7 Back-To-School Essentials

As much as no one likes to admit it, summer is quickly winding down.  The exciting part is thinking about back to school preparations.  While the real fun begins in the classroom, there are some things parents can do to set their children (and themselves) up for success.  Read on to find out how you can get ready...

1. Soak up every last drop of summer

Go stargazing.  Take a long bike ride.  Eat just one more s’more.  Find as many ways as you can to enjoy every moment you have left of summer together.  Is there anything you talked about doing that you hadn’t gotten around to yet?  Do the kids have any fun requests that you can manage before the school year begins?  Think day trips, lazy days together at home, projects you want to finish, or even some more leisurely trips to the library.  Think about what makes everyone feel happy and content, then do some more of it.

2. Start to adjust bedtimes

Between longer periods of sunlight and looser schedules, staying up late often becomes the norm during summer months.  While this works out just fine for that particular part of the year, it doesn’t work well when it’s time to wake up and catch the bus.  The first thing you may want to do is revisit how much sleep your child should be getting.  

Here are some more tips to get back on track with ease:

• Allow 2-3 weeks for the transition
• Keep things calm for an hour before bedtime
• Slowly shift bedtime earlier by 5-15 minutes each night
• Keep a consistent routine (example: pjs, brush teeth, story, lights out)
• Expect bumps along the road - it’s okay!

3. Gather supplies

Many schools have lists of supplies needed at the beginning of each school year.  Check in with your school and keep in mind that different classrooms often have different lists.  It takes a lot to keep a classroom running smoothly; when each family chips in, it really helps make the task a little easier for teachers.  

Think beyond classroom supplies as well.  What will your child need?  Do they have a lunchbox that is in good working order?  Cloth napkins?  Snack containers?  A water bottle?  What else might they need to start the year off right?  It’s important to remember that children don’t need new everything each fall - quality items last for years!

4. Inventory clothing

Kids have a funny habit of growing all the time.  The transition between summer and autumn is the perfect opportunity to check and make sure they have enough of the right clothing.  Has your child grown a size over the summer?  Is the changing weather a factor?

One great way to stay ahead of kids’ clothing needs is to share with others.  Because children grow so fast they only wear items for a short period of time.  It makes sense to pass outgrown clothing along to siblings or another family who could use it.  Hopefully you can find a family who is willing to do the same for you.  By sharing hand-me-downs, parents can save time and money, leaving you a little extra to buy your child a nicer pair of shoes or a good warm winter jacket.  As a bonus, sharing clothing is also a great environmental choice!

5. Keep reading

Reading to our children every day is so important.  Hopefully you’ve been able to enjoy lots of story time all summer long.  Don’t let the rush of a new school year end the fun!  Aim for at least 20-30 minutes each day.  Bedtime tends to be a natural fit, but reading anytime is beneficial.  Infants, preschoolers, new readers, and even older children enjoy being read aloud to.  Hearing you read sets and example for them regarding the importance of books and literacy, and your voice serves as a great model for oral fluency.  Use dramatic expression, create silly voices for characters, and have fun! 

Older children should spend time reading each day as well.  They can read to themselves, you, a sibling, or even a pet.  Practice makes perfect!  One helpful tip for new/reluctant readers: try setting a pattern of ‘you read a page (or sentence or paragraph), I read a page’.  This gives them the practice they need without it feeling overwhelming.

6. Set goals

Everyone in the family can get on board with this step.  Parents: what are your goals?  Do you want to find ways to not feel so rushed getting out the door in the morning?  Do you want to try out some new meal prep ideas to make the week run more smoothly?  Do you want to find opportunities to volunteer at your child’s school this year?  Think about what you hope for and break it down into small, measurable, steps.

Talk with your kids about the hopes and dreams for the upcoming school year.  What are some things they hope to learn about or accomplish?  This might include specific academic skills, but it might also include social goals or even play-based fun.  Does your child want to learn how to write their name in cursive?  Get across the monkey bars?  Make some new friends?  Learn more about frogs?  It can be fun to have them draw a picture of their goals and write (or have you scribe) what they hope to do.  Tuck the paper away in a drawer and take it out again in June.  It can be so fun for children to reflect on their own growth!

Think of ways you can support each other with your goals and talk about that.

7. Get excited!

Feel free to hype up the beginning of the school year.  Transitions can be hard for kids, but it’s always easier when they’re excited about what’s to come.  A new school year brings the promise of fun learning, friendships, and experiences.  That’s something we can all look forward to.

Service to Others: Instilling Values Early

Have you ever thought about finding ways to get your kids involved in community service?  Many families think it’s a great idea, but it can be hard to figure out exactly what to do.  Especially when it comes to our kids - we want to make sure we find an activity that is age-appropriate, safe, and helps them feel a deeper connection to others.

If you have found a way to make this work, great!  We hope you can share you experience in a way that encourages others to do the same.  If you wish you could but want some practical ideas, read on.  Even our youngest children can pitch in to make the world a better place.

Hunger

Communities across the country work hard to provide food to those who simply don’t have enough.  Food banks and soup kitchens are always looking for donations.  This is one simple way families can make a difference.  Some tips to make it even easier (and more helpful):

• Call your local food bank or visit their website to see what donations they are most in need of.
• When you go grocery shopping, grab an extra box of pasta, can of vegetables, or bag of dried beans.  
• Organize a food drive in your school or business.  All it takes is an empty cardboard box and a sign.  Once the box is full, take a drive to your local donation center to drop it off.
• Give your kids some guidelines and let them help choose items to buy.  For example, let them pick which can of vegetables or what shape of pasta they think a family in need might enjoy.

Homelessness

While it’s not always so obvious in rural or suburban areas, those living in urban communities likely notice homeless people in and around their cities.  One simple way you can help the homeless is to create small care packages, and it’s an activity that appeals to children as young as 3 or 4.  Simply purchase quart or gallon sized zip bags and fill them with any number of useful items.  Some ideas:

• Granola or energy bars
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Travel-sized first aid kits
• Travel-sized toiletries
• Small package of tissues
• Bottles of water
• Crackers
• Chapstick
• Wet wipes
• multivitamins

Have your kids help assemble care packages assembly-line style.  Keep a stash of them in your car for whenever you see someone in need.  There’s a good chance your kids will be in the backseat when you do, and the act of reaching out to help others will make a lasting impression on them.

Elders

Elder care facilities are a great place for children of all ages to make a difference.  Call your local nursing home and find out what works best for them.  Just being there to say hi to residents can make a huge difference to elders and children alike.  One simple idea is to bring some basic coloring supplies along.  Children who love to sing may also want to share that talent.  You don’t need to bring anything at all, but flowers or children’s artwork will always be welcome.

Remember to talk to you children ahead of time to give them an idea of what to expect.  It’s also a good idea to talk to them after the visit to find out how they felt about the experience.  Who knows - you may make some new friends!

Animals

Your local animal shelter is full of hard-working men and women who do a lot, often without enough resources.  Much like collecting food for hungry people, it’s easy to collect and donate supplies for animals, too.  Be sure to contact the shelter and find out what supplies will be useful.  Children of all ages can help choose what to donate and visit the shelter for drop-off.

Animal shelters are often in search of volunteers.  While this wouldn’t be appropriate for young children, find out what ages are welcome - it’s typically 16 and up.

The Earth

Why wait for Earth Day to help our planet?  This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to be of service, because it starts in your home with simple lessons every day.  Talk to you kids and get them involved in a wide range of topics:

• Reducing, reusing, and recycling
• Mindful food choices
• Water conservation
• Finding ways to reduce energy consumption
• Read about endangered animals and how we can help

One final idea

Many older children across the country are skipping gifts at their birthday parties in favor of something more altruistic.  While this shouldn’t be forced upon a child, it’s certainly a nice trend to see!  

Finding ways to give back to your community with your kids should be a fun, rewarding, and memorable experience.  When we teach our children to help, we are nurturing values that will serve them and others for a lifetime.

5 Fun and Easy Summer Ideas for Kids and Parents

Summer is a great time to plan exciting trips or visit with family and friends.  Even with scheduled plans, we are often still left with lots of downtime.  While it can be a great thing for kids to feel boredom and create their own fun, it can be handy to have a few ideas in your back pocket for those days when everyone starts to go a little stir-crazy.  Check out these fun summer activities that can easily be done last-minute:

1. Visit a Museum

Even very young children will enjoy trips to your local museum.  While many will delight in spending a day at a museum specifically designed for children, kids also like going to art museums, science museums, aquariums, and many others.

Many local libraries now have passes to area museums.  If you have a library card, you may be able to pick up a pass the will give you and your family free or reduced admission, which is a nice perk for everyone.  Libraries are a great resource to figure out what museums might be best for your kids, too.

When you do head out, remember to consider your kids’ perspective during the day.  Some exhibits may be fascinating for you but boring to them, and vice versa.  Kids will need breaks and food.  Pack some snacks or check out a fun local lunch spot.

Presetting the kids is another great strategy.  Talk to them about what they will see, how they are expected to behave at a museum, and what the day will be like.  Let their interests help guide your trip, and enjoy the memorable experience.

2. Go for a Hike

Taking your kids hiking has so many benefits!  You get to spend quality time together, everyone gets some exercise, and the family gets to immerse themselves in nature.  There are so many options that are sure to find a trail that will appeal to even the most reluctant of hikers. Browse an online directory to decide what might be a good fit.  Check out these sites for more information:

https://www.hikingproject.com/

https://www.americantrails.org/resources/statetrails/

https://www.trails.com/

Before heading out, make sure everyone is dressed appropriately.  These needs will vary greatly depending on what part of the country you plan on hiking in and how challenging the trail is.  Consider wearing either sturdy sneakers or hiking boots; open-toes shoes can quickly lead to painful encounters with rocks, roots, or other obstacles.  Dressing in comfortable layers is also a good idea, as hiking (especially in the summer) can cause our bodies to heat up, but mountain summits or other open areas can be breezy and deceptively chilly.  

It’s important to think about pests as well.  Bugs will be joining you on your hike, and no matter how much your little ones may find them fascinating, certain insects are best kept at a distance.  Two standouts include mosquitoes and ticks, both of which can carry disease.  There are many options for prevention of bites, including wearing right clothing, to buying or making repellent sprays.  Find out what pests to be aware of in your area and consider your options for protection.

Lastly, be sure to make it fun!  Adults typically hike with a goal and approach the experience as a task to complete.  Children will likely want to stop frequently, both to explore every cool leaf and rock they see, but also because they will get tired.  Be prepared to take lots of breaks, and pack some fun snacks and water.  Remember to take some pictures to remember the day!

3. Make Recycled Art

Feeling creative but low on supplies?  Raid your own recycle bin for some inspiration!  Some possibilities:

• Unique drawing paper - That old Amazon box or colorful envelope provides the perfect canvas for kids to unleash their drawing and coloring skills.  Use whatever you have around the house, including crayons, markers, or even sidewalk chalk.
• Collage - Magazines or flyers are great for this.  Cut out shapes, images, letters, or whatever inspires you, then glue them onto another piece of paper to make a whole new image.  Bonus: young kids are getting some good fine motor practice!
• Sculpture - The possibilities are endless.  Egg cartons can become caterpillars, plastic bottles can transform into vases, and cardboard tubes and boxes can be attached to one another to make animals.  Gather up some tape and markers and see what your imagination can create.

One really fun option is to pull your recycling bin into the middle of your kitchen floor and ask your child to use their imagination.  Children see the world in such an unfiltered way, and everyday objects can easily provoke their creativity.  

4. Pack a Picnic

Having a picnic is one of the simplest and relaxing ways to enjoy the warmer months.  Choose a spot (local parks or beaches are wonderful, but so is your own backyard.)  Have the kids help prepare and pack sandwiches, snacks and drinks.  Some ideas:

• Finger Foods: Think grapes, olives, cheese, bread,  and carrot sticks.
• Simple Salads: Whip up your favorite, whether it be macaroni, bean, potato, or veggie-based.
• Quick Sandwiches: Peanut butter and jelly is an easy go-to, and so are cold cuts.  If you have adventurous kids, look up a recipe and try something that is new for everyone!  
• Easy drink: Fill up some water bottles or back some juice boxes to keep everyone hydrated.

Remember to pack a blanket, napkins, and any plates, cups, or utensils you may need.  Bug spray and sunscreen might be helpful, too!

5. Check Out Your Library

Not only is your library a great source for museum passes, but libraries are a great place to take children for a variety of other reasons, too.  While each library is different, many offer:

• Summer reading programs
• Classes and activities for kids of all ages (for a small fee or free)
• Special events for families
• Art displays to view
• Children’s and teen’s book sections
• Storytime for little ones

Best of all, the library is a really nice place to spend a quiet few hours, enjoying some books together out of the heat of a summer day.

Enjoy your time together this summer!

Gardening With Kids

The warm weather is finally upon us!  As we find ourselves solidly in spring many of us shift our thoughts to the outdoors and our gardens.  Whether you are new to gardening or have cared for plants for years, why not give it a try with your children?  It’s not too late to get started now!

Planning the Space

Whether you live in a tiny city apartment or a sprawling multi-acre piece of land there are many options for planning and executing a garden.  The first step is to decide what will work best for you and your family.  Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into caring for the plants during the growing season.

Container gardens fit nicely onto porches and decks.  This is a nice way to keep things simple if you’re new to gardening or know you will be short on time.  Finding space for even a few pots can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your children.  

Thinking you may want to go bigger?  Raised beds keep things contained and easy to manage.  This can be as simple as four 2x4s screwed together with some metal corner brackets, or you can find designs for elaborate and much taller beds online made of a variety of materials.  If this is your first time gardening you might consider starting with 1-3 beds, roughly 4 by 7 feet.  Fill the beds with a mixture of soil and compost and you’re good to go!

A few last considerations: consider what you want to grow and how much sunlight you will need, as well as how close the space is to a water source.  

Selecting Plants

This is the step that younger children can really become more involved with.  Check out options at your local nursery or garden center, but have some ideas beforehand.  Do you want to focus on flowers?  Vegetables?  Does your family enjoy berries or do you like cooking with fresh herbs?  There are so many possibilities it can be easy to get carried away!  A little planning goes a long way.

Selecting garden plants could open new doors for your child.  If you have a picky eater, encouraging them to choose, say, a plants whose vegetables they typically shy away from, you may be surprised by the end of the summer.  When a child takes the time to care for a garden they feel deeply connected to the plants.  They will feel a great swell of pride when they harvest that first zucchini, and they may well enjoy tasting it with new perspective.

Keep in mind the location you have chosen to place your garden and pay attention to the amount of sunlight the spot receives at different times throughout the day.  Some plants require full sun, while others need partial sun or even shady areas.  

Companion planting is fun to consider as well.  Some plants compliment each other when planted nearby.  This often has to do with properties of the plants that contribute to pest control, or what kinds of nutrients they take from (or give to) the soil.  Check out this site for more information on specific companion plants.

Care and Maintenance

Your main two tasks throughout the growing season are watering and weeding.  It can take time and practice to set up a system that works for you, but here are some tips:

• Water early in the morning or late in the day.  Midday watering can lead to the sun heating up the water and essentially boil the plant and its roots.
• Make your watering system easy.  Have a hose ready or a sprinkler set up.  
• Mulch is your friend.  While there are different options, cut straw can be a great way to cover the soil around your plants.  It holds moisture in by preventing excessive evaporation and limits weeds’ ability to grow.
• Teach your child the difference between weeds and the plants you are intentionally growing, then watch closely while they help!  (If they do inadvertently pull a few plants up by the roots you may be able to salvage them.)
• Keep an eye out for pests!  Anything from insects to deer can cause problems.  Be aware of the potential where you live and ask around for specific ways to prevent or treat damage.
• Some plants have more needs.  Climbing plants need guidance, while others may need pruning or thinning.  Seed packets typically include these types of directions, but the the folks at your local garden center are another great resource.  

Enjoying the Benefits

Believe it or not, there are plenty of benefits you will reap long before harvesting.  Gardening allows us to spend time outdoors, breathing in fresh air, taking in the sunshine, and nurturing our own connection with the earth.  Spending this time with your child allows you to enjoy these benefits while spending time together.  The time you spend gardening as a family will leave a positive, lasting impact that your child will remember.  

The harvest does, of course, bring joy all on its own.  Whether you have a gorgeous vase of fresh blooms in your dining room, fresh pesto for your dinner, or hands full of strawberries that never even make it to the table, you will all enjoy the result of your hard work.

Happy gardening!

Click to go to this book on Amazon.

If you’re looking for more information, this reference book is full of general gardening advice and plant-specific information. 

Earth Day Reflections: 3 Ways to Go Green as a Family

April 22 is Earth Day!  This is a great chance for parents and their children to talk about how we can care for our planet.  What it really boils down to is recognizing connections.  In our disposable, consumable culture, it can be easy to forget where things come from and what we might do differently to lighten our step on the planet.  Here are some fun and educational ideas to try together…

1. Say Goodbye to Paper Towels

This one is way easier than it might seem.  Paper towels and napkins have been used in American households for generations, but opting for more permanent replacements is super simple.  Instead of tearing off a new sheet, using and it once, and throwing it away, consider some other options.

Cloth napkins are not only more earth-friendly, but they feel nicer to use.  It may seem like a small thing, but selecting and using cloth napkins for meals is a way to infuse everyday life with something a little more special.  Plus, it’s nice to have a collection on hand as many Montessori schools ask for cloth napkins to be packed in children’s lunch bags.

Are you crafty?  Making your own napkins is one of the simplest sewing projects out there.  Find some DIY directions - click here. 

Pressed for time?  You can buy cloth napkins almost anywhere.  Stores like Marshalls or Homegoods often have designer options for $5 for a package of 4.  Online shoppers will love the selection on Etsy or even Amazon.

To involve your kids, bring them to the fabric store to help pick patterns or have them pick out pre-made options that appeal to them, too.  If you do decide to sew your own, older children can pitch in (and would likely love the opportunity!)

As for paper towels’ other main use of cleanup duty?  Old t-shirts make the best rags.  When you’re getting ready to donate old clothing, pull out items that are stained or torn.  Cut the items into large rectangles and store them in a small bucket under your kitchen sink.

2. Start a Garden

The ultimate way to connect kids to their food is to have them help grown their own.  If you have the space and time, building a raised bed is fairly simple.  Even if you have a tiny apartment in a city, container gardening can work on even the smallest fire escape.  Montessori students study botany starting at the primary level, so you will delight in seeing their excitement while they make connections.

Planning is half the fun.  Sit together as a family and look through a seed catalogue or pile in the car and visit a local nursery.  Figure out what everyone wants to grow and then give it a try.  As a bonus, gardening gets everyone outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine together.

Growing your own food means eating your own food.  Not only is freshly picked produce higher in vitamins, but it tends to taste so much better that what we normally find at the grocery store.  There may be a natural migration from the garden to the kitchen, as toddlers and teenagers alike will want to participate in making something yummy with the fruits of their labor.

The possibilities with gardening are endless.  It’s definitely a learning experience in the beginning, but in no time you’ll be thinking about composting, companion planting, saving seeds, and planning for next year.

3. Speaking of Composting…

If you’re ready to jump even deeper into going green, composting is a fun next step.  There are many ways to compost, but one of the most fun to do with children is vermicomposting.  Special bins are used to house worms that can eat and transform your produce scraps and shredded paper.  

Sound too complicated?  Smelly?  Slimy?  Expensive?

It’s pretty simple to set up, even easier to maintain, and really not gross at all.  An added perk: the resulting compost will make those plants in your garden grow like crazy!  While there certainly are really nice (and expensive) worms bins out there, there are definitely more cost effective ways to try it out.

Some options include the popular Can O Worms or the slightly sturdier Worm Factory. Making your own can cost as little as $20.  Click here for directions. 

Red wigglers are the best worms to use for vermicomposting.  You may be able to source some locally, but if not Carolina Biological is a great option for mail-order worms.

To get started you should have a spray bottle of water (to keep worms and bedding moist) and some old newspapers on hand.  To prevent unpleasant odors, it’s a good idea to have balance what goes into the worm bin, including a mix of kitchen scraps and shredded paper.  It’s also a good idea to avoid feeding worms animal by products, so keep meat and dairy out.  For the most part, redworms don’t care for onions, although some do so it doesn’t hurt to try.  Follow these simple steps and you will be surprised at the complete lack of odor coming from your bin.

Worm bins can even be kept indoors, with basements being an ideal location for many families (although they stay just about anywhere room-temperature).  

On rare occasions, you may notice some fruit flies in or around your bin.  To make a simple fruit fly trap, use a disposable plastic cup, such as a yogurt cup.  Fill ⅛ way full with water and add a drop or two of dish soap.  Some people like to add a little apple cider vinegar as well.  Cover the top of the cup with a small piece of plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and poke a few holes.  Leave the trap sitting inside the top layer of your bin and the problem.

For more information about worm composting, check out this blog article.

Vermicomposting is a special learning experience for children and adults alike.  Worms teach us about decomposition and ecosystems.  Watching the worms work will give kids a new appreciation for these small creatures, and instill a sense of the interconnectedness of everything on Earth.

Happy Earth Day!

Book List: April is National Poetry Month

We work hard to give kids a chance to read both fiction and nonfiction, but let’s not forget about poetry!  April is a great month to celebrate.  Check out this month’s book list for ideas.

(Click on the book image to go to the book's page on Amazon)

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Silverstein’s poems are mostly silly, often inspiring, and always delightful.  Combine that with his simple line drawings and your child will love every page.  If you enjoy Where the Sidewalk Ends, check out Silverstein’s many other titles, including A Light in the Attic.

Jabberwocky: A BabyLit Nonsense Primer by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Alison Oliver

In this great board book option for the youngest poetry lovers, Adams cleverly adapts Lewis Carrol’s classic from Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.  The bright, whimsical illustrations transform a not-so-scary beast into a fun and triumphant poem. 

The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

This sweet poem/story tells children what we already know about them: there is something special and magical about their individuality.  While the illustrations show children with literal glowing crowns resting on their heads, the message is more figurative.  Nonetheless, the qualities that make us unique follow us throughout our lives, and that each one of us carries our own.

Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson edited by Frances Schoonmaker Bolin, illustrated by Chi Chung

If your child loves nature or shares a fascination with the world around them, this introduction to some of Dickinson’s work may be an excellent foray into poetry.  Included are poems like “Bee, I’m expecting you!” and “The moon was but a chin of gold”.

When We Were Very Young by A. A. Milne, illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard

This classic collection has been enjoyed for generation.  One of a series that introduces readers to Winnie-the-Pooh and friends, it’s the type of book that children cherish enough to want to read to their own children.

The Reason for a Flower: A Book About Flowers, Pollen, and Seeds by Ruth Heller

Heller has a magical way of blending poetry and science in a way that captivates children’s imaginations while teaching them real-life information.  The Reason for a Flower is no different, and children will love the different ways in which plants use flowers for reproduction.

Many Luscious Lollipops: A Book About Adjectives by Ruth Heller

Ruth Heller’s work is so amazing it deserves two spots on this list.  Many Luscious Lollipops is just one in her series that teaches grammar skills.  Some books even go into specific parts of speech, which is great for older children (she has written one all about collective nouns!).  And who doesn’t love a book about lollipops?

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

This book is appropriate for children in third grade through middle school.  Inside Out and Back Again has been widely recognized: it’s received a Newbury Honor and won the National Book Award.  As a child, Lai was a refugee who fled Vietnam with her family.  This story is based on her experiences as an immigrant.

Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall

Baylor has written many books, using a unique style of free verse.  In Everybody Needs a Rock, the main character describes the importance of having one’s very own rock, and the important characteristics to look out for.  If you and your family enjoy this one, check out I’m in Charge of Celebrations.

A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa

This classic compilation includes favorites such as this:

“Bed in Summer”

By Robert Louis Stevenson

In winter I get up at night 

And dress by yellow candle-light. 

In summer, quite the other way, 

I have to go to bed by day. 

I have to go to bed and see 

The birds still hopping on the tree, 

Or hear the grown-up people's feet 

Still going past me in the street. 

And does it not seem hard to you, 

When all the sky is clear and blue, 

And I should like so much to play, 

To have to go to bed by day?

Happy reading!