Smarty Sponsor: Summit School

By Guest Blogger Suzanne Davis Campbell, Summit School, Class of ‘93

Summit is like family, and for me the beginning of this school year is like returning home for a family reunion. When I walked through the door on that first day of Junior Kindergarten my stomach had butterflies…What is it going to be like? Will it be fun? What will the teachers be like? This time, though, the experience was not for me, but for my little girl entering the same doors I had 28 years ago for my first day of Junior Kindergarten. You know the feeling…starting school, graduation, a presentation…all of these things give us butterflies. But once I got through those doors I remembered my days at Summit as a young student and I sighed with relief.

As I walk into the entrance of Summit, I see both familiar and new faces ready to greet me as if I am the same little four-year-old girl so many years ago. But this time they are here to greet my daughter who is stepping into her Junior Kindergarten class, and they are thrilled to see her as well as her classmates, some familiar with the school and some new to the family of Summit.


To me, there are new faces and new facilities at Summit, but the heart and the principles of the school are the same and so is the stellar educational program that prepared me for advanced coursework in high school and at a nationally ranked university. To my daughter everyone is new and the classrooms are new. To me it is still the same comfy,cozy place where I spent 11 years of my life. During that time I was taught French and Spanish at age 4, I spent a day living and working as a pioneer, and I made a speech in ninth grade to the entire school. I had a starring role in OKLAHOMA! and I had a "Big Friend" who was in fifth grade. I participated in a wide range of sports, created amazing art projects, and, most of all, was taught to respect and love everyone for who they are.


So you see, even though everything is new to her, my daughter already sees Summit as family – not only because she knows I spent my childhood here, but also because of teachers like Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Breakstone who give her the biggest hugs when she arrives and when she leaves. They have already made her feel loved and supported, and it is only the third week of school. No matter how new or old you are to Summit, everyone here is family. The teachers are here with open arms from the first day of Jr. K until the day you graduate and even as you bring your own child back. As an alumna, I have been blessed with not only the opportunity to grow up in the Summit environment of strong ethics and education but now I also have the gift of seeing my child join the Summit family and experience the same wonderful opportunities.

Are you part of the Summit School family? Tell us what you like best about Summit!

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Secrets to What Is Going On at School

By Guest Blogger Kelly Gunzenhauser


My older son has started kindergarten. It’s been a big change from cozy preschool. I feel a little lost, and my son has done the big-kid-clam-up. He won’t tell me what happens at school! Lots of kids do this. They just lived it; they do not want to talk about it again. Sheesh, Mom, give it a rest. But I am just so darn curious. OK, nosy. Here’s how I tried to find out what really happened.

First, I learned to ask better questions. The answers for, “How was your day?” do not tell me much. Yes-or-no questions do not really work, either. (“Did you eat snack today?” “Nope.” “Did you do any math?” “Sure!”) So, I have tried to craft better questions, “What was the best/hardest/most fun thing you did today?” pulls out more detail.

Second, I pay attention to when I ask. In the car on the way home is an okay time, but we only have a five-minute drive. Dinnertime is better since we all take turns talking about our days. I try not to do it at bedtime. He’ll talk to me, but thinking about kindergarten keeps him awake. I know this, of course, because of idea #3, which is:

I listen to my kid play alone. After the second night of kindergarten, my son took his cars to bed. (That’s normal, for us. Who cares if they are hard and bumpy to sleep with?) We turned on the monitor and heard, “Who knows what a hockey puck looks like? Raise your hands. Okay, now who has seen a hockey game?” He was “teaching” his cars. This idea led to my fourth idea, which was:

I asked him to play school with me. Oh goodness. Dad, little brother, and I all got in the floor in front of the chalkboard easel. I watched my little five-year-old transform into a teacher. He explained the behavior monitoring system, which took up a huge portion of the “lesson.” He taught us how to transition to centers, how to line up for the bathroom, how loud we could be (level 1 or level 2 voices, everyone!), and then he did a letter recognition exercise. It was hilarious to see him in total control. In fact, when it was time to stop playing and take a bath, he had a hard time giving up the control—and the play—and a meltdown ensued. He is begging to do it again, though.

My little guy is still just three. I know he will spill the beans when he gets home from his first day of preschool today. And he’s that kind of kid, anyway. But hopefully, my older one will want to play school for a while. I learn as much from him playing school as he does at real school!

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Transitioning into Kindergarten

By Guest Blogger Kelly Sipe, Greensboro Day School

Robert Fulghum wrote "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." Take a moment to read all of the life skills that are taught in kindergarten. And, on top of all that, children are expected to grow academically, master fine motor skills, navigate through social dynamics and make friends. These children will also have a variety of specialist teachers (art, music, P.E., etc), in addition to their classroom teachers.

Kindergarten is as big as any major life transition. Here are some things you should expect, and things you can do to make the transition succesful for both you and your child...

If your child comes home from school and expresses anxiety and/or fatigue please know that this is normal. It typically takes children a full 4-6 weeks to acclimate themselves to their new routine. Quality teachers (and programs) pace their kindergarten curriculum with this in mind.

Over the next few weeks expect that you will communicate frequently with your child's teacher to make this a smooth transition for everyone. If your child's school doesn't already offer beginning of the year conferences, you can request one. As a kindergarten teacher, these early conferences are incredibly valuable. They allow for the assistant teacher and myself to get to know the families and learn about the child. It allows parents the opportunity to begin building a relationship with the teacher and to learn first hand what the teacher's expectations are.

It will also be important to attend your school's Parents' Night. The kindergarten year is full of wonder, excitement, growth, independence and friendship. It is one of the most important and special stages of your child's life. In helping to make the start of kindergarten as smooth as possible, here are a few things you can do at home:

-Limit after school activities (even play dates should be limited or postponed for the first few weeks).

-Maintain a regular and early bedtime.

-Eat a good breakfast and send healthy choices for morning snack (protein foods are perfect!).

-Allow quiet time every day .. time for you and your child to talk about the day without the distractions of television, video games, etc.

-Help your child to articulate his/her feelings so that they can better understand what they are feeling/experiencing.

-Give lots of hugs and encouragement ... remain positive, even if you are anxious and overwhelmed yourself (I say this because I admit to being an anxious Mom myself!).

-Connect with a first grade parent, who has made this kindergarten transition with their own child in the not so distant past.

-Although anxiety and fatigue is completely normal and expected, these feelings are very real to your child. Allow your child to walk through these emotions, with adult support, so he/she will gain the confidence and the necessary tools they will need to make kindergarten the wonderful journey it is intended to be!

Thanks, Kelly, for these great tips and suggestions! I know a lot of parents are looking for advice right now. These tips were great for me, too, as a mother of a first grader - KM

What are some things you have you done to help transition your kindergartner - either this year or in the past?

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Lunchbox Face-off!

By Guest Blogger Lisa Witherspoon

It’s about 8:30 pm on any given school night and I am, once again, in the kitchen having a face-off with three empty lunchboxes. Sound familiar?? Packing kids’ lunches is a very basic task that, during the school year, becomes a major source of frustration for me. You see, I have three very picky eaters – a vegetarian third grader, a picky kindergartner, and a SUPER picky preschooler who attends a completely nut-free preschool. Sheesh!! I get a headache just thinking about it!

As the school year gets started again, I thought I would share some of the lessons I have learned and some of my better ideas to, hopefully, help any other parents who get just as aggravated as me with the ever-daunting task of lunch box packing.

One of the most important things is planning. I pack lunches the night before school. (Except for thermoses or things that have to be heated.) This saves a lot of time amidst the chaos of the morning rush. Also, I sit down on Sunday afternoons to plan out my family’s dinner menu for the coming week and make out a grocery list. Last year, I added making a weekly lunchbox menu to that task. It helps in two ways: first, I don’t have to think too much at night when I am already pretty brain dead! I just read the menu I have already written out. Also, I add lunchbox items to the grocery list so I am certain (well, pretty certain) to have everything I need.

Another strategy that helps me is to break down the menu into important components. I usually try to include a protein (meat or dairy item), a fruit or veggie item, a grain (bread, crackers, etc.), sometimes a dessert, and, of course, a drink. This strategy has to be flexible – a peanut butter sandwich is both a protein and a grain, but not a complete lunch by itself – but, it is a good place to start.

I have also learned to think outside the “lunch” box (pun intended!). For example, how about giving kids breakfast for lunch? Why not give them a bagel with cream cheese instead of a sandwich or a thermos full of cold milk and a baggie of cereal to pour in? You can even give them a muffin or French Toast sticks. If it is healthy for breakfast, it is healthy for lunch, right?? It also makes it fun for the children.

Make it a wrap. Almost, anything that can be a regular sandwich, can also be wrapped up in a tortilla. Try flavored tortillas, too!

Try dips. Kids usually like to dip things, so find some recipes for yummy dips to pack in their lunchboxes. Even something as simple as salsa, marinara, or ranch dressing can give flare to a boring lunchbox menu.

Invest in good containers. You can get a good thermos for around $15.00. They can be used to keep soup or Spaghetti O’s hot as well as to keep pasta salad or milk cold. Some small, reusable plastic containers will also save money in the long run.

Go cruising! Cruise around the internet to find fun lunchbox recipes that YOUR children will like. I have found recipes for pizza muffins, tortilla spirals, and other things that I still use.

Share! Are you packing for more than one kid?? Bake a frozen pizza the night before and put a couple slices in each child’s lunchbox. You could do the same with a batch of muffins, chicken nuggets, or some fun pasta shapes with tomato sauce.

Give yourself a break! There is nothing wrong with giving kids “convenience” items once in a while. Lunchables, Uncrustables, and Lance Crackers are always good things to keep on hand for those days when you just don’t have the time or the energy. (We’ve all been there!)

Finally, don’t get so creative that you forget the old standbys. A peanut butter sandwich never goes out of style! (Or turkey, or bologna & cheese, - you get the picture.)

I hope you will find these suggestions helpful as you face-off with the lunchboxes in your kitchen this school year! I am sure there are lots of other creative parents out there who have some great ideas to add, so please share!

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Preparing Children to Return to School

By Guest Blogger Latasha Denay Myers

When you think of summer break, you automatically think of swimming pools, family vacations, lot’s of sunshine, cook-outs, and NO SCHOOL. Many children take full advantage of the “school free” days that summer has to offer by spending little to no time on educational enrichment. Countless school teachers will tell you that the first few weeks of school are used to review skill sets that were learned the previous school year because children are not prepared to resume learning at the next level.

It is never too late to prepare children for a great school year. Just because summer is over doesn't mean you should stop preparing your child for school. Here are five "smarty" things you can continue to do:

1. Review the frequent word list from the previous grade level. If your child has mastered the words from the previous list, start on the list for this school year. Most school systems have these lists by grade level on their websites. Create games with the list to help challenge children. We keep the list posted on the refrigerator and whenever the kids ask for a snack they have to make a sentence using words from the list before they get the snack. They earn a little extra if they use multiple words in a single sentence.

2. Read, Read, Read – Reading over the summer is so important. It helps students stay in the habit of reading, helps increase vocabulary, and improves communication skills. Ask open ended questions about a book your child has read. If reading a book is not your child’s idea of summer fun then have them create their own book using free software such as storyboard. We use cooking as a way to brush up on math and reading skills. In order to create the recipe successfully children have to read and follow directions as well as use the correct measurements of the ingredients.

3. Journal – Keeping a journal is a fun way to remember summer activities and practice penmanship. Even young children can keep a journal by drawing pictures and dictating to parents what the picture represents. Parents can assist young children in writing the details for their pictures. If your child has not kept a summer journal now is still a good time to start. Children can reflect upon past events and write their expectations for the upcoming school year.

4. Be creative - Give your child an inexpensive digital camera or disposable camera and let them take pictures for a few days of the things they find interesting. Develop the pictures and/or up load them to a program like windows movie maker to make a movie with text about the pictures or put the pictures in a scrap book with details on each picture. Use the pictures to make a summer mobile or turn them into postcards for family and friends to tell them about the summer. (Grandparents love these!)

5. Virtual field trips – Many families are traveling less this year due to our economy and many other factors, but with the use of technology students can take virtual trips right from home. This site has a complete section of virtual fieldtrips to great places in our state. The trips are sorted by grade level and some trips also include activities and follow up questions.

Latasha has an extensive background in education and runs the summer camp Learning & Adventures in Winston-Salem, as well as Bright Light Enrichment, a special program for young boys with disabilities.

What are other ways you can help your child's school transition easier? What did you do over the summer?

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It's Back to School Week!

By Rachel H

All of us at Triad Smarty Pants hope your family had a summer to remember! Whether you are ready or not, it is time for school to begin! This week we are focusing on "Back to School" articles. We have some new blogs to share with you as well as previous blogs that we think are valuable reminders to make this school year successful for you and your children.

Today we are running a post from which we received a lot of positive feedback last year. Our guest blogger, Michelle Bostian, focuses on how you can help your children handle bullying. Be sure to check out the websites and recommended books at the end of the article for more information on this topic.


"Bullying - It's Not What It Used to Be"

By Guest Blogger
Michelle Bostian, LCSW
Lower School Counselor for Greensboro Day School


Bullying today is just not what it used to be ... We are always hearing that these days. “Well, when I was a kid we had to walk to school in the snow!” The same applies to bullying. It is not the tyranny of the big mean boy who steals lunch money. It’s the otherwise sweet girl that shares her candy with all the girls she likes in front of that one girl that she doesn’t. It’s the special clubs and exclusionary occurrences on the playground day after day. Sure, there are still instances of name calling and deliberate tripping. But now there are obvious and malicious emails intended to haunt and dominate. Today, the bullying we need to target and prevent with our children is the subtle, the covert and the as yet, uncensored.

Bullying prevention could be called something friendlier like “friendship skills”. Or it could be called something really basic, like “empathy”. Bottom line, the emotional impact from any type of bullying is the same. The psychological scarring implicit with this behavior is well known to be a common underlying factor in a child’s history who later commits acts of violence or other socially unacceptable behavior.

So here’s the deal. All kids can be bullies, or “wear the bully hat” as author Trudy Ludwig puts it when she travels the US and talks with school age kids about bullying. When someone hurts someone else, dominates them in some way, and they know it is hurting the other person, that is bullying. Plain and simple. It’s the group of girls at lunch who scooch over and fill up the empty space when your daughter comes to sit down. Then they quickly adjust to allow the girl behind her space to sit at their table. Bullying is when your son tells you he and his friends did sit ups in a goofy way just like “that weird boy”, and everyone laughed.

You know it when you hear it. As a parent you likely get that feeling in the pit of your stomach that you just ache for your child. You want to go grab that kid in the library and set a few things straight. You want to give that kid a piece of your mind, let her know that she can’t treat your kid that way and get away with it. But you can’t. When you intervene like this as a parent you render your child powerless and at greater risk of being victimized again.

The more powerful thing to do is to empower your kids. Equip them with the problem solving skills to assert themselves. Role play with your kids. They need to practice the skills to create those pathways in their brains. They need to practice until it is as automatic as “stop, drop and roll”. Please don’t tell them to ignore it. Every kid who has ever come to talk to me about this stuff has already tried that. Teach kids first to say, “Stop”. They also need skills like walking away, changing the subject and saying something ridiculously funny. Explain the difference between telling and tattling. Tattling is to get someone else in trouble: “He took two cookies instead of one”. Telling is to protect someone from getting hurt on the inside or on the outside: “She calls me Fatty Patty every day at recess and now two other girls call me that too.”

Books your children can read to help build the skills and social resilience they need to succeed are listed at the end of this article. There are lots of books you can read, too. Equally important, there are things you can do each and every day to reduce your child’s likelihood that they will be bullied or that they will bully. It boils down to empathy. Teach them to think about their feelings and the feelings of others. Teach them that their behavior has an impact on the feelings of others. Model this type of behavior at home through simple things like sharing your “lows and highs” each day. This gives kids a tool for talking about their feelings. And it gives adults a tool as well.

In our family, on the nights we sit down together for dinner, we share our lows and highs. One person starts with “My low is that Caitlyn broke my favorite pencil today. My high is that we had ice cream after school.” Each person has a turn, even parents. It’s important for parents to let kids know that not only do they have feelings, but that sometimes relationships have difficult elements. It might go something like this: “My low is that I had an argument with a friend today and I feel sad about that. My high is that we had a good talk at lunch and we worked it out.” You don’t need to share more about the disagreement. Just share that you have them and that they don’t feel good and that you DO work them out.

Last, be sure your school has an empathy building curriculum. (At Greensboro Day School we use a program called Second Step.) Ask your school how they build a child’s empathy, perspective taking and problem solving skills. These are the skills to success. Not just emotional success, but educational success as well. When kids are not preoccupied by their social world around them they are much more focused on their school work. And guess what? They are also more inclined to follow directions at home when they are not ruminating about social drama at school!

Books for adults:
*Faber, Adele and Mazlish, Elaine. Siblings Without Rivalry
*Rubin, Kenneth and Thompson, Andrea. The Friendship Factor: Helping Our Children Navigate Their Social World – And Why it Matters to their Success and Happiness
*Sheras, Peter. Your Child: Bully or Victim? Understanding and Ending School Yard Tyranny

Websites:
http://www.bullying.org/
http://www.operationrespect.com/

Books for Kids:
Burnett, Karen Gedig. Simon’s Hook; A story About Teases and Putdowns
Cohen-Posey, Kate. How to Handle Bullies, Teaser and Other Meanies: A Book That Takes the Nuisance Out of Name Calling and Other Nonsense
Crosby, Bill. The Meanest Thing to Say
Lester, Helen. Hooway for Wodney
Ludwig, Trudy. My Secret Bully
Ludwig, Trudy. Just Kidding
Ludwig, Trudy. Sorry
Moss, Peggy. Say Something
Munson, Derek. Enemy Pie
Polacco, Patricia. Mr. Lincoln’s Way

Michelle is a counselor at Greensboro Day School and has a private practice. I want to thank her for this very informative article today. I have made the mistake of telling my children to “ignore it” many times, so I was relieved to read the alternatives she suggested above. I already Googled a few of her suggested reading materials and they can easily be found on Amazon, as well as our local book stores such as Borders and Barnes and Noble.

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Smarty Back to School Gear!

By Jen P, Charlotte Smarty Pants

Back-to-school shopping always sneaks up on us just as we're enjoying the full swing of summer, doesn't it? No worries - in typical Smarty fashion, we've scoured the web and the QC for some of the coolest finds so your little bookworm will be decked out.

Backpack & Lunchpack Guide:
Pottery Barn Kids - PBK is again top of my list with durability and fashion in one fell shopping swoop. For girls and boys alike, the Mackenzie Collection delivers. That Star Wars theme rocks for the 'lil dudes. I would recommend the small backpack ($39) for kindergartners and the large backpack ($45) for 2nd grade and up. Don't even bother with a preschool backpack yet, because many preschools require a certain bag or bucket. Check out PBTeen if you don't see a pattern that you like. Very stylish and a little more grown up. PBK & PB Teen are both offering free shipping right now.



Garnet Hill Signature Backpack Collection has very fun backpacks and they tend to be made of lightweight material. I would highly recommend the Backpack Junior ($29.50) for kindergartners since it fits a standard folder and you don't want it too heavy on their backs. The Backpack collection for $39.50 is designed for ages 7 and up. Garnet Hill is offering a free lunch pack with the purchase of a patterned backpack or backpack Jr thru Oct 5th, these retail for $16.50.

L.L.Bean has had super cool backpacks for as long as I can remember and their Junior Original Book Pack for $18.36 will not disappoint and what a bargain. This bag is perfect for K-2. The Original Book Pack for $22.36 is perfect for ages 7 and up and the Deluxe Book Pack for $31.96 is good for 10 and up.

Lands End has been the backpack headquarters for some time now too, rivaling that of L.L.Bean. Their ClassMate line is what I would look at for elementary school kids. The ClassMate SmallHaul backpack for $24.50 is perfect for K-2. You can promote your kids to the ClassMate StudyHaul backpack for grades 3 and up. By this age, your kids will want to throw everything they can in their backpacks so it's important to have a little extra room. Lands End lunch boxes range from $14.50 to $19.50. I tend to think Lands End and L.L.Bean have a good boy backpack selection.

Go Green and Reuse:
Again, I'm loving PBK this year! They are now offering Klean Kanteen water bottles to match their backpack patterns. They also have cool Hot-Cold food containers. All of which you can get monogrammed so they don't end up in lost and found. Last year I was excited about the Crocodile Creek water bottles, but I was not impressed with how they held up. I'm never a fan of any children's item that requires hand-washing - I tried hard to stick to that rule, and they still peeled off.

I'm also digging the customized Sigg bottles at Cafe Press. Sigg is still my favorite reusable water bottle - the only thing that bugs me is the lid is too small to add ice. But my kids like everything room temp and that aluminum keeps your drinks naturally cold anyway.

Garnet Hill also has super cute personalized water bottles. Love their mono the best:-)

Peep this presh & Smarty reusable and washable snack bag from Itzy Ritzy - so cute and green too!
Happy shopping, Smarties and please, please, share your back-to-school tips!

Don't forget to register for our August Giveaway! You could be one of five lucky readers who will win a $20 gift card to Boutique of Couture in Winston-Salem. Think new fall clothes!!! Just click here to take a short survey. You must be a TSP newsletter subscriber to win. This giveaway promotion will run through Noon on Friday, August 13. Winners will be immediately notified and announced on TSP a few days later. Good luck, Smarties!

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Keep Your Children Writing This Summer, Too!

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Lockert, Assistant Director and Teacher, Reynolda Preschool and Kindergarten

Summer has arrived! Swimming, popsicles, travel, and camps are all on the agenda. We know that leisure time is a desired and necessary plan for our young learners. But parents and teachers also agree that bridging the summer months with fun and meaningful literacy activities provides enjoyment and the necessary practice to keep school skills fresh for when they return in the fall. So, just like incorporating reading into your summer bliss, make a plan for entertaining writing activities, too.

For preschool-aged children it always begins with play. Through play you can promote the two goals of writing at this stage: fine motor skills (so they can produce writing) and language development and thinking skills (so they have something to write about).

Strengthening fine motor skills can be a lot of fun if you are creative. Some preschool-aged children are adept with their small hands and fingers and enjoy coloring or printing small words, while others find the idea of holding a pencil a chore. Children at this age need lots of experience experimenting with many types of materials that help refine hand skills necessary for paper/pencil tasks offered in school. Put together a box of materials that can be utilized often – crayons, pencils, paint, paper, old magazines, staplers, rulers, tape, glue, finger paint, play dough, rollers, cookie cutters, cotton balls, Q-tips, glitter, popsicle sticks – the list is endless. Your child may create a puppet or a recipe or even a self-portrait. Remember, it's all about the experience and the effort at this age. Keep corrections and perfectionism at bay.

You may be asking, "Can my preschooler actually write?" The answer is yes, with your help! Be creative and design open-ended projects that will inspire them to practice writing. Add a pen and paper to play areas so she can take orders at her pretend restaurant or teach school to her stuffed animals. Encourage your youngsters to make birthday cards for family members, presents for neighbors, or keep a scrapbook of summer fun. Delegate the grocery list to your child by having them pretend to write out items or guess letters in food words. Write down a story that your child dictates to you so he has a chance to "write" without writing. Creating purpose behind the project makes it that much more meaningful.


As youngsters get older and have more practice with writing, the challenge is to continue to provide inspiration for writing projects, but to also take the time to practice writing for many different purposes. Like reading, the more your child practices writing, the better writer your child becomes. But school is out, so focus on activities that are more reflective of your child's interests and personal strengths to increase motivation.

Summer writing ideas for elementary-aged children are plentiful: writing postcards to friends and family, keeping a private or shared journal of summer thoughts and happenings, creating a summer memory scrapbook, writing e-mails or handwritten letters, or penning a poem about nature or friendship. Encourage illustrations and photos to accompany and reinforce the purpose of the writing. A little motivation and inspiration go a long way – there is a big difference between mom and dad assigning a child to write a letter to someone they know and working together to design a letter to a local politician requesting a new bench at your favorite park. Remember, it's alright to help them with ideas and editing, but too much parental input may squash the writing process. Let them focus more on producing writing projects than perfecting them.

Some children are reluctant writers. They often feel that they have nothing to write about or they get so caught up in their handwriting or spelling that they struggle getting all their ideas on paper. You can assist your child by engaging in writing projects with her, modeling the enjoyment one gets from writing. For example, keep a travel journal when on a trip and have your child do the same. Share your entries and add events, thoughts, feelings, and opinions. You can also play writing games together. You start a story and have your child finish it or try to out-do one another by creating outlandish characters and plot lines. You could even do the printing or the typing for your child so he can focus on the story creation and not the mechanics.

By investing a bit of time in planning individualized and motivating summer writing projects for your child, you are on your way to a more literate holiday. Perhaps your youngster will be the next best-selling author. A fun-filled, creative time awaits!

Jennifer recently contributed a great blog on how to keep your children reading this summer. If you missed it, here's the link.

Don't forget to register to win a pair of Orthaheel flip flops - a generous offer from Fleet Feet of Winston-Salem. You must be a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber to be eligible to win. This promotion ends Friday, June 25 and TWO winners will be announced shortly afterwards - just in time for you to sport these sandals at the pool!

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Summer Reading Programs & Free Storytimes

By Katie M

Next time your kid says he has nothing to do or read this summer, keep a printed copy of this blog close by! Summer reading programs are in full swing all over the Triad, and lots of them offer opportunities for your child to win prizes and free books! Beyond these programs, there are a number of ways you can continue to keep those reading skills fresh and sharp. We recently ran a great post - written by a local educator - on this very topic. So, sorry kids. There really are no excuses!

Below you'll find links and information to a variety of places offering summer reading programs and story times. If you know of other places, please add them in the comment section below. One of the best places to start is your local library. All Triad public libraries are running "Make A Splash at Your Library...Read." Some of these summer reading programs have already started (and it's not too late to participate), while others are just getting started.

Keep reading to get all the scoop!

"Make A Splash at Your Library...Read."
Offered at every local Triad public library branch. Here's how they work:

1. Go to any public library branch and have your child pick up a reading record to keep track of the time they spend reading or are read to.
2. After reading for a certain number of hours, your child can place his/her name in a drawing to win a prize. (The Winston-Salem Forsyth County libraries are offering $25 gift cards to Barnes & Noble, for example).
3. Most libraries continue to offer prizes and recognition for achieving hours beyond this first round.

For more information on these programs, visit:

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Libraries
This link will also give you a calendar of storytimes at library branches, plus other fun activities. Additionally, summer reading club participants are invited to swim for FREE at any City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks pools during the month of July with an adult's paid admission. Just show your library card!

Greensboro Public Libraries
This link offers other fun ideas for kids this summer including matinees, storytimes, and activities for all ages (toddlers - teens).

High Point Public Libary
This link also offers times and locations for storytimes, crafts, book clubs and special programs.

Also in Winston-Salem, "mini libraries" have been set up by the main public library to help promote its summer reading program. These include:

Salvation Army Boys’ & Girls’ Club
Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday participate in storysharing, arts, crafts, and D.E.A.R. TIME. The Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program will begin at the Salvation Army Boys‘ and Girls‘ Club Monday, June 14th ending July 30th, 2010.

YWCA Best Choice Center
Each Tuesday and Thursday participate in storysharing, arts, crafts, D.E.A.R. TIME and related activities at the YWCA Best Choice Center. The Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) Summer Reading Program (SRP) will begin at the YWCA Best Choice Center Tuesday, June 14 through July 30th, 2010.

And beyond the library, you can find great summer storytimes, contests and programs at the following locations:

Barnes & Noble

Borders Double Dog Dare
For kids ages 12 and under. Read 10 books and get one free.

Chick-fil-A
Peacehaven Road, Winston-Salem
Every Thursday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am is storytime for preschool children. They offer free coffee to moms while your children sit on a special rolled-out carpet filled with pillows and props.

Barnhill's
811 Burke Street, Winston-Salem
Children's storytime every Saturday at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.

Where else can we keep our kids reading this summer?

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Keep Your Children Reading This Summer

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Lockert, Assistant Director and Teacher, Reynolda Preschool and Kindergarten

As a teacher of young children a common question I get is, "How do I get my child reading over the summer?" All children desire and need a break from the routine and demands of the school year, but teachers will tell you that children who participate in reading activities over the break have an easier transition in the fall. So how can families balance their summer activities and schedules with reading? Easy! Just make a game plan that suits your child's interests and your family's agenda.

For preschool-aged children it all begins with play. Continuing to provide independent and group play, structured and unstructured play times, taking excursions in your neighborhood, and participating in meaningful conversations with your youngster will heighten vocabulary and thinking skills, which enhance reading development. Isn’t is reassuring to know that simply sitting in the grass with your child and talking about clouds is helping her prepare to read?

Read with your child daily, maybe a specific time each day, using a variety of books. Grab a large basket, fill it with picture books, rhyming book, non-fiction books, predictable books, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and how-to books, and park yourself under a tree to read. Even if your child wants to read the same story over and over or seems to want to look at the pictures in one book for hours on end, this is reading. Rejoice! Keep a book basket in the car and add some audio books or books with CDs. Match book choices to experiences. For example, if you are going to the beach, peruse books about the beach to help your child make connections. Visit the local library or book store and enjoy story time or just relax in the air conditioning and read. Refresh your choices every week or two and keep the favorites on hand.

Homemade and store bought games like alphabet bingo, puzzles with letters or words, searching for letters on license plates or words on road signs while on a drive, or playing Go Fish with alphabet cards are fun summer activities that keep the learning going.

For elementary-aged children, this is a wonderful time to get children to delve into personal interests and passions. Do you live with a nine-year-old who is crazy about dolphins? Indulge in books and websites that foster this interest and encourage him to join a group that protects dolphins and their habitats. Accessing the public library, new and used book stores, or trading books with friends is a great way to build a repertoire of reading experiences. Passionate readers can start a book club with friends or family, complete an author study, or challenge themselves to complete a set number of hours of reading over the summer.

For the reluctant reader, find materials that will motivate her to read, even if it may not appear as challenging as you may wish. Comic aficionados or pre-teen drama enthusiasts may be more likely to read books they choose over prescribed “classics,” and above all we want them to read, read, read! (Of course, parents should monitor material for age-appropriateness.) Parents should also continue to read with their older children when possible. Elementary-aged children still love the intimacy that comes with hearing their parents read to them. And this is a great chance to read a novel that you choose or may be a little too hard for them to get through independently.

Don’t hesitate to participate in school, library, or bookstore summer reading incentive programs that offer rewards for participation. Keeping track of reading activities at any age is tangible and motivating. You can even set this up at home; create a chart in which your child can keep track of time spent doing reading activities and decide how these accomplishments can be awarded. Perhaps your child will earn new books, an ice cream party, stickers, a movie night, or computer time.

Speaking of computers… parents are often wonder about how much time is appropriate for children to spend on games and websites. When allowing computers, consider how your child balances this activity with others and how they are using the computer. Help your child select websites and games that enhance reading development and then monitor their time. When used appropriately, the computer can be an asset to reading growth.

Finally, reading is spurred by experience and modeling. Taking your children to interesting locations – a park, a science museum, or the pool – can all inspire knowledge, questioning, and language development, the foundation of reading progression at all ages. Modeling your interest and commitment to literacy is deeply connected to your child’s participation. Let them see you peruse a magazine, check out books from the library, scan newspaper articles, and discuss good books with others. Your actions and enthusiasm set the tone for a season rich with reading.

What other smarty tips can you provide?

Our June Giveaway ends TOMORROW! Register to win a free birthday party for your child at Funigan's! Please be sure you are first a newsletter subscriber (enter email address in the box in the upper right corner). Then you can click here to read about the giveaway and register!

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Smarty Sponsor: Summit School

By Guest Blogger Katie L. Grubbs

“Can I go to school tomorrow?” was the question from my son. I responded that school wasn’t open on Saturdays and the doors would be locked. “Can’t we break in? I know my teacher wouldn’t mind!”

Junior Kindergarten at Summit School was a magical year for my son. It started with his one hour visit to determine his readiness and fit for the program. I didn’t know if he would separate well or pitch a fit. When my husband and I walked out of the room and he quietly stayed where he was, engaged in play with a teacher, I was amazed...

My son will tell you his favorite things about Junior Kindergarten were baking gingerbread men and making dinosaur pillows. (He also wanted me to note that he enjoyed playing in the block area and in the balcony but not as much as making gingerbread men.) My list is a bit different, though. I was impressed with how he learned to make friends. Many of his new friends weren’t even in his class…they were fellow Junior Kindergartners he’d met on the playground!
I still do not know if that was a culture the teachers created intentionally or not, but I was and remain grateful for it. He also created countless art treasures, dressed up and boarded the Mayflower, learned to write his letters and taught me about recycling and going green!

When we graduated to Kindergarten this year, I was as nervous as my son. However, I immediately
felt better when I realized that at Summit, Kindergarten is still Kindergarten! It is a developmentally appropriate environment where the academics are geared to each child’s ability. If a child is reading, they will be supported and encouraged. If they are not yet reading, that’s fine, too. No one panics. It’s very refreshing to know the teachers support and teach children on many levels of the academic spectrum and everyone is considered developmentally normal.

Also, the Dining Room for Young Children, where children in grades K – 2 eat lunch, rivals something you would see on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution! Chef Susan Pfaff serves nutritionally balanced meals that satisfy all palates, while serving a few things every day that ensure everyone can find something to enjoy. To Chef Pfaff, courage is tasting the vegetable before making the face. The children do not have to love each dish they are served, but they are asked to try a “kindergarten bite” of it. To my surprise, my son now enjoys veggie dogs and Chinese dumplings!

Thus far, my son’s favorite things about Kindergarten are playing on the balcony and hanging out with his Big Friend, a fifth grader who is his mentor and buddy for the year. But don’t take his word for it. If your child is a rising Junior Kindergartner or a rising Kindergartner, please join us for our “Come Take A Peek” experience on Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to experience a condensed version of a typical day, including classroom activities, music, P.E., and storytelling time in the library. As a parent, you will have a chance to observe your child participating in the magic of Summit School! (Contact kmemory@summitmail.org to register for Come Take A Peek.)

Smarties, don't forget TODAY is the last day to register for this month's give-away with Whitebox Photography. Just be sure you are a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber, then click here to enter your name in the giveaway! We will choose a winner through Random.org on April 9, 2010 and will contact you that day!

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Bus Riding Blues

By Katie M

It was only one year ago that I swore I would never put my child on a school bus. Then came the sale of our house and the purchase of a new one. And with the new house came a great school zone, the convenience of a bus stop steps from our home, the freedom from early morning drives (and pick-ups during my son’s nap time), and one very excited little Kindergartner. So, I caved. And I have to admit, it’s been a really nice perk to have what is practically a door-to-door service at my disposal for free.

Yet, I still can’t completely ignore the concerns (see list below) I had just months ago. That coupled with comments from other parents who also swore against the bus. They have said things like, “I can’t believe you’re letting her take the bus. I remember what it was like when I rode the bus, and I don’t want my child exposed to that.” And not to mention some of the things I’ve heard my daughter recite and repeat since being a bus-rider. The worst of which was questioning the existence of Santa Claus! So, does the convenience of this free bus service come with a cost, or am I being crazy?

So here were my reasons for not ever wanting my child to ride a bus:

1.) There are no seat belts. Wearing a seat belt is a basic “rule” in our car that we worked hard to establish and have no exceptions for. Needless to say explaining the lack of seat belts on the bus was not an easy conversation.

2.) My mother’s fear which has been my inherited fear since giving birth. See my past blog on How To Talk to Your Kids About Talking to Strangers.

3.) The occasional news reports of bus accidents. Yea, lots of times they are minor accidents that happen due to very rare circumstances and usually happen somewhere far, far away. But still, they are impossible to ignore and forget.

4.) The conversations you can’t control. Everyone knows lots of things are learned on the bus! I honestly think my first discussion on the “birds and bees” happened on my elementary school bus, and the fact that my five-year-old questioned Santa Claus after just one month on riding the bus did not sit well with me.

5.) The bullies in the back of the bus. They were there when I rode the bus (mainly in middle school) and I know they are still around. They may be a different kind of bully from when I went to school, but they still exist. Thankfully my child is young enough that she doesn’t even consider sitting anywhere but right behind the bus driver. Ok, and I also might have hinted that the “cool” kids sit in the front. So, maybe I'm raising a geek, but at least she’s she'll be a safe, protected geek!

All that being said, I recognize that millions of children ride the bus every day and school systems take every measure possible to keep our kids safe. And like I said earlier, my daughter is thrilled to be a “bus rider” and I’m excited about the many friendships she has already developed because of her bus stop and bus rides. I rode the bus for 10 years straight (Kindergarten – 10th grade) and some of my funniest memories from school happened either on the bus or at the bus stop. I feel like it’s a “rite of passage” every school age child should get to experience at least at some point. So, despite my concerns outlined above, we will continue to use the bus service (maybe not every day, but often anyway) and I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed that all goes well.

Is your child a “bus rider”? Why, or why not? Do you share the same concerns? Or better yet, what can you add to this post to support my bus riding decision?

If you are unsure how to leave a comment below, click here to find out the simple steps!

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Kindergarten Registration for Guilford, Forsyth and Randolph Counties

By Rachel H

The time is near! Kindergarten Registration is just around the corner. Those of us here at Triad Smarty Pants know it can be a stressful time, but we hope to make it an enjoyable time by supplying you with the information you need to know. Below we have posts from representatives with the Guilford County School System, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system, and Randolph County. We truly appreciate them taking the time to share this much-needed information with TSP readers so that your child can have a smooth transition to Kindergarten!

Guilford County Schools - By Haley H Miller, Media Relations Manager, Guilford County Schools


Guilford County Schools (GCS) encourages families of 4 and 5-year-olds to prepare for kindergarten registration early. We want our youngest students to have an easy transition this fall. Understanding the qualifications and gathering the required materials in advance will save families time and stress.

Kindergarten registration begins Monday, March 1. Children must turn 5 years old by Aug. 31 to enroll in kindergarten. In order to register your child, please provide the following items to your child’s assigned school:
1. Certified copy of your child’s birth certificate
2. Fully completed Kindergarten Health Assessment Report
3. Immunization (shots) record from your child’s health care provider
4. Proof of residence showing name and address of parent(s) or court-appointed guardian/custodian

Check out the district’s Web site for more information. Don’t know where your child should attend school? Parents can find out their child’s school assignment by using our GCS School Locator or by contacting the Student Assignment Office at 336-370-8303.

At GCS, we also have a number of magnet school programs, ranging from Spanish Immersion to fine arts to Montessori. To learn more and decide what program might be right for your child, attend the district’s Magnet Fair coming up on Feb. 13 at the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion. The fair will take place from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. For more info, visit the Magnet Schools Web page.

GCS and community partners will host a “Kickoff to Kindergarten Parent Day” on Monday, Feb. 22 at the Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., Greensboro. The free event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will inform parents about resources available in the school district and greater community. The district also held a similar event in High Point on Jan. 25.

For families with children who turn 5 after Aug. 31, there are a number of free pre-K programs within GCS and the community. Applications for GCS pre-K programs will be accepted through Friday, April 23. In addition, gifted 4 1/2-year-olds who are functioning two to three years beyond their age may be eligible to enroll in kindergarten early. Parents with questions about qualifications for early kindergarten should contact the principal at their child’s assigned school.

If you have any questions, the GCS pre-kindergarten office will be glad to help. Please call 336-370-2362.


Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools - By Theo Helm, Director of Marketing and Communications

Enrolling your child in kindergarten is an exciting time, , but also one filled with questions and decisions. Remember that our schools are excited to meet your child. Teachers are called to the profession for many reasons, but they share a devotion to children. Beyond that, many are parents themselves and understand your anxiety. If you’re confused, ask questions. All of us want to make the transition to school fun, so that you and your child can’t wait for school to start.

Often parents ask how they should pick a school. This is a decision that’s as unique as your child. The N.C. School Report Cards have a wealth of information, including test scores, teacher qualifications and safety information. Test scores often seem like the easiest way to evaluate a school, but we urge you to look beyond these. We don’t believe children should be judged solely by test scores, and we feel the same way about schools. The best way to determine the right school is to visit. Talk to teachers and parents, and look at the classrooms and students. Is the atmosphere inviting? Do students and teachers look like they’re engaged and in tune with each other? You know your child, and you’ll know if the environment is right. If you would like to learn more about the Magnet School Program, be sure to read our recent post here.

Next, it’s important to know how children are assigned to schools. Your child is eligible for kindergarten next year if he or she will be 5 years old by Aug. 31. Where you live determines your residential school, which is your home base for determining assignments. You can find your residential school by calling 336-748-3302, or by entering your address in the School Locator. This will also tell you the other schools in your zone.

You are always guaranteed a spot in your residential school if that’s where you want to go. What makes WS/FCS unique is our Choice period, a two-week period held every year that allows parents to choose another school in their zone. This year’s Choice period is Feb. 22-March 5. Parents fill out a Choice card and rank the top three choices in their zone. You’re guaranteed one of your choices, and we do everything we can to grant parents’ first choices. Transportation is provided to any of your choices. You’ll receive your assignment in the mail around March 22.

There’s also a time to apply to schools outside of your zone from April 7-16. Only schools with extra space will take out-of-zone students, and you must provide your own transportation. Applications are available on the Student Assignment Web site.

In short, here’s what you need to do:
1. Gather the materials you need to register your child: his or her birth certificate, proof of your residence, (it can be a lease, mortgage statement, electric bill, gas bill or water bill) and immunization records.
2. Figure out your residential school by calling 748-3302 or using the School Locator.
3. Go to your residential school between Feb. 22 and March 5 to register and fill out a Choice card. (Even if your residential school is not the school you are choosing, this is where you will pick up your choice card.)
4. Wait for your assignment letter to arrive in the mail sometime around March 22.
5. If you’d like to apply to a school outside of your zone, apply between April 7 and 16.

Above all, if you have questions, ask a teacher, a principal, or someone in our Student Assignment office. We share your concern for your child, and we’ll do everything we can to make the start of school a smooth one.

Other helpful links:
School addresses and phone numbers: http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=14830
Maps of Elementary School Districts: http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=58784&catfilter=19449#showDoc
Determining if your child is eligible to enroll in Kindergarten early (i.e., if he/she won’t turn 5 until after Aug. 31): http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/education/components/docmgr/download.php?sectiondetailid=58784&fileitem=54268&catfilter=19449

Randolph County Schools

At this time, Randolph County was not able to provide a blog for us, but they invite parents to visit the District Website. If you scroll to the bottom of the home page you will find info for Kindergarten registration. This is the direct link to that page http://www.randolph.k12.nc.us/Departments/K-5/Pages/Kindergarten.aspx.

Still have questions or comments? Feel free to add your thoughts below!

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Is a Magnet School the right fit for my child?

By Guest Blogger Theo Helm, Director of Marketing and Communications, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Along with the start of the new year, January brings the chance for students of all ages to make a fresh start at one of 15 magnet programs in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

What makes a magnet school different from other schools? Two things, mainly – unique programs that in turn draw students from all over the county. The schools offer the same standard course of study as all schools in the state, but students benefit from extra attention to themes such as the arts, technology, engineering and the International Baccalaureate program.

The programs are divided into strands designed for students to move from one level to the next, but students can begin a magnet program at any time. Students can follow the renowned International Baccalaureate program from Ashley Elementary to Paisley Middle to Parkland High, or jump in at some point in between. Philo Middle’s international program feeds into Parkland as well. Visual and performing arts programs are offered at Diggs-Latham and Mineral Springs elementary schools, Hill and Mineral Springs middle schools and Parkland and Reynolds high schools. Innovative engineering programs at Hanes Middle can lead to one of three schools at Atkins High: Biotechnology, Computer Technology and Pre-Engineering. Attending a magnet program at one level does not require you to continue at the next level.

The schools are open for tours so students and their families can visit and see which school is the right fit. Please call the school you’re interested in to arrange a time. All of the schools will be represented at our annual Magnet Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the South Main Hall at the Benton Convention Center. Current magnet students will be performing and showing off their work, and principals and teachers will be there to answer questions.

Students are admitted to a magnet school by application. Applications are due Jan. 22 and can be filled out online or at each school. Students are accepted as long as space is available, and lotteries are held if more students apply than the school has space. Students find out if they are accepted by the end of January, and they will start attending the school in August 2010.

Transportation is provided to each student in the county to any magnet school except the Downtown School through our Magnet Express bus program. Parents take students to a supervised drop-off point – usually the school closest to the family’s home – and buses take the students from there to the magnet school.

More information can be found at www.wsfcsmagnets.net or by calling 727-2519, ext. 4.

Additional Resources:

List of magnet schools (includes descriptions to each, phone numbers and links to each school’s Web site): http://www.wsfcsmagnets.net/schools.asp
Online application: http://www.wsfcsmagnets.net/schools.asp
International Baccalaureate site: http://www.ibo.org/

Don't forget to register for our fabulous giveaway from Andrea Halsey Photography! Click here to learn more about her business and register.

We also have a bonus giveaway this week! You can win tickets to the Monster Jam on January 15th. Congratulations to today's winner, Jayna Patterson! We will be contacting you with details.

To register for the Monster Jam giveaway, click here. Don't forget that you must be a newsletter subscriber in order to qualify for either giveaway. Good luck!

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Smarty Sponsor: ERG Kids - Education Resource Group

By Katie M

Now that school is back in session, we can all relax with confidence that our children are moving forward with their academics as expected, right? Not always so. For those of us who know our children are struggling with certain skills or test scores, the start of school can be an extremely stressful time for parents and children, alike. We send our children to schools we believe in – to teachers we have faith in – but sometimes the challenges our children face are not a result of the schools or the teachers. Sometimes these challenges begin before they enter school; sometimes these challenges continue despite the school.

That’s where ERG Kids comes in. Since its founding in 2003, Education Resource Group has been committed to improving the lives of all learners – no matter their challenges. ERG Kids focuses on students and not the teachers. From one-on-one tutoring to qualitative assessments and to its superior preschool advantage program, ERG Kids integrates the latest teaching ideas so your child can be an individual and succeed.

If you have a child who is challenged in the classroom, you are not alone. Take, for instance, Triad locals Alan and Janette Frazier. They discovered their son’s confidence in math was at an all-time low, and with their busy schedules, it was difficult to find the time – and the patience – to tutor him at home. “ERG provided our son with the confidence and the competence to complete the standard course of study taught in the schools, and his end of grade Math test was excellent!”

ERG Kids’ tutors are professional, highly qualified and easy to work with. They are trained to tutor side-by-side with students in reading and/or math. Founders Hope Reagan and Alice Oakley pride themselves on being able to meet students where they are while supporting their progress and providing consistent feedback. Their biographies, along with the bio of Erica Frost, office manager, can be found by clicking here.

The team has not only earned outstanding educational credentials, but also rave reviews from its clients. “Our daughter was a rising second grader who was testing below grade level when we began working with ERG Kids. After only one month of working with Hope, we started noticing dramatic improvement in her reading and writing skills,” says Mindy Johnson. “We have now been working with Hope for eight months, and our daughter has almost completely closed the gap in these skill-sets. Hope's extensive knowledge of how children learn and her ability to develop learning strategies to meet each child where they are has been a Godsend to our daughter. Over the time we have worked with Hope, our daughter has grown in her confidence, self-esteem, and has developed a love for reading and writing.”

Sarah McCollum, another ERG Kids client echoes the same enthusiam. “Partnering with ERG Kids for my son Tommy exceeded my hopes and expectations. Thanks to Ann (Tommy’s tutor) and all the staff at ERG KIDS, Tommy’s self confidence and test scores dramatically improved during the school year. ERG Kids promoted Tommy’s strengths while focusing and encouraging him (and me). We’re continuing our journey with ERG Kids this year, and I’m excited to witness the progress Tommy will make with the help and support of this team,” she said.

Assessments at ERG Kids cost $150, and tutoring/support sessions are offered at $50/hour. Once your child has been assigned to an individual tutor you will be provided with their contact information.

If you think your child needs one-on-one tutoring, why wait? To get to ERG Kids, take Business I40 in downtown Winston-Salem and exit onto Broad Street. Go left on 4th Street, and ERG Kids is located at 942 West Fourth Street in Winston-Salem (two houses past West End Cafe).

ERG also works with parents to help them understand what students are expected to know and be able to do in today's classroom. More information on adult learning support can be found on the main web site at www.myedresource.com.

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Back to School: Educational Games and Toys

By Rachel H and Allison T

Just a quick shout out to all our Smarty friends who tuned in to watch us yesterday morning on Fox 8, and a special thanks to loyal reader and guest blogger Jenni M who agreed to wake up at that ungodly hour to help us out! - KM

Although children usually do not want more work after surviving a long day at school, completing homework, and playing sports, we have some tried and true after-school activities that will help boost brain power without the kids even knowing it! These are also great ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active on snow days, long car rides, or rainy Saturday or Sunday afternoons. These have all been child tested and mother approved in our houses! We have a variety of ideas for toddlers and up. Read below for ideas to keep brains active for children of all ages without them even knowing that they are … shhhhh … learning!

Alex Little Hands Lacing Cards

These are perfect for young preschool children and toddlers who are beginning to learn to work with their hands. These lacing activities help develop the fine motor skills and are the perfect size for little hands. This developmental stage is important when children are learning about their world through their sense of touch. The lacing cards are colorful and bright and come in a variety of themes.

Leapster

I can’t remember who told me about the Leapster when my son was 3 years old, but I want to give them a big hug. My son and daughter both have their own Leapsters with age appropriate, interactive educational games. The Leapster is recommended for children ages 4-10, and depending on where you purchase it, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $60.

Brain Quest Cards and Brain Quest Workbooks

My son received his first set of Brain Quest cards for Christmas when he was four years old. I had no idea that this would be the first of about twenty sets of cards we would eventually own. This is one product that I rarely say no to when he asks me to buy him a new set. We’ve spent hours quizzing each other at night and in the car – math, reading, American and Presidential history. Also, great birthday presents for your kids’ friends! You can find them in any bookstore. We buy the sets at Costco because they are a little bit cheaper.
The Brain Quest Workbooks are equally as awesome. Though, they are more expensive than most workbooks, usually around $11, they are worth the money. They are also in bookstores, Costco and online. The age range for the cards and workbooks are ages 2 to 12.

Leap Frog Math Desk

This is a great tool for children ages 3 and up. Not only does it help children recognize numbers, but it has different levels for higher learning abilities. When my children first started to play with this, they would play the game where they were simply recognizing numbers. Then they moved on to find “what number comes before 14 and after 12”, etc. There is also a board for them to practice writing the numbers themselves. The skills build on one another. It is amazing how much my children learned from this game and it is the perfect size to fit in their lap on a car trip.

Board Games

Memory – There are so many different versions of Memory that you will be able to find one that fits the age and gender of your child. My daughter loves the Dora Memory game, which is for 3 years and up, while my son loves to play my husband’s VERY old Memory game that is for 7 years and up. This is one of my all-time favorite games to play with my children.
Boggle and Boggle Jr. - A great family game to help your child learn how to spell and search for words. Boggle is for age 8 and up. Boggle Jr. is for age 3 and up.
Guess Who – terrific for memorization, questioning strategies, and logic. Good for ages 4 and up.
Scrabble – obviously for a little older, but this is a game that is challenging even for adults, so you won’t get bored playing this with your children!
Bananagrams – for ages 7 and up. Really cute game that is fun for adults as well. Teaches spelling and vocabulary. Think Scrabble times two!

Leap Frog DVD’s

I should not admit this, but both of my children learned all their letters and sounds from this DVD! No kidding! They loved, loved, loved the Letter Factory DVD and picked up on letter recognition and sounds so easily at a very young age. (I think age 2 is where most kids will usually sit still for this.) Then we moved on to the Word Factory DVD, which teaches children to put letters together to make sounds. The next level is the Storybook Factory, which is also really cute and educational. The other one we have is the Math Circus, which teaches numbers, skip counting, and addition. I highly recommend these videos for all ages. It makes you feel a little more justified in throwing in a video for the kids.

Free Educational Web Sites
My absolute favorite – www.starfall.com, plus www.noggin.com, www.pbskids.org, and www.seussville.com. Also, check out our blog here for many more web site ideas!

Other things to keep in mind when wanting to keep brains active at home: many children learn through different senses, so if your child is having trouble learning the alphabet, have them shape a letter out of playdough or practice writing it with chalk or a wipe-off board. Also, if you have your children write letters to family members, make cards, or keep a journal, It is an easy way to practice writing skills without making it such a daunting task.

And, certainly last but not least ... READ, READ, READ!!! Make it a habit early on and stick to it!

Share some of your favorite educational toys and games below.

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