/08/44-tuff-spot-play-ideas.html

Beyond Autism Awareness... To Acceptance And Appreciation! (World Autism Awareness Day 2021) We've all heard of Autism Awareness, but what does it really mean? Why do some people talk about Autism Acceptance? or Autism Appreciation? This World Autism...

Love the idea of the ‘18 for 18’ challenge …

“Come,” said the pencil to the boy, “and draw with me.” So the boy reached for the pencil, about to touch it to his sketch pad. “But I can show you a three-hour drawing condensed into three minutes,” said the Smartphone.

So the boy watched the drawing of a world map, complete with oceans, seas, and capitals, finished in three minutes.

“Come,” said the paintbrush to the boy, “and paint a river with me.” So the boy picked up the paintbrush, about to dip it into the sky-blue watercolor paint. “But I can show you a river in India, one in Alaska, and the largest waterfall in the world,” said the Smartphone.

So the boy watched videos of the Rivers Ganges and Alsek, and clips of Victoria Falls tumbling 5,600 feet into volcanic dikes.

“Come,” said the books, “and read about a lion that battles a witch and a ship’s journey into heaven.”So the boy opened one, curled up on the couch and began reading. “But I can give you the movie,” replied the Smartphone, “and a soundtrack that stirs your soul.”

So the boy closed the book, got up from the couch, sat at the counter, and watched the video.

“Come,” called the trees and birds outside. “Climb us, and listen to us sing.” As the boy stepped outdoors, the Smartphone called, “But with me you can play a game where you scale mountains while dodging man-eating vultures.” So the boy stepped back inside to play the game.

With his face glued to the Smartphone, the iPad next to him dinged: a text. The boy glanced at the message. Returning to his game, he heard a ping: an e-mail in his inbox. He read it and returned to his Smartphone, where a flashing Snapchat announcement obscured a bloodthirsty vulture.

Next to his iPad the pencil lay motionless, and next to the computer, the paintbrush untinted.
And beside his Smartphone, “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” lay with uncreased pages, the lion’s roar stifled, the witch’s cackle silenced, and the gate into Imagination closed.

💪 Childhood is too short. Delay the smartphone with the Wait Until 8th pledge.

💪 If you need to get in touch before 8th grade, get a basic phone. We have some listed on our website and our Instagram Story highlight .

💪 No social media until 16+. Take it a step further with the 18 for 18 challenge (no social media until 18 = $1,800 ).

💪 Model good tech behavior for your kids!

💪 Encourage creativity, exploration, reading, outside adventures, art, and movement.

Let kids be kids longer!

This story is by Jill Thomas and was in the Star Tribune.

Mothers Whose Kids Are Grown Share the Biggest Regrets From Their Early Parenting Days 11 moms get real about what they'd have done differently

Unfortunately it’s easy to pass on our own maths anxieties to our kids.

Building Resilience in Young Math Students Support provided by early childhood educators can put students on a path that will lead to success in math for years to come.

Such fun!