Category Archives: academics

The Boots

academics, balance, kids, Parenting

Him:  “Oh, yeah, Mom.  I need some tall maroon boots for the play.  Like old-time boots.”

Me:  “Ummm?  You wear a men’s size 11.  I don’t think we’re going to find tall maroon boots in that size.”

Him:  “I really have to have them.  I need them for the play.”

side note:  The play is a take-off on Snow White, and he’s the henchman.  Those kind of boots.

Me:  [long pause]  Well, maybe I could make something.  From wool?

very important side note:  I can sew a straight line.  I make things like bean bags for birthday parties, not boots for people to actually wear.

Him:  “Yes, yes, thank you!!”  [overly enthusiastic to make up for outrageous request and to encourage very hesitant mother]

We trudged over to Joann Fabrics and, lo and behold, the miracle of maroon wool appeared.  We bought it and took it home.  I measured, and guessed, and drew on the wool with a piece of chalk.  That’s right:  chalk.

I got out my trusty sewing machine, the one my mother bought for me in 1992.  Yes, that’s correct.

I cut.

I sewed.

I was feeling mighty proud.

Him:  “Oh, great!  And can you add some laces?  And buttons?  Like old-time boots?

Me:  “Huh?”  But I got busy.

And for a drama class play, I think they’ll be just fine.

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Writing Contests for Kids

academics, contests

I’ve written quite a bit here about getting kids to read, and which great books for kids I’d recommend, but I haven’t said much about writing, which is a bit ironic, right?

Chances are, if you’ve got a reader, you may also have a writer on your hands.  There’s something absolutely wonderful for kids about seeing their words in print, and there are plenty of writing contests for kids that can help them do just that.

My “work” website has all of the links, so I’m going to direct you there, only because it’s easier for me than copying all of the links over here!  There are writing contests for kids from Kindergarten through 12th grade, so pop on over and help your child submit their work.  Who knows, you may have a future Mary Oliver on your hands!

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Helping Kids Learn Math

academics, activities for kids
I’m a firm believer that not all learning involves memorizing 4 x 2 and reciting the state capitols.  For the record, I’m also a firm believer in flash cards and knowing that Helena goes with Montana, I just don’t think that’s the only way kids learn.
My middle son, for example, was a multiplication whiz at the ripe old age of 4, not because he’d ever seen a flash card, but because we played Monopoly Jr ad nauseum.  That little boy loved nothing more than to play that game over and over again.  Play money or not, he learned very quickly how to tally up his winnings, which came in handy a few years later when he had to memorize his multiplication facts.
Monopoly doesn’t have a monopoly on learning, though.  There are all sorts of games that foster kids’ thinking skills, and I’m happy to report that as your kids get older, they won’t be b-o-r-e-d games for you anymore…you can enjoy them, too!  If you’re looking for a few to add to your family’s repertoire, here are some of our favorites:
Mastermind (also Mastermind for kids)
Life (not the new one with the credit card–unless that’s the skill you’re working on!)
Clue (also Clue Jr)
A few other games my kids like:  Battleship, chess, checkers, chinese checkers, scrabble, and the new Harry Potter Lego game, which I have to admit I like playing, too.
What about you?  Have you found games your family enjoys, that just happen to help your kids learn something, too? 
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