Write Away

June 13, 2016

Flag Day’s Star-Spangled Banner

What do you remember about Flag Day celebrations (June 14) when you were in school? You probably participated in a ceremony at the school flagpole. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts wore their uniforms on that day, and the Boy Scouts usually performed the honor of raising the flag. This ceremony often included singing the Star-Spangled Banner. If Flag Continue reading

Celebrations, History and Social Science, Rituals, Speaking and listening

Flag Day ceremony, lyrics, music
June 8, 2016

Living History

Today we’re living history. We have the first woman with enough votes to become a nominee for president of the United States. It doesn’t matter what your party affiliation is, or if you support Secretary Hillary Clinton or not. What matters is that you talk with your children about the significance of this achievement, because Continue reading

History and Social Science, Speaking and listening, Teaching and Learning

first woman presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton victory, women’s achievement
May 31, 2016

A Robin in the Wreath

Sometimes, you just have to take a breath and look at the world. Or, out your front door and onto a wreath, where a robin built a perfect nest. For at least the last three weeks, I’ve been hosting a new family of robins. It was pure magic to see the mother twist the last pieces of Continue reading

Interdiscipinary learning, Science at Home, Speaking and listening, Teaching and Learning

Curiosity, Teach at home, Wonder
April 30, 2016

Children and Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Don’t you love it when your child plays with others and uses her imagination and creativity to act out stories? Then you must read aloud one of Zilpha Keatley Snyder’s excellent books. They mix fantasy, adventure, mystery, and magical thinking in a way that children respond to. A person’s imagination is not an isolated ability. It Continue reading

Reading, Social and emotional development

child’s imagination, Develop creativity
April 29, 2016

Life with a Yorkshire Terrier

If your children are lucky enough to enjoy life with a Yorkshire terrier, you’ll recognize our Teddy. Happy. Self-confident. Highly intelligent. Persistent. Protective. Noisy. Wags a lot. Barks at perceived intruders. Monitors the yard for mourning doves, squirrels, rabbits, or anything masquerading as such. Rages at roaming cats. Loves car rides. Sits in his car seat Continue reading

Home environment, Teaching and Learning

Children and pets, Family dogs, Learn from animals

Flag Day’s Star-Spangled Banner

Living History

A Robin in the Wreath

Children and Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Life with a Yorkshire Terrier