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Enriching Minds, Developing Character
Take some time to explore academic and character building activities, click the links below to implement extended learning with your family to stay active and engaged.

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Just say no to summer slide! Next to the benefits of playing and swimming all day long, reading is just about the most important thing kids can do this summer. This summer, reading takes on even more importance for kids who experienced a disrupted academic year due to COVID-19. Thankfully, a number of summer reading programs help keep the learning going over the next few months ... allowing kids to earn free goodies along the way. Get started today! Here are our picks for the best summer reading programs for kids.

Kids can earn a FREE book after they read eight books and log them on the downloadable reading journal. The Barnes and Noble kids' summer reading program is only available to students in grades 1-6. Only one book is available for each child who completes a reading journal, and the choice must be made from the selected books available at the store.

With the Chuck E. Cheese kids' summer reading program, kids earn 10 FREE points each time they read for two weeks in a row. Complete the form to claim the free tokens. A food purchase is required.

Soar with reading while summer is out with Reading Is Fundamental, the nation's largest children's literacy non-profit. From RIF reading lists and a collection of free ebooks to interactive materials on Literacy Central and a brand new Literacy Central app, Reading Is Fundamental has tools for every level to raise reading to new heights this summer and beyond.

The Half Price Books kids' summer reading program, a.k.a. 'Summer Reading Camp,' hosts gift card giveaways on social media for kids who read for at least 300 minutes during the months of June and July. The program website also features printable coloring sheets, online storytimes, and mystery book recommendations for ages ranging from preschool to teens.

Check your local library for more free kids summer reading programs with activities and incentives for all ages. Most libraries also have storytimes and other reading-themed activities.

With over 60 million books sold, the bestselling Junie B. Jones series is a classroom favorite that has been keeping kids laughing-and reading-for over 20 years. Sign up for the Junie B. Jones Reading Club and get a FREE starter Kit that includes activity sheets and a membership ID card while supplies last.

7. Professional Sports Teams

Many professional sports teams sponsor summer reading programs, including the Portland Trailblazers and the Tampa Bay Rays. Check with your local team to see if they offer a similar program.

Scholastic has a summer reading challenge in which kids go online to record the minutes they've read during the summer. This year, kids can build an avatar, make new friends, earn virtual rewards, and help unlock donations for kids with limited or no access to books. All you need to do is sign up and keep a "reading streak" in Scholastic Home Base over the summer!

The H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club, sponsored by H.E.B. grocery stores, gives out a free T-shirt to each child who reads 10 books this summer. This summer reading program is valid now until October 1, 2020.

Sync has a summer reading program just for teens that will give them two free audiobooks each week this summer. Perfect for both on-the-go and on the couch reading. Each week they offer a current YA book as well as a classic title that teens will be able to download for free through the SORA /OverDrive app. This summer reading program runs through August 1, 2021.

Kids can get a free Because of Winn-Dixie notepad and pen with the Books-A-Million summer reading program! This year's summer reading adventure is led by children's book author and literacy advocate Kate DiCamillo. Start off by reading four of the 75+ qualified books. Then they fill out a journal to show their progress and return it to any Books-A-Million store.

Join BOOK IT for their first-ever summer camp. Track kids' reading for the summer months in their digital dashboard. If they meet their monthly reading goal, kids then receive a free Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut!

Read a book and earn a ticket for a free summer flick! Kids can earn free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas box office.

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13 Summer Reading Programs Where Kids Can Earn Free Books, Gift Cards & More

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Just say no to summer slide! Next to the benefits of playing and swimming all day long, reading is just about the most important thing kids can do this summer. This summer, reading takes on even more importance for kids who experienced a disrupted academic year due to COVID-19.

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Pound and Sound© by Jack Hartmann is a kinesthetic approach to help students blend words and isolate (segment) sounds. Jack pounds his fist to say the word, and then he sounds out each sound in the word by using a finger for each sound. Jack then pounds his fist again to represent blending the sounds in each word together to pound the word. Pound and Sound is a fun and interactive way for students to blend words and isolate sounds.

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Pound and Sound© by Jack Hartmann is a kinesthetic approach to help students blend words and isolate (segment) sounds. Jack pounds his fist to say the word, and then he sounds out each sound in the word by using a finger for each sound.

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10 ways to improve your high-schooler’s communication skills

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10 ways to improve your high-schooler’s communication skills

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Communication skills are important for high-schoolers. Teachers, college admissions staff, and employers expect high school students to be able to clearly communicate. If your child is having trouble, these strategies can help.

1. Make time to keep talking to your high-schooler.

Between school, sports, service projects, jobs, and other activities, it may be difficult to find time to talk. And once your high-schooler drives? You can probably say goodbye to those opportunities to chat while you rode or walked together.

But it's still important to keep conversations going. Talking with you is good practice for the interactions your teen has with people outside your family. Choose a time that regularly works for the two of you to schedule weekly walk-and-talks or family dinners (with no screens), for example.

2. Talk about the news.

Even if your teen doesn't read the newspaper, news events will be broadcast on TV and the radio. They may also come up on social media and in discussions in and out of the classroom.

Teens who struggle with language may be reluctant to be a part of conversations about current events. Talking about the news with your child can make a difference. Having conversations can help teens sort out their thoughts on a particular subject and get used to sharing.

3. Enforce good listening skills.

Kids this age are often expected to pay full attention when someone else is talking. Teachers, guidance counselors, and co-workers want to make sure that what they say is understood. Encourage your teen to politely ask questions if something was hard to hear or if they didn't understand.

And while your child is talking to you, try to give your full attention. Demonstrate what good listening looks like, in addition to how it sounds.

4. Show your teen how to find things to talk about.

Young adults may find themselves expected to make small talk with adults. That can feel daunting for someone with communication issues. Finding the right things to talk about takes practice.

After your child finishes telling you something, repeat part of what was said. Next, follow up with a related question: "Next week's quiz sounds hard. How will you get ready for it?" Then talk about your day and have your teen ask you something related. Over time, this can feel more natural and less forced.

Does your teen use social media? Photos and videos posted by other kids can be good conversation starters for the next time they meet: "Hey, where was that picnic you went on?" And teens who don't usually start conversations may post a picture that will make other kids ask a question.

6. Help your teen prepare for likely conversations.

A teen who can anticipate social situations will feel more confident walking into them. Whether it's a college fair or the prom, help your child practice what to say to other people, and when. Show your teen how to adjust both the tone and the topics of conversation. Is the conversation with adults or with other teens? Take turns "playing" each person so your child can think through different scenarios and responses.

7. Explain body language to your child.

Kids who struggle with communicating may have trouble picking up on nonverbal cues. Sometimes these cues are called body language. Some people may not understand their own body language. But body language can affect how your child is perceived in interviews for colleges, programs, or jobs.

You can help your child get ready for an interview by practicing together. Take a video of your child answering practice questions. (If you don't have a device that takes videos, you may be able to borrow one.) Then watch it together and come up with ideas for how your child can improve.

8. Play word games.

Lots of classic games emphasize words and vocabulary. These games are great for kids who learn and think differently. Plus, when kids play games that focus on language skills, they may not be aware of how much interaction is going on with others because the game is so much fun.

Pictionary and charades ask players to draw or act out scenes while others guess what's happening. They help kids focus on the nonverbal cues of people around them. Scrabble and Boggle encourage kids to create and find words from a set of given letters. Apples to Apples gets kids pairing funny words and actions. Taboo and Buzzword encourage players to think about related words and ideas.

9. Enjoy movies, books, and shows together.

Teens often have to talk about what they're reading and watching. Anyone from friends, to employers, to college admissions staff might ask about this. It can help your child to feel ready to talk about it.

Together, choose a book (print, electronic, or audio), a movie, or even a live performance to experience. Afterward, replay the highlights: What did you each like and dislike about the plot and the characters? Did anything happen that your child didn't understand? This engages your child in the story - an important skill when talking with others.

10. Encourage your child to keep a journal or blog.

Keeping a diary or journal is a low-stress way to express thoughts and feelings. Writing about day-to-day activities allows teens to think through their ideas. It can also help them feel more prepared and confident when it's time to talk to others. The writing doesn't have to be polished. It can be just a phrase, a list of ideas, or even a drawing.

Your teen may prefer to keep a private or public blog instead. Simple blogging tools, like WordPress and Tumblr, let users combine words, pictures, videos, and links.

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10 ways to improve your high-schooler's communication skills

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A teen who has speech and language issues may need your help in building communication skills. Here are some winning strategies that can help your teen learn to communicate effectively.

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Sign your children up for 2 free games of bowling all summer long.

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Explore reading activities for each day of the month. Click on each entry to discover printable resources.

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Click on each entry to discover printable resources.

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Social Emotional Learning Calendar | RIF.org

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Explore books and activities that help kids understand their feelings and grow in socially and emotionally healthy ways.

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Explore seasonal reading activities for every day of the month. Click on each entry to discover printable resources.

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Reading Is Fundamental
750 First Street, NE
Suite 920
Washington, DC 20002
1 (877) RIF-READ
1 (877) 743-7323

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Hideout teaches early reading skills using research-based principles and applications, presenting phonic patterns used in context within an expansive set of captivating mini-games.

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‎Hideout teaches early reading skills using research-based principles and applications, presenting phonic patterns used in context within an expansive set of captivating (and a little silly) mini-games: -AP (It’s stormy and windy outside. Tap the cap and map to zap them away!)
-OP (Visit the pop sh…

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The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month at the AMC Regency 24 in Jacksonville.

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For guests and families living with autism or other special needs.

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https://soarnc.org/

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ADHD Camp
Boarding School &
GAP Year Program

SOAR is an accredited ADHD Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp, Boarding School, and GAP Year Program. Our outdoor adventure based programs provide academic instruction, experiential education, and life skills development for youth and young adults ages 8-24.

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ADHD Camp | Learning Differences Boarding School & Gap Year

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SOAR is an accredited ADHD Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp, Boarding School, and GAP Year Program. Our outdoor adventure based programs provide academic instruction, experiential education, and life skills development for youth and young adults ages 8-24.

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The New Worlds Reading Initiative is now available to all public and district-sponsored charter school students in Grades K–5 who are not yet reading on grade level.

Children and families can select what types of books they want to read and will receive nine books delivered directly to their homes between October and June. Books are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. Enrolled families will receive all nine books for the year, regardless of when they enroll.

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Strategies to Help When Children Make Reading Errors

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Strategies to Help When Children Make Reading Errors

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Use your judgement about interrupting the flow of the story to correct reading errors. However, I believe there are two occasions when you should interrupt and they both relate to comprehension and understanding.

If a child substitutes another word for the word on the page and as a result changes the meaning of the sentence then you should highlight this. Also, if they come across a difficult word that will be repeated throughout the story, like a character's name, then give them the correct pronunciation.

If they are really struggling to identify an unknown word give a little guidance. For example, tell them the initial letter or ask them to break it into two words. If a child still can not read the word, tell them the word immediately and move on. Don't let them labour over one word and lose the thread of the story.

Do not make an issue of the fact they couldn't read the word, just keep the flow of the story. You may need to re-read the beginning of the sentence again if they have paused for a long time to remind them of what is happening in the story.

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Strategies to Help When Children Make Reading Errors - Blog

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Use your judgement about interrupting the flow of the story to correct reading errors. However, I believe there are two occasions when you should interrupt and they both relate to comprehension and understanding. If a child substitutes another word for the word on the page and as a result changes the meaning of the sentence then you should highlight this.

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Our auditory memory is our ability to retain and recall information we hear. It allows us to process and understand longer, more complex instructions, attend and listen and acquire new information. Children with reduced auditory memory can find it very challenging to follow instructions and retain learning. Helen wrote about memory and strategies to support auditory memory here.

So today I am going to write about some specific games you can play to help improve a child's auditory memory, but do take a look at Helen's post and encourage the child to use the strategies during the games. Also make sure you start at an easy level and gradually make it harder - you don't want to make it so tricky the child doesn't want to play the game!
Shopping game
Get a range of around 6 everyday objects - a spoon, a teddy, a bowl, a toy car etc, and ask you child to collect certain objects as they 'shop'. You could use a little shopping basket or a bag so they can put the items in. Start at an easy level, say 2 items and as they find this easier move on to 3 then 4.

Adult: Can you buy me a spoon and a teddy please.

After each go, make sure you return all the objects. To extend this game, rather than asking for objects in front of the child, ask them for objects from around the house. For example a tooth brush (so they have to go to the bathroom) or a sock (from a bedroom). In this way they have to move around the house and remember what they have been asked for.
Chaining games
Do you remember playing "I went to the market and I bought a ......." ? Well, this is a chaining game. You take it in turns to add a piece of information to a list and each turn you have to recall the list in full. To keep it interesting you can think of items in different categories:-

I went to space and I saw.....

I went to the zoo and I saw......

I went to the park and played on....

You can also add another element to these games by adding a description to your item. So rather than just seeing a tiger at the zoo, you could see a tiger with stripes. Instead of just seeing a monkey, you could see a monkey eating a banana.
Expanding sentences
This is similar to chaining games, but you add information to each others ideas. You could make some interesting stories. Again, when it is your turn you have to recap the sentences that has been generated so far and then add a new pieces of information

"I played minecraft."

"I played minecraft on Saturday"

"I played minecraft on Saturday and built a house out of sandstone"

"I played minecraft on Saturday and built a house out of sandstone and a creeper blew it up!".
Remembering parts of a story
When you are reading with the child, before you turn the page over you can ask specific questions about the page you have just read. What was the boys name? Where did they travel to? What did they forget? etc This is a great activity as it also helps the child learn how to extract key pieces of information.
Recall of a spoken sequence
List items and see if the child can remember them. Start at an easy level, for example 2 items and then gradually increase. You could try

numbers e.g. 5, 1, 6, 9

colours e.g. red, blue, yellow, green

animals e.g. cat, dog, fox, sheep etc.

You could extend this and when you go shopping ask the child to remember a few items that you need e.g toothpaste, apples and bread. Then as you walk around the shops they have to remember and collect their items.
Broken telephone/ whispering game
If you have a few people, you could play a game of broken telephone. One person thinks of a sentences and whispers it to the person next to them. This continues until it gets back to the first person. The sentence is then said out loud and you compare it to the original to see if it has been changed.
Remembering a specific item
You could ask the child to remember an item at the start of an activity and then ask them what it was at the end. This requires them to remember over time.
Orienteering/ treasure hunt activities
Try giving the child instructions to find a hidden object. Again, initially you could give instructions one at a time, but as they improve you could give 2 or 3 instructions together. This could be made very motivating if you hide a treat or favourite toy!

e.g. "go to the kitchen door, take 4 paces into the kitchen and look under the bowl".
Taking messages
If there is another adult or child available, you could ask the child to take a message to them. For example "Tell your brother tea is ready and he needs to come downstairs" "tell dad there is a letter for him on the table" If necessary you can let the other person know the message so they can help the child remember if they have difficulty.
Drawing to instruction
You could encourage the child to draw a picture and give them directions to follow. You can also turn this activity round and get the child to tell you what to draw and you then have a great language activity! You could describe something simple like a house, or a treasure map - whatever the child is interested in. You can always draw the outline and just get the child to put on specific details.

e.g. draw a square for house and ask the child to put on a green door on the left, then maybe 2 blue windows at the top etc Again you can increase or decrease the length of the instruction for the child.

So have a try! Remember to start at an easy level and gradually make it harder. Also find strategies that help the child and encourage them to use them in the games.

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Games to improve auditory memory - Speechbloguk

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Our auditory memory is our ability to retain and recall information we hear. It allows us to process and understand longer, more complex instructions, attend and listen and acquire new information. Children with reduced auditory memory can find it very challenging to follow instructions and retain learning.

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Starfall Education: Kids Games, Movies, Books & Music for K-5 and above

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At Starfall, children have fun while they learn - specializing in reading, phonics & math - educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for children K-5 and above.

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ABCya! • ABCya! • Learning Games and Apps for Kids

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Educational games for grades PreK through 6 that will keep kids engaged and having fun. Topics include math, reading, typing, just-for-fun logic games… and more!

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RoomRecess | Free Learning Games for Kids Online

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Our learning games for kids online reinforce the skills that are vital to elementary students. We offer many free reading, ela, typing, and math games that are fun.

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We’ve curated a special selection of books and resources about healthy habits and fighting disease. Help children find answers to questions like, What is the proper way to wash your hands to stay healthy? What can scientists do to help prevent the spread of disease?

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We've curated a special selection of books and resources about healthy habits and fighting disease. Help children find answers to questions like, What is the proper way to wash your hands to stay healthy? What can scientists do to help prevent the spread of disease?

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Figure out puzzles! Color! Enjoy any or all of these fun activities all about healthy habits.

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Figure out puzzles! Color in weird and wacky pictures of microbes! Enjoy any or all of these fun activities all about germs.

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Figure out puzzles! Color in weird and wacky pictures of microbes! Enjoy any or all of these fun activities all about germs.

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Books and resources about germs, viruses, bacteria, and other microbes.

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Books and resources about germs, viruses, bacteria, and other microbes.

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Books about Friendship, Family, and Getting Along

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Books about Friendship, Family, and Getting Along

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Do you want to be a friend to someone? Or help stop bullying? Try some of these books that show we are "better together!"  All of these books feature special read alouds from our friends at Florida Power & Light Company.

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Better Together: A Florida Power & Light Company Collection

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Do you want to be a friend to someone? Or help stop bullying? Try some of these books that show we are "better together!" All of these books feature special read alouds from our friends at Florida Power & Light Company.

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Soar Into Summer Reading G3-6 Activities

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Soar Into Summer Reading G3-6 Activities

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Watch kids' interest in reading sky rocket when they select books from our recommended reading list. Then, their reading will soar some more when they engage deeper in the story using suggested activities or other fun reading resources on Literacy Central.

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Watch kids' interest in reading sky rocket when they select books from our recommended reading list. Then, their reading will soar some more when they engage deeper in the story using suggested activities or other fun reading resources on Literacy Central.

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Skybrary - a reading app for kids, has child-friendly navigation giving children ages 2-9 access to over 900 engaging eBooks and 190 video adventures hosted by everyone's favorite storyteller LeVar Burton.

Designed to foster discovery and curiosity, a child can explore thematic collections and can add up to five books in their digital "backpack" for online and offline reading. Spark the love of reading and learning with Skybrary.
Start 30 Day Free Trial →

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Skybrary - a reading app for kids, has child-friendly navigation giving children ages 2-9 access to over 900 engaging eBooks and 190 video adventures hosted by everyone's favorite storyteller LeVar Burton. Designed to foster discovery and curiosity, a child can explore thematic collections and can add up to five books in their digital "backpack" for online and offline reading.

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5 Ways to Build Social Skills at Home This Summer

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5 Ways to Build Social Skills at Home This Summer

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Summer Activities for Building Kids' Language, Literacy, and Learning

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Summer Activities for Building Kids' Language, Literacy, and Learning

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Perfect for K-5, this website features free, video read-alouds from celebrities like Betty White, Viola Davis, Oprah Winfrey, and Rita Moreno.

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The IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) is designed to help individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments identify and receive helpful accommodations at certified attractions worldwide.

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Receiving help for individuals with special needs at an attraction can be stressful and frustrating. Luckily, most parks and attractions are making accommodations so that everyone in the family can still enjoy the fun on vacation. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) created the digital IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) as a free resource for individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments who need special accommodations or services at certified attractions.

The IAC helps you identify the accommodations needed and communicate those needs to attractions you would like to visit. Please read the below information very carefully and note that the IAC does NOT guarantee entry to an attraction and any special accommodations or benefits provided are at the sole discretion of that attraction.

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Receiving help for individuals with special needs at an attraction can be stressful and frustrating. Luckily, most parks and attractions are making accommodations so that everyone in the family can still enjoy the fun on vacation.

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Many of us across the United States, and all over the world, are being faced with social distancing as COVID-19 continues to spread. If you are still unsure why social distancing is being recommended, take a look at this article. While we are individually inconvenienced in the short-term, these recommendations are best for the collective long-term health of all.

Schools, universities, and small businesses have closed, leaving many of us at home for potentially the next eight weeks with our children. If you've been following us for awhile, you know we like to do fun, inexpensive, screen-free activities to target language, literacy, physical movement, and other academic skills. I would be kidding myself though if I did not also say there will likely be more screen time taking place in our home than usual.

As we all adjust to this new normal, I wanted to share seven free educational websites and apps we will be using with Maya regularly. While this is week is technically our spring break, I want to keep her on a loose routine so that my husband and I can continue to also get some work done as our courses transition to being online.

1. Florida Center for Reading Research - Student Center Activities

If you're looking for evidence-based activities to target language and literacy skills, look no farther. These free printables are available for both pre-k and elementary-aged students. Activities and games are divided into categories like alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, comprehension, decoding, and more.

2. Scholastic Learn at Home

Scholastic has provided a free, 20-day curriculum that includes four activities daily. Curricula are divided by grade level and include fun stories, videos, and hands-on activities.

3. PBS Kids Games and PBS Parents Play & Learn Apps

PBS Kids has great educational media for children ages 2-8, including over 35 apps. PBS Kids Games and PBS Parents Play & Learn are two of our favorites. Maya has been using them for quite some time. I love that they can also be used offline when no internet is available. You can see descriptions of each app and download them here.

4. Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy has created a blog post that shares how their materials can be used at home during school closures. Lessons can be accessed on computers, tablets, or phones and cover kindergarten through early college material in math, reading, science, history, and more. Khan Academy Kids is another one of our go-to educational apps. It is designed for children ages 2-7 and focuses on early reading, math, language, and social-emotional skills.

5. SplashLearn

I'm a language and literacy professor and researcher, so I have to be very intentional about targeting math skills. SplashLearn is a fun program for children in K-5th grade that features an individualized learning path. The app can also be used without internet connection.

6. Mystery Science

Dad is the king of science experiments around here. He'll be including some of these fun videos and activities from Mystery Science over the next few weeks. They have provided a site that includes mini-lessons that are made for remote learning, with materials that are likely already at home. Parents can also sign up for a free account to get even more lessons.

7. Storyline Online

This site is new to me, but I have fallen in love with it! Storyline Online features videos of celebrity actors and actresses, like Viola Davis, Kevin Costner, and Betty White, reading children's books. Each book also includes an activity guide, with suggested grade levels, that can be used by parents or educators. Popular books like A Bad Case of the Stripes, Catching the Moon, and The Kissing Hand are included.

We will continue sharing many other things to do while at home on our social media pages, like these free virtual museum tours and 150+ educational shows to watch on Netflix. May we all make the best of this increased time with our families during these unusual times.

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7 Educational Websites and Apps to Use While Social Distancing

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Many of us across the United States, and all over the world, are being faced with social distancing as COVID-19 continues to spread. If you are still unsure why social distancing is being recommended, take a look at this article. While we are individually inconvenienced in the short-term, these recommendations are best for the collective long-term health of all.

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Increasing Speech & Language Skills Through Daily Routines

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Increasing Speech & Language Skills Through Daily Routines

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I am pleased to have Christine Ristuccia, the author and creator of "The Entire World of R," share her introduction on teaching the R sound. I have always believed that the best way to teach any sound is to first isolate the sound and then target it in specific word positions such as the beginning of the word, the middle of the word and the end of the word. Doing this with the R sound is a little more complicated but "The Entire World of R" helps break it down into achievable targets. I have used this program for the last 3 years and have seen amazing success! It is my hope that as you read this you will learn what steps to take to help address and correct any R problems your child may be having.

Does your child say Wabbit for Rabbit or Maw for More? If these and other mispronunciations of the R sound occur in your child's language, then I'm sure you've encountered a few frustrations in trying to correct it.

Did you know that the R sound is one of the most commonly used sounds in English? No wonder that pesky sound (or lack of it) keeps getting messed up in children's speech. The R sound is typically one of the last sounds to be mastered by children, often not maturing until ages 6 or 7. That's just one of the reasons it has the persistency to remain incorrect in a child's speech. Since the sound is later-developing, one of the common misconceptions is to do nothing: "Oh, just wait. It will correct itself." In many cases it will correct but, in almost as many times, correction of the sound needs a little help.

Not pronouncing correct R's can have a ripple effect if not addressed in a timely manner. Children may become more self-conscious of their speech, spelling may be affected adversely (Notice all the second grade spelling lists with r-controlled vowels?), and they may be open to teasing, resulting in a withdrawal from participation in discussions and activities. Improper and unintelligible speech can lead to far reaching economic impacts much later in life.

So what's a parent to do?

A complete evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) should be the first step. There are a wide range of issues affecting speech receptivity and production: Too many to even name in this article. Often, a little unintelligibility in speech is straightforward and easily treatable. However, there are many cases where multiple issues or disorders may be compounding or masking multiple issues. For the sake of saving time and frustration, a professional evaluation is well worth the investment!

Your child's age and intelligibility are key determinants in deciding the course of treatment in most instances. If a child above three is only intelligible to family members, then that is an alarm indicating issues that should be addressed. If a kindergartener has some mispronunciations with some of the R sounds, but is generally intelligible to strangers, then that's probably normal. A little phonetically consistent practice with R words at home will probably help. A second grader, however, should have mastered the R sound. If not, he or she needs some help. The earlier that the intervention starts for your child, the quicker that the disorder can be addressed and corrected. Too often, the child, for whatever reason, does not get adequate help and the sound misproductions persist into their teen years (and beyond). Intuitively, the longer that the bad habit is allowed to continue, the longer and harder it will be to rectify.

Your first resource should be your child's school. Even if you are home schooling, your local school district will mostly likely provide your child with services for speech. Your child's pediatrician may also be able to refer you to a private SLP. Though not likely, your insurance might cover some speech services, so it's worth checking in to if you have to get private services. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is an excellent source for finding a competent SLP in your area. There is an option to " find an SLP " on their website.

Treatment of the R sound by a speech-language pathologist on a consistent basis with identifiable goals is obviously the ideal option. However, that might not work for you and your child, because of availability, location or cost. Perhaps an option might be to get an evaluation and some hands-on training from an SLP, so that you can do the bulk of the work yourself. A note of caution and it bears repeating: A professional evaluation by a competent SLP is always a good investment. As you'll discover below, treating the R sound is complex. It's one thing to practice phonetically consistent words with your child; it's a completely different task to determine what the most appropriate intervention target is.

One popular theory for correcting pronunciation (or articulation) disorders is to isolate sounds and work on correcting the sound in isolation. The basic sound (or what is called a phoneme) is selected as a target for treatment. Usually the position of the sound within a word is considered and treated. That is, does the sound appear in the beginning of the word, middle or end of the word (initial, medial, or final). Typical treatment includes drilling through the same sound over and over. Through this method, success is achieved by targeting a sound in a phonetically consistent manner. Phonetic consistency means that a target sound is isolated at the smallest possible level (sound of phoneme) and that the context of production (position in a word) must be consistent.

Everyone knows the vowels, right? A, e, i, o, u and sometimes y. Well R can be vowel-like too. That is depending on the location of the R relative to the vowel, the R will change pronunciation. Consider the words: car, fear, for. The R sound comes after the vowels. Each vowel is pronounced differently and so is the R. The R takes on the characteristic of the vowel depending on context and combination. The six different vocalic combinations, [ar, air, ear, er, or, ire], are collectively called vocalic R, r-controlled vowels, or vowel R. If R comes before the vowel (prevocalic) it remains consistently consonantal ( ribbon, race, ring, run, etc.).

Here's where it gets more complex. Considering the different possible word positions of the different vocalic variations, either in the initial, medial or final part of the word, in which the R sound is located there are many possible combinations. With the vocalic R variations added to the previously mentioned initial R combination, along with the multiple consonantal blend combinations [br, dr, cr, etc.], and the tricky [rl] combination ( world, twirl)-there are, all together at least 32 different R sounds to consider as separate distinct sounds!

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Most speech-language pathologist dislike working on R. Many have difficulty in treating it because they were not trained to think of the R sound in so many combinations. They work on initial R, medial R and final R, just like the other consonants. So if you are working with a speech-language pathologist, make sure you ask questions: How do they evaluate and treat the R sound? What's his or her background? Experience? Success rate? As in all walks of life, everyone has a specialty, so cleave to those that understand and are successful with your child's disorder.

It's critically important to identify which sounds your child consistently mispronounces. This is where a complete evaluation of the R sound is so important. Once identified, pick one sound (of the 32) as the intervention target and practice only that sound. Over and over. For example if your child can't say "more", which is [or] in the final word position (or final), then practice words in the same sound and word position, such as door, floor, pour, sure, core, store. That's phonetic consistency. Practicing the same sound in the same word position, over and over, until success is achieved. Skipping around to different sounds is what leads to confusion, frustration and lack of success. The phonetically consistent practice of the same R sound in the same word position is the critical key to this approach and the ultimate successful production of R.

Research and experience demonstrates that success with one sound should favorably influence correction of other sounds as well. With consistent practice of the correct sound over time, success should become apparent.

Christine Ristuccia is a practicing speech-language pathologist. She is the founder and president of Say It Right™ and the author of many books including the award winning R-sound remediation program The Entire World of R™.

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Correcting the R Sound: A Primer for Parents

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I am pleased to have Christine Ristuccia, the author and creator of "The Entire World of R," share her introduction on teaching the R sound. I have always believed that the best way to teach any sound is to first isolate the sound and then target it in specific word positions such as the beginning of the word, the middle of the word and the end of the word.

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Online Exhibitions

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Online Exhibitions - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

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Find online exhibitions that explore the history of the Holocaust and contemporary genocide.

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The Museum is committed to providing unique resources, engaging out-of-the box activities and educational opportunities for all audiences. From hands-on workshops, to exclusive lectures and programs, visitors of all ages can take a deeper dive into the world of intelligence while you and your family are at home.

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We offer free Smithsonian STEM games and simulations online or for download! Our games are designed with clear learning objectives, vetted by our team of curriculum experts, and are used by students around the world!

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We offer free Smithsonian STEM games and simulations online or for download! Our games are designed with clear learning objectives, vetted by our team of curriculum experts, and are used by students around the world!

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Experiments you should try at home featuring topics from the Bill Nye The Science Guy show.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute works to advance the frontiers of global marine research by providing state of the art operational, technological, and informational support to the pioneering ocean science and technology development projects at sea.

Schmidt Ocean Institute is closely monitoring developments related to "COVID-19" (Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2). The safety of our staff, research vessel Falkor crew, ROV SuBastian team, visiting scientists, artists, students, and extended community is of the highest importance. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the lead of the World Health Organization and national government and public health officials. During this time, we are still operating our science program and research expeditions and will continue to make available all science and data to the public, including the oceanographic expeditions off the coast of Australia through Schmidt Ocean Institute's online resources.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute works to advance the frontiers of global marine research by providing state of the art operational, technological, and informational support to the pioneering ocean science and technology development projects at sea. Schmidt Ocean Institute is closely monitoring developments related to "COVID-19" (Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2).

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All Florida Diabetes Camp programs are open to any child with type 1 diabetes, and while attending camp they are under the direct supervision of pediatric endocrinologists from around the state who volunteer at various programs.

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(Registration will open in October 2019)

Fun Sports Camp is for campers ages 15 to 18 to try out different sports while learning teamwork, and gaining independence in diabetes care. The campers stay at Rotary's Camp Florida in Brandon, FL and bus to different venues each day. Activities are under the direction of various college coaches or certified instructors and include martial arts, volleyball, soccer, golf, basketball, tennis, and softball. Planned night activities include roller skating, bowling, and a night at Tropicana Field watching the Tampa Bay Rays play ball.

Dates: June 7-12, 2020

Location: Rotary's Camp Florida in Brandon, FL

Cycling adventure camp is a true camping experience for ages 15 through 18! These campers bike an average of 20 miles a day at various locations throughout North Central Florida. Campers sleep in tents at various parks where they get a real outdoor experience. Bike, helmets and tents are provided and every staff member, including doctors and nurses, is experienced in cycling. Campers completing this rigorous adventure, truly embody our motto; "I can handle it."
Dates: TBA for 2020
Location: Begins in North Central Florida

Located just outside of Tallahassee at Centenary Camp in Quincy, Florida, this camp is for children age 7 through 12 (grades 2 through 5). Designed for campers from northern Florida, southern Georgia and Alabama, this five day camp is under the medical direction of doctors and nurses from Tallahassee and the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Diabetes Center. Activities offered for this camp include sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and diabetes education.

Dates: June 23-June 27, 2020

Location: Centenary Camp in Quincy, FL

This camp is for youngsters ages 5 to 9 and designed to give them their first taste of summer camp while making friendships that will last a lifetime! This camp was created with little ones in mind, so activities are specifically tailored toward young children. Campers learn about nature, how to swim, diabetes management and more. Daily visits from the story lady, and different carnival events each night provide the kids with the genuine camp feel they are sure not to forget.

Dates: June 14-19, 2020

Location: Rotary's Camp Florida in Brandon, FL

Divided into two sections, with one camp for campers ages 9 through 12 and one for ages 12 through 14, Winona camps are the largest programs offered. Each camp is staffed by three doctors, nurses, psychologists, and nutritionists. Winona is a rural setting on beautiful Lake Winona just outside of the Ocala National Forest. Activities for campers include swimming, canoeing, fun-yaking, and blobbing. Campers also learn teamwork through a high ropes course, team sports and cabin challenges. Nightly activities include a beach party, carnival, dance and a scavenger hunt. Note: Winona dates are one week earlier this year than in the past.

Camp Winona Session I: Ages 12-14

Dates: July 12-19, 2020

Location: YMCA Camp Winona in Deland, FL

Camp Winona Session II: Ages 9-12

Dates: July 25 - August 1, 2020

Location: YMCA Camp Winona in Deland, FL

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(Registration will open in October 2019) Fun Sports Camp is for campers ages 15 to 18 to try out different sports while learning teamwork, and gaining independence in diabetes care. The campers stay at Rotary's Camp Florida in Brandon, FL and bus to different venues each day.

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College Students, use the promo code , Everyone Else ThayerCollegeBirder
use the promo code PeteThayerFree

Teachers, Wildlife Professionals, Previous Owners

Young Birder Program
from Thayer Birding Software

Anyone in pre-K, grade school, middle school or high school may enterthe promotional code(All others, enter the promotional code
ThayerYoungBirder
and download the new version 7.7 of Thayer's Birds of North America atNO COST.
(College students, enter the promotional code ThayerCollegeBirder)
Pete ThayerFree)

This amazing birding software, for Windows or Mac computers, features the 1007 birds that have been seen in the continental U.S. and Canada. The software includes 6,586 color photos, 1,506 songs and calls, 552 video clips of the birds in action, 700 quizzes and much, much more, as shown here: http://www.thayerbirding.com/v7-Features

Why are we doing this for kids? Because the company founder, Peter W. Thayer, decided that this would be the perfect way to celebrate his 70 th birthday on September 21, 2018.

It is also an ideal way to teach kids about birds when they are stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak. This offer has the potential to get thousands of kids excited about nature and the great outdoors. They are the future environmentalists and guardians of our planet!

Pete Thayer at his desk

"Over the past 24 years I have heard from thousands of folks who told me how much this birding program meant to them. I have been overwhelmed by the kind words and feedback we have received from people who are now professional bird guides, ornithologists, college professors and wildlife managers. They told me they used our program when they were growing up to learn more about the birds around them...and they still use it today!"

Our favorite letters are from the kids, especially this one from 9 year-old William: "I was so excited we downloaded it the night I got it. I looked at pictures, watched videos, made lists and did quizzes until my parents made me go to bed. It is totally awesome!"

"My philosophy has always been that I just wanted to create a truly great birding program for me (the nine-year-old me as well as the seventy-year-old me of today). If anyone else wanted a copy - well, that was just a nice bonus! Thanks to hundreds of suggestions from users over the past 24 years, I think we did it!"

Now it is time to give back something to the birding community and to the millions of young birders (and potential young birders) who just need a spark to get them started on a life-long quest for knowledge about our natural world and the importance of preserving the habitat we still have. What better way than this to celebrate the year of the bird?

Q: How do kids get the free birding software?
A: It is very simple. (We strongly recommend that younger kids have their parents help them with the ordering and the download.) Just visitwww.ThayerBirding.com and click on the Windows (or Mac) download for our birding software. Then click the box that says "Add Promo Code" and enter ThayerYoungBirder in the box that will appear below. When you enter the code there are no spaces between any of the words. After that, click the "Apply" button so the price changes to $0.00 and then click the Free Checkout button. You are now asked to enter your email and your name (so we can also email you detailed download instructions.) Once you have done this, c lick the blue box that says "Free Checkout" and in a few seconds you will see a page with instructions that will let you download the birding software.

The birding software is 7 Gb in size (HUGE!!) so it comes in six pieces. You will also receive an email with this same information. The links are good for five days. This free offer does not apply to the USB flash drive, just to the download.

Watch the YouTube video showing exactly how to do this.

Here is a link to reviews and feedback we have received over the years:

http://www.thayerbirding.com/Home/Reviews-of-Thayer-products

And here is a link we have to help folks that may have a question:
http://www.thayerbirding.com/Get-Help

Birds are a great place to start! Q: What is your ultimate goal in doing this?
A: We would like to have one million kids download the FREE birding program and use it and get excited about nature and conservation.

Q: How long have you been making birding software? Who are you?

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Thayer Birding Software > Home > Free Software For Kids

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College Students, use the promo code , Everyone Else ThayerCollegeBirder use the promo code PeteThayerFree Teachers, Wildlife Professionals, Previous Owners Young Birder Program from Thayer Birding Software Anyone in pre-K, grade school, middle school or high school may enterthe promotional code(All others, enter the promotional code ThayerYoungBirder and download the new version 7.7 of Thayer's Birds of North America atNO COST .

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Story Time From Space | T2 Science & Math Education Consultants

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Story Time from Space Directory

Book by Susan Lendroth
Read in space by astronaut Christina Koch
Running Time: 9:34 Minutes

Running Time: 22:04 Minutes

Running Time: 18:28 Minutes

Running Time: 13:15 Minutes
Read by: Anne McClain

Running Time: 9:31 Minutes

Read by: Hazzaa al-Mansoori (In Arabic)

Running Time: 10:29 Minutes

Written by: Lost My Name

Read by: Tim Peake

Running Time: 16 Minutes

Written by: Jeffrey Bennett

Read by: Mike Hopkins

Running Time: 16 Minutes

Written by: Jeffrey Bennett

Read by: Koichi Wakata
Running Time: 15 Minutes
Written by: Jeffrey Bennett

Read by: Mike Hopkins
Running Time: 15:16
Written by: Jeffrey Bennett

Read by: Mike Hopkins
Running Time: 16:35
Written by: Jeffrey Bennett

Read by: Mike Hopkins
Running Time: 20:32
Written by: Jeffrey Bennett

Read by: Koichi Wakata
Running Time: 15:47
Written by: John Danny Olivas

Read by: Tim Kopra
Running Time: 8:32
Written by: Andrea Beaty

Read by: Kate Rubins

Running Time: 11:16

Written by: Jeffrey Bennett
Read by: Col. R. Shane Kimbrough
Scientists and Their Writings

Running Time: 10:53

Written by: Jessica Fries-Gaither
Read by: Joseph Acaba
Running Time: 13.51

Written by: Travis Bossard & Mick Szydlowski
Read by: Richard (Ricky) Arnold
Running Time: 11:35

Written by: Emily Morgan
Read by: Mark Vande Hei Running Time: 8:07
Written by: Mark Kelly
Read by: Scott Kelly

Mousetronaut Goes to Mars - Coming Soon

Running Time: TBD

Written by: Mark Kelly

Read by: Scott Kelly

The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm - Coming Soon

Running Time: TBD

Written by: LeVar Burton and Susan Bernardo

Read by: TBD

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Library Directory | Story Time From Space

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Book by Susan Lendroth Read in space by astronaut Christina Koch Running Time: 9:34 Minutes Running Time: 22:04 Minutes Running Time: 18:28 Minutes Running Time: 13:15 Minutes Read by: Anne McClain Running Time: 9:31 Minutes Read by: Hazzaa al-Mansoori (In Arabic) Running Time: 10:29 Minutes Written by: Lost My Name

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See elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on animal cams streaming live, 24/7 from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Download Animal Cam Bingo Cards (link opens in new window). These activities are designed to engage learners of all ages in looking closely and thinking deeply about animal behavior and habitats. Welcome to the wild side of learning!

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The Zoo's animal webcams are some of the most famous on the internet. Tune in to watch the Zoo's elephants, lions and naked mole-rats - live, 24/7!

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Our collection of webcams allow an unlimited number of viewers to enter the private lives of our "Ambassador" wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and Nikai, and seven elusive packs of critically endangered wolves via unobtrusive cameras in and around anticipated den sites.

Enjoy and please let us know if you see anything interesting!

Choose a Webcam:

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Our collection of webcams allow an unlimited number of viewers to enter the private lives of our "Ambassador" wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and Nikai, and seven elusive packs of critically endangered wolves via unobtrusive cameras in and around anticipated den sites. Enjoy and please let us know if you see anything interesting!

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Virtual Yosemite presents a groundbreaking interactive (VR) tour of one of America's most spectacular destinations - Yosemite National Park in California.

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Yosemite Nature Notes is a video podcast series that tells unique stories about the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park.

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Yosemite Nature Notes is a video podcast series that tells unique stories about the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park. Produced by the National Park Service, this series features park rangers, scientists, historians and park visitors as they discuss the diverse plants and animals that make Yosemite their home, as well as the towering cliffs, giant waterfalls and mountain peaks that are known throughout the world.

You can also subscribe to Yosemite Nature Notes on iTunes or on YouTube (in high definition).

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Yosemite Nature Notes (Episodes 1-15) - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Yosemite Nature Notes is a video podcast series that tells unique stories about the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park. Produced by the National Park Service, this series features park rangers, scientists, historians and park visitors as they discuss the diverse plants and animals that make Yosemite their home, as well as the towering cliffs, giant waterfalls and mountain peaks that are known throughout the world.

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Stream your favorite programs, classes and instructors. Anywhere. Anytime.

Stream Now on Mobile, Desktop, and TV Apps

A new kind of membership.

Now available to all YMCA members, YMCA360 brings to life the people, places and programs of the Y, and brings membership full-circle.

Healthy Living for all. On all screens.

From yoga to youth sports, enjoy our exclusive collection of on-demand and livestream classes, on all your devices in cinematic 4K. Experience YMCA360, wherever you are and whenever you want, and experience healthy living for all.

Choose your YMCA membership.

YMCA360+

Includes all-access to YMCA360 and your choice of limited facility services.

Individual &

YMCA360+

Includes all-access to YMCA360 and full membership benefits for you.

Family &

YMCA360+

Includes all-access to YMCA360 and full membership benefits for the whole family.

Contact your local YMCA for pricing and availability.

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Stream your favorite programs, classes and instructors. Anywhere. Anytime. Stream Now on Mobile, Desktop, and TV Apps Now available to all YMCA members, YMCA360 brings to life the people, places and programs of the Y, and brings membership full-circle. From yoga to youth sports, enjoy our exclusive collection of on-demand and livestream classes, on all your devices in cinematic 4K.

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Help Your Children Become Better Readers

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Help Your Children Become Better Readers

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How to Connect Home Literacy Practices to School Literacy Practices

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Ten Ways Children With Language Disorders Can Maintain Both Physical Distance and Social Connection During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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With social distancing (or more accurately, physical distancing) a new way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages are challenged to find different ways to connect socially. However, for children with language disorders—who have difficulties with social interactions in the best of t…

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If you are looking for more awesome ideas to do- You have GOT TO TRY THIS watercolor hack. and HOT ROCKS is literally the most satisfying thing ever.

Supplies you need or Salt Art

glue

table salt

cardstock

watercolor (or food coloring mixed with water)

paintbrush or eyedropper

cookie sheet- totally optional but keeps the salt from making a huge mess

How to make Salt Painting

Draw a pretty picture with glue! Don't be too crazy with it- It will take forever to dry. If you need help trying to figure out what to draw- check out my drawing prompts.

After you are done, sprinkle salt over the whole glue design!

Okay- here was a mistake. I let the salt sit and it expanded! Once you sprinkle the salt on, make sure to get the access off right away!

Then let dry!

I tried it out on black paper as well and it worked the same! Once it dries you just get watercolor or a food coloring mixed with water and a paintbrush to add the color with (You could use an eyedropper as well!)

Load up color and water. When you touch the salt- the paint spreads like magic. It's so cool to watch!

Here are some finished products!

Check out this video to watch the fun process of salt painting for kids (and adults! (and go ahead and follow me on agirlandagluegun)

and here is a picture to pin to save for later

If you are looking for more fun kids crafts- my craft camp has two weeks full of fun projects that you will love to do as well!

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Salt Painting for kids - A girl and a glue gun

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Salt Painting for kids- this art project is such a blast! Watch the watercolor travel and be amazed! If you are looking for more awesome ideas to do- You have GOT TO TRY THIS watercolor hack. and HOT ROCKS is literally the most satisfying thing ever.

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If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

About this unit

Have you ever wondered how theme parks come to life? Disney Imagineers from hundreds of career disciplines around the world share how they use a wide range of skills - from story development and conceptual design, to math, physics and engineering - that all come together to create immersive experiences. Imagineering in a Box allows you to explore different aspects of theme park design, from characters to ride development, as you design a theme park of your very own.

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Imagineering in a Box | Storytelling | Arts and humanities | Khan Academy

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Have you ever wondered how theme parks come to life? Disney Imagineers from hundreds of career disciplines around the world share how they use a wide range of skills - from story development and conceptual design, to math, physics and engineering - that all come together to create immersive experiences.

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Aviation is Your Future is a Course

Aviation is Your Future

Mar 16 - May 31, 2020

Enroll

Badge, Certificate (free)

EDUCATION:
PhD in Business Administration from Northcentral University; MBA from Park University, Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautics University, with specializations in unmanned systems and space studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Park University.
EXPERIENCE:
Bettina has been working with Embry Riddle since 2014. She began as a Veteran's Affairs Counselor for Worldwide and then transitioned to a full time faculty member for the College of Aeronautics in 2016. She is currently serving as the Curriculum Chair for the College of Aeronautics Undergraduate Studies department.

Prior to joining ERAU, Bettina served in the United States Marine Corps for 14 years. She worked as an avionics communication and navigation technician and supervisor for multiple aircraft platforms, including both rotary and fixed-wing. In addition to her job as a technician, Bettina also worked in operations and supervised the Mobile Maintenance Facility program. Bettina is currently serving as the Curriculum Chair for the Undergraduate Studies Department in the College of Aeronautics for Embry Riddle's Worldwide campus. She has published research in aviation maintenance, human factors, organizational leadership, and unmanned systems. She has a wide array of knowledge and experience with human factors, aircraft maintenance and inspections, unmanned aircraft systems, and management.

EDUCATION:

Master of Business Administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Bachelors of Science in Aviation Management degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Federal Aviation Administration, Airframe & Powerplant Certificate (A&P)

EXPERIENCE:
Mr. Britton is currently serving as full-time faculty instructor for the College of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Roth serves the department as an instructor of the 9 week Aviation Maintenance Technology SkillBridge Program. This program helps our amazing United States military veterans transition their maintenance experience to an exciting career in aviation the aviation industry. Roth has been employed by the University for 5 years and also filled roles as an advisor and a project manager.

Prior to joining the University, Roth served 7 years in the United States Air Force. During that time he served as an aircraft inspector/maintainer, team leader, and maintenance manager. This experience was achieved in active flightline environments, inspection hangers, and heavy maintenance facilities. Roth's aircraft experience includes the E-3, KC-135, B-1, B-52, and C-130 airframes.

Patti is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute, a Certified Member (CM) of the American Association of Airport Executives, and a licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technician by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Linda began her career in aviation in the United States Navy as an enlisted air traffic controller and retired as a highly decorated Lt. Commander in aircraft maintenance. After the Navy, she broadened her experience by working with commercial airlines and academic administration prior to becoming a faculty member.

Sign up for this course today!
Enroll

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Aviation is Your Future - Canvas Network | Free online courses | MOOCs

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Aviation is Your Future is a Course Mar 16 - May 31, 2020 Enroll Badge, Certificate (free) EDUCATION: PhD in Business Administration from Northcentral University; MBA from Park University, Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautics University, with specializations in unmanned systems and space studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Park University.

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Another day, another virtual tour to become enrapt in, amiright? If you've already taken all the virtual museum, garden, and haunted house tours floating on the Internet, worry not. We've got another one waiting for you and it's pretty scenic.

The National Parks Service (NPS) offers a virtual visit to its famous Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Launch this tour and you'll go 750-feet underground with National Park Ranger Pam Cox to explore the mysteries of these caverns shaped over millions of years. But before you head underground, you'll have the opportunity to observe the thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats soaring through the sky. This extremely interactive tour even lets viewers navigate through the eyes of the bats.

Once inside the cavern, viewers will get the opportunity to click into features like "examine cave textures" and "discover secret rooms." Sights on the tours include: The Big Room, Lower Cave, Spirit World (a secret room), and a 360 degree panoramic view of the caves' limestone drip exteriors (thanks to Google maps, you can move all around).

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

This tour, which is a permanent experience on the National Parks' website, should take viewers between 20 to 30 minutes to complete. While it's not a full tour, it gives viewers access to sights that are hard to see in person (like the Lower Cave, which is completely pitch black). It's also a great tool for students writing a report on the landmark or families looking to plan a visit to the caverns. Besides, Carlsbad Caverns, the National Parks Service also offers virtual tours of the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, Hawaii Volcanoes, Bryce Canyon in Utah, and Dry Tortugas in Florida. You can access all those tours .

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These Virtual Cave Tours Will Keep You and Your Kids Busy for Hours

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Another day, another virtual tour to become enrapt in, amiright? If you've already taken all the virtual museum, garden, and haunted house tours floating on the Internet, worry not. We've got another one waiting for you and it's pretty scenic. The National Parks Service (NPS) offers a virtual visit to its famous Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico .

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"We want to help children keep learning while they are out of school," Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler said in a March 19 news release.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest social distancing to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus, and the action resulted in countless school systems closing their doors and left many parents scrambling for learning options. Traditional flight schools and college flight programs were also affected.

The online courses introduce core concepts and offer enrichment activities to help spark young people's interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Aviation is Your Future is a free, massive open online course that offers an introduction to aviation for youth ages 8 to 17. The course, which runs through May 31, was introduced in early March and was created in cooperation with Women in Aviation International to help celebrate the advances of women in the fields of aerospace and aviation. The university describes the self-paced, six-hour online course as a way to help "fuel a passion for aviation by introducing young people to aviation fundamentals."

Aviation 101, an introduction to aviation, is another self-paced course that will begin soon.

Embry-Riddle also offers online courses for Arizona and Florida high-school juniors and seniors that allow them to earn college credits if they meet certain criteria. The courses are: Aeronautics Pathway, Aviation Legislation, History of Aviation in America, Meteorology, Introduction to Computers and Applications, Introduction to Sociology, and Foundations of Biology.

David Tulis

Associate Editor Web/ePilot

AOPA Associate Editor Web/ePilot David Tulis joined AOPA in 2015 and is a seaplane-rated private pilot who enjoys vintage aircraft, aerobatic flying, and photography.

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ERAU offers free online courses to students, public

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"We want to help children keep learning while they are out of school," Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler said in a March 19 news release. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest social distancing to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus, and the action resulted in countless school systems closing their doors and left many parents scrambling for learning options.

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Searching for kid-friendly science experiments to do at home? Whether you're prepping for a fifth-grade science fair or want something fun to do with preschoolers, these cool science experiments for kids are super easy and a lot of fun for kids of all ages. Parents may end up learning a new thing or two, too!

Children are born scientists. They're always experimenting with something, whether they're throwing a plate of spaghetti on the wall, blowing bubbles in the bathwater, or stacking blocks into an intricate tower only to destroy it in one big swipe. Happily, you can do some pretty mind-blowing, hands-on science experiments at home using stuff you probably have lying around the house.

Want even more science experiments for kids like this? Check out our list of 25 Preschool Science Experiments, and more, in our Guide to Science Experiments for Kids, which is packed with fun STEM activities.

Popular KiwiCo, Green Kid Crafts, and Mel Chemistry subscription boxes send age-appropriate projects every month, so you never run out of science experiments you can do at home.

Coolest Science Experiments for Kids at Home

1. Make rock candy

Learn about the crystallization process by learning how to make rock candy in a glass.

2. Make a lava lamp

Make a lava lamp by pouring vegetable oil into water and then adding an Alka-Seltzer tablet to make the blob of oil move.

3. Make homemade slime

Borax plus glue equals homemade slime.

4. Frozen bubbles

Blow bubbles outside when temperatures dip to the single digits and watch them freeze.

5. Invisible Ink

Use lemon juice to make invisible ink that can only be seen when held up to a heat source.

6. Walking rainbows

Use food coloring and water to make a walking rainbow and explore how combining primary colors makes secondary colors.

7. Paper towel art/magic

This paper towel art magic trick, which also involves science for an added bonus. Permanent and washable markers make art and teach about solubility at the same time.
RELATED: 1000s of Boredom Busters for Kids
8. Pepper and soap experiment

Dish soap, pepper, a toothpick, and a little bit of water are all kids need to feel like science wizards. Watch a little drop of soap chase pepper away in the pepper and soap experiment.

9. Balloon carbon dioxide experiment

Create carbon dioxide and hang on while you use it to fill up a balloon.

10. Skittles science experiment

Learn about a phenomenon called water stratification, using Skittles as the subject matter. Perfect for after Halloween!

Fun Science Experiments Using Household Staples

11. Marshmallow catapult

Build a marshmallow catapult out of a plastic spoon, rubber bands, and Popsicle sticks.

12. Make a parachute for toys

Use a plastic bag and cup to build a parachute for a light toy.

13. Dye flowers with food coloring

Place white flowers in colored water and watch how they soak up the hues.

RELATED: 50 Magna-Tiles Games and Building Ideas for Kids

14. Baking soda lemon juice experiment

Create a colorful and fizzy reaction by adding a drop of food coloring and a little baking soda to a sliced lemon.

15. Make homemade butter

Make your own butter by shaking a jar of heavy cream.

16. Homemade ice cream in a bag

Make homemade ice cream in a bag: shake salt, ice, cream, and sugar vigorously until the consistency is right, then enjoy.

17. Do oil and water mix?

Plop oil into water to see that they really don't mix; try it with a variety of liquids to make a rainbow of stripes.

RELATED: 25 Exercise Games to Do with Kids Indoors

18. Egg in a bottle experiment

Force an egg to fit into a bottle by creating a suction using heat.

19. Floating eggs

Change how an egg floats or sinks in a glass by adding salt to the water.

20. Turn milk into plastic

Turn milk into a material that acts like plastic using white vinegar.

21. Thriving yeast experiment

Mix a batch of bread dough and separate it into several different bowls; place them in different places (outside, inside, in the dark, in the light) to see which environment yeast thrives in.

22. How does mold grow?

Grow mold on bread by putting slices in different environments (in a bag in the dark, in a bag in the sunlight, out in the open, in the refrigerator); see which one gets moldy first.

23. The taste-smell connection

Have your kids close their eyes and hold their noses and see if they can still identify foods by taste.

24. Make easy homemade cheese
RELATED: 75 Indoor Activities for Kids for Rainy Days
Dabble in some kitchen science while making this yummy ricotta cheese.

25. Make an eggshell disappear

Your egg will be so embarrassed when you leave it naked! Dissolve the shell right off an egg by simply placing it in a cup of vinegar.

26. Make a taste bud map

Map taste buds by dipping Q-tips into different flavors and placing them on different areas of your tongue.

27. Find the fatty food with a simple trick

Explore the fat content of different foods by wiping them on a brown paper bag; fatty foods leave behind a greasy spot, while fruits and vegetables leave no trace at all.

Slime, Putty, and Oobleck Science Experiments for Kids

28. Silly putty recipe

You will be squeaky clean after creating this satisfying non-sticky putty by simply combining cornstarch and dish soap.

29. Easy Oobleck recipe

Whip up some Oobleck, a fascinating non-Newtonian fluid that can act like a solid or a liquid depending on certain conditions.

30. Ivory soap in microwave

Microwave Ivory soap (or any soap that floats) to create a bizarre puffy soufflé.

Outdoor and Nature Science Experiments

31. Grow beans

Grow a bean in a clear cup to watch the roots grow down and the stem grow up.

32. Make a duck call/whistle from a straw

Craft a duck call by cutting the ends of a straw into a point, then blow.

33. Musical bottles

Set up a row of bottles with varying amounts of liquid and then blow across the openings to hear the different tones.

34. How to make a sundial

Make a sundial by placing a stick in a vertical position and a circle of rocks around it marking each hour.

35. Cut ice cubes like magic

Cut ice in half using a fishing wire-the pressure melts the ice faster than the air.

36. Make a rainbow

Make a rainbow by holding a glass of water up to the sunlight with a sheet of paper behind it to catch the colors.

37. Tornado in a bottle

Create a tornado in a bottle by taping two plastic bottles together neck to neck-one filled, the other empty-and swirling it quickly.

38. How to make a solar oven

S'more science, please! Harness the power of the sun and turn a pizza box into a solar oven and roast some delicious treats for the whole family.

Science Experiments for Kids that Fizz, Bubble, and Foam

39. Baking soda volcano science project

Mix baking soda, vinegar, and glitter for a sparkly volcano.

40. Diet Coke and Mentos

Mix Diet Coke and Mentos and stand back to watch the explosion. (Really! Stand back.)

41. Pop Rocks and soda

Drop Pop Rocks into a bottle of soda and then place a balloon onto the opening to watch it inflate.

42. What will shine a penny?

Discover how to keep your pennies shiny by experimenting with different cleaning solutions.

43. How to make elephant toothpaste

Make " elephant toothpaste" (a.k.a. an impressive large foam) out of soap, yeast, and hydrogen peroxide. For the holidays, turn it into " reindeer toothpaste."

44. Glitter germ experiment

This glitter does more than shine, it sparks a scientific experiment to see how far germs can spread.

45. Dancing popcorn experiment

Baking soda and vinegar react to make popcorn kernels hop around a jar of water.

46. Fizzy chalk fireworks with sidewalk chalk

This STEM activity adds some sizzle to your summertime sidewalk chalk using just a few basic ingredients: baking soda, cornstarch, food coloring, and vinegar.

Physics and Physical Science Experiments for Kids

47. Milk and food coloring experiment

Learn about surface tension by dropping food coloring into milk and watch as the colors move when you add some soap.

48. Rube Goldberg machine for kids

Make a Rube Goldberg machine featuring a series of moving pieces that affect one another: marbles, dominoes, books, and most any surface.

49. Balloon rocket car

Build a rocket balloon car using a Styrofoam tray, a balloon, and a straw; watch how air pressure moves it across the table.

50. Dominant eye / dominant hand

Looking for hands-on science experiments? Ask your kids to do simple tasks with their hands, feet, and eyes (like grab a ball, stand on one foot, or wink) to see which side is dominant.

51. Reaction time test

Test your reaction time by having a friend drop a ruler between two almost closed fingers. See how fast you can grab it.

52. Soap boats

Explore the scientific concept of density while taking a bath. Ivory soap boats do more than just float, they demonstrate density.

RELATED: 40 Snow Day Boredom Busters for Kids

53. Paper cup tower activity

Engineer a tall tower using red party cups and sheets of paper. How high can you go?

54. Best paper airplane design

Fold a paper airplane and then bend a corner to see how that changes its flight path.

55. Blind spots

Find your blind spot by moving a card with a speck on it until you can no longer see the spot.

56. Build a miniature windmill

Build a miniature windmill using a few simple objects. Watch it spin faster or slower based on the direction of the "blades."

57. Simple energy transfer experiment

Bounce a ball on top of another to watch how the energy transfers to the top ball and leaves the bottom one "dead."

58. Easy centripetal force experiment

Demonstrate centripetal force by spinning a bucket of water on a rope in a vertical circle.

More Easy Science Experiments for Kids

59. Egg drop project

Build a container for an egg that protects it from breaking and then test it out by dropping it from on high.

60. How to make a bouncy ball

Fashion your own bouncy balls with this recipe to see how various shapes bounce differently.

61. Balloon speakers

Use a balloon to amplify sound by holding it to your ear.

62. Shaving cream cloud experiment

Budding meteorologists can create shaving cream storm clouds and Technicolor raindrops.

63. Balloon static electricity

Make static electricity by rubbing balloons on clothing or shuffling on the carpet with socks, then zap someone with a quick touch.

64. Gummy bear science experiment

These gummies won't be so yummy in your tummy, but you can watch gummy bears grow by placing them in water, salt water, and vinegar.

65. Make a periscope

Build your own periscope using a milk container and carefully angled mirrors that allow you to see things above or behind you.

66. Fingerprint science experiment

Be a DIY spy with this fun fingerprint experiment. Collect fingerprints using one of these methods, and then dive a little deeper with a forensic study of fingerprint patterns.
This article may contain some affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase. There is no extra cost to the reader. We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or have thoroughly researched. This article was first published in 2014, but it has since been updated. Additional reporting and photos by Ally Noel except where noted.
67. Expanding ice experiment

Fill a plastic bottle to the brim with water and put it in the freezer; in a few hours, the bottle will crack because ice expands.

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67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

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Searching for kid-friendly science experiments? These easy science experiments use household products, food, and other items you probably have on hand.

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I love making playdough for my kids to play with! Because it's so dreary out, I thought I'd make a fun, cheery playdough. Our strawberry playdough was the perfect thing to cheer us up and keep us busy indoors! We looove the smell of it and it was a blast to play with!
This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure for more information.
You can make this recipe in just about 10 minutes. Here's what you need:

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of salt

1 tablespoon of cream of tartar

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

1 cup of water

pink gel food coloring

strawberry flavoring oil

To make the playdough, start by mixing all of the dry ingredients in a pot. Then add in the vegetable oil, water, flavoring oil, and a drop or two of food coloring. We used gel food coloring because it makes the dough brighter.

Place the pot on the stove. Cook on medium heat while stirring frequently. It will start to form into a ball after about 10 minutes. Once the dough is fully in a ball, take it out of the pan and knead it on a board with flour. Then it's all ready to play with! You will also notice that your kitchen will smell amazing!

All three of my boys enjoyed playing with it. It's smooth, silky, and smells incredible! (I wish we could've used real strawberries in the recipe, but it makes it easier to use the flavoring oil!)

We made patterns with hearts!

And we made faces with the hearts!

We even made prints with the strawberries. They thought this was neat!

In the end, we were left with this...

We had lots of fun! We stored the playdough in a Ziploc bag to play with later. The playdough will last for several months. Happy Playing!

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I love making playdough for my kids to play with! Because it's so dreary out, I thought I'd make a fun, cheery playdough. Our strawberry playdough was the perfect thing to cheer us up and keep us busy indoors! We looove the smell of it and it was a blast to play with!

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Learn about the forces of motion and gravity with a new painting technique by exchanging the paint brush for a swinging pendulum. Engage your child with the combination of art and science for a STEAM learning activity.

is the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. While you may be aware of the popularity of STEM learning, we believe "A" for Art should be added to create STEAM. It is with the addition of creative and critical thinking that will help your child be a successful problem solver and thinker.
The Science Behind Pendulum Painting
A pendulum is a fixed object hung from a point so it can swing freely back and forth due to the force of gravity. When discussing the concept with children a great example to use is a swing. As a the swing moves back and forth it is demonstrating the physics of a pendulum. The swing is moving back and forth due to the force of gravity on the swing.

Materials

Foam or Paper Cup, Scissors, String, Tape, 2 Chairs, Broom, Large Paper (We used a roll of brown craft paper), Plastic Tablecloth or other drop cloth

Tutorial

Step 1: Prep the workspace by covering the floor with a drop cloth. Prep the pendulum by poking a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and one hole on each side of the cup underneath the rim. Tie a piece of string through the two holes on the side of the cup creating a handle for the cup.

Step 2: Place the broom horizontal across between the two chairs and slide the string tied cup to the middle of the broom.

Step 3: Before adding paint to the cup, test your pendulum with water. This is an easy way to make sure your work space is covered before adding paint. It also allows your artist time to experiment with swinging the cup.

Once your child is ready, place a piece of tape covering the bottom hole of the cup and fill the cup with a mixture of washable paint and water. It may depend on the thickness of your paint but we used a 2:1 ratio, 2 parts paint to 1 part water. Roll out and place your paper underneath the pendulum.

Remove the tape and swing the cup. Observe what patterns the pendulum creates on the paper.

Step 4: Let the painting dry completely.

Experiment with different timing of swinging the cup, different lengths of string, or lowering and raising the cup.
Afraid of the Mess? Try it Outside!
This project can get a bit messy (but with a drop cloth it was very easy to clean up).

If the ideas of painting inside scares you...try taking the pendulum painting outside. We used a DIY washable sidewalk paint to test the pendulum outside.
DIY Washable Sidewalk Paint Recipe
1/3 c. of cornstarch

1/3 c. of water

tablespoon of Washable Paint

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Be sure to test the paint in a small spot first to make sure it will wash off. We have found some different brands of paint wash off easier than others.
Questions to Ask Your Child:

What pattern is the pendulum making with the paint?

What happens if you swing the pendulum gently or swing it more forcefully?

What does the painting look like or remind you of?

For more fun, hands-on STEAM activities check out our best-selling book!

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Pendulum Painting Made Easy - Kids STEAM Lab

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Learn about the forces of motion and gravity with a new painting technique by exchanging the paint brush for a swinging pendulum. Engage your child with the combination of art and science for a STEAM learning activity. STEAM is the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

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Paint bombs. Yep. That's what I said! Here's some crazy outdoor art that the kids made!

First: Get Your Supplies!

Next: Get To Work!

I'm not really known for messy activities, so this was quite out of my comfort zone! It started with me seeing a pack of water balloons and actually buying them. I've never played with water balloons before, and nor has my son. But why stop at water, why not add paint as well? So this is what we used:

I'd love to report that filling the balloons was REALLY easy, but that would be a lie. After some trial and error I used squeeze bottles. I filled them half full with water, then added generous squeezes of paint and shook to mix.

Then I put the water balloon over the nozzle of the bottle, and squirted some watery paint into it. It was a bit tricky to then get the balloon off without all the paint being sucked back into the bottle, but I got the hang of it. The balloons were very varied in terms of size but I figured that the kids probably wouldn't mind too much! I did have to make LOTS though!

I set up the activity by securing an old white flat sheet to the grass with metal pegs.

Then the fun could begin! Except... when the kids threw the paint bombs - they didn't smash - they just bounced. In hindsight I should have set this up on the patio. But after we all got over the disappointment, my husband decided to stomp on one and then the activity took off!

Mr F (5.5yrs) particularly loved gathering a pile of paint bombs then jumping on them!

This was all just a little bit crazy for F, who mostly watched.

But he did throw a few paint bombs onto the sheet for the others to jump on!

And there was a LOT of jumping!

Paint Bombs - a messy outdoor art activity Click To Tweet

Miss E (7yrs) worked out that she could squeeze the balloons over her brother's head... and there may have been some more attacks from his twin sister, Miss L.

However he was actually quite happy to burst the balloons onto himself!

And the finished "artwork"!

This was a REALLY fun experience that the kids loved. It turned into quite a gross motor activity, too! Oh, and in case you're wondering, the paint bombs were so diluted that it was super easy to wash it out of all the clothes, and it rinsed off the kids' skin easily too.

Don't Forget Your Supplies!

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Make messy art outside this summer with these paint bombs!

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Paint bombs. Yep. That's what I said! Here's some crazy outdoor art that the kids made! I'm not really known for messy activities, so this was quite out of my comfort zone! It started with me seeing a pack of water balloons and actually buying them.

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Now is this the perfect time to review the importance of handwashing with the Coronavirus on the rise and constantly in the news. The number one way to prevent the flu or viruses is through washing hands in warm water with soap for 30 seconds. Teaching kids to properly wash hands isn't always easy. I know my boys always want to rush through washing their hands and spend the least amount of time possible at the sink.

One way I've found helpful for better and longer handwashing is through songs. I put together 10 of my favorite handwashing songs for kids and I'm sharing with them today for free!

Before I share the PDF and the audio files, let me highlight a few of my favorite ones.

This song is set to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. It's very simple and kids catch onto it quickly!

This next one is a rhythmic chant. Kids love this one! It takes about 30 seconds to chant, which helps with washing hands longer. If you want to hear how the song sounds, make sure to scroll below to the audio files.

Next is the song Tops and Bottoms. This song is to the tune of Are You Sleeping? This one is great for reminding kids to use soap all around, in between fingers and on the tops and bottoms of hands.

This next song is a sweet one to sing with kids. It's to the tune of The More We Get Together.

You can find the 10 handwashing songs below.

To hear the audio files, click below.

Hope these songs help make handwashing easier and more fun for your kids!

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Now is this the perfect time to review the importance of handwashing with the Coronavirus on the rise and constantly in the news. The number one way to prevent the flu or viruses is through washing hands in warm water with soap for 30 seconds. Teaching kids to properly wash hands isn't always easy.

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Do your kids like slime? Have you found yourself searching for an easy slime recipe? If so, you're in the right place! I have an easy liquid starch slime recipe that only needs three ingredients!

I love this slime because it's super stretchy and slimy, hence the name! My other favorite slime recipe isn't quite as slippery, so if you're looking for one that is less gooey, then you'll want to check it out!

Liquid Starch Recipe Ingredients:

You don't need a lot of ingredients for this slime, but you will need the key ingredient, liquid starch. I use Sta-Flo liquid starch, which I have found on Amazon and Walmart. It's not in every grocery store or sold outside of the United States, so you may have a harder time finding it.

1/2 cup Elmer's glue

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup liquid starch

optional: glitter and food coloring

Liquid Starch Recipe Directions:

1. Start by adding 1/2 cup glue to a bowl.

2. Stir in 1/4 cup of water.

3. Then mix in any glitter or food coloring. Make sure to only use a few drops of food coloring.

4. Slowly stir in the 1/2 cup of liquid starch.

5. Knead the slime on a mat. It will be sticky at first, but don't give up! Use a little more extra liquid starch or contact solution (that contains sodium borate or boric acid) as you knead it. The more you play with it, the less sticky it gets. Just don't use TOO much liquid starch or contact solution, or the slime will start to get stringy.

6. After playing, store for a few days in a Ziploc bag or airtight container.

Watch how to make this slime with the video below.

Advice for Making Liquid Starch Slime:

1. Embrace the mess! Slime actually doesn't need to be super messy. Yes, the process of making slime can be messy, but after the slime is made, it shouldn't be messy. This is an amazing experience for kids and it's worth a little mess.

2. If the slime is too sticky, add a little more liquid starch. I like to use contact solution, too. Make sure the contact solution includes sodium borate or boric acid in the ingredients. The more you play with it, the less sticky it will get.

3. Use clear Elmer's glue if you want to see glitter or confetti better. The white glue makes it more cloudy. Also, I only use Elmer's glue because it's the best! I buy the gallon-sized jug on Amazon or at Hobby Lobby (and always using a coupon!).

4. If you're making this for a big group of people, plan to use this recipe for 2 people. Check out my slime station posts if you're making slime with a lot of people.

5. If your slime is too stringy, you may have put in too much liquid starch. Sometimes you can fix this by adding more glue or water, but most of the time that doesn't work and it's best to start over.

6. Sometimes slime gets stuck in hair, furniture or clothes. The best way to get the slime out is to use some vinegar. Make sure to test a small spot of the furniture or clothes to make sure it won't ruin your fabric.

7. Always supervise children. I don't recommend making slime with kids who put items in their mouths.

Why Make Slime?

Slime is an awesome sensory play activity and it gives a child a unique sensory experience. They get to feel a texture they don't normally touch. It can be calming or soothing for kids, even kids with anxiety.

I love how slime sparks creativity with children. They think of fun ways to play with it!

You can also use slime to teach science lessons. This is great for talking about liquids and solids. If you really want to go in-depth, you can check out this slime information from Science Bob.

Ways to Play with Slime

There are many ways to play with slime.

Try poking the needle of an air pump in a plump spot of the slime. Pump air and watch a bubble form! See how big you can make the bubble before it pops!

You can also use a straw to blow bubbles.

Check out some more ways to play with slime over on my friend's blog, Growing Hands-On Kids.

As you can see, it's not hard to make liquid starch slime. It's so much fun for kids and they will love you for making it with them!

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Do your kids like slime? Have you found yourself searching for an easy slime recipe? If so, you're in the right place! I have an easy liquid starch slime recipe that only needs three ingredients! I love this slime because it's super stretchy and slimy, hence the name!

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We all go through hard times. Right now, our country is going through a time that unprecedented and a lot of things are unknown. It's so easy to be fearful and anxious. I'm trying my absolute best to find joy and reasons to be thankful each day.

Currently, I've been thankful for my family, food in our pantry, a warm home, friends who check in on us, and my church who has been a source of peace and encouragement.

I've been working with my boys in finding ways to spread kindness during hard times. I wanted to share this list of ideas with you in case you are also looking to spread some positivity right now. Some cost money and others are completely free. I hope this list inspires you today!

1. Send cards in the mail to a friend or family member

2. Pay for the person behind you in a drive-thru line

3. Offer to pick up groceries for someone in need

4. Donate food to the local food pantry

5. FaceTime someone just to brighten their day

6. Send flowers to a friend

7. Leave cookies, coffee, or wine on the front step of neighbor

8. Send a gift card in the mail

9. Write encouraging words with chalk on the sidewalk

10. Offer to do laundry for someone

11. Give a generous tip to a barista, hairdresser, etc.

12. Help a neighbor with yard work

13. Leave a small gift for your mail carrier

14. Shop local to support small businesses

15. Thank a teacher with a homemade card

16. Drop off goodies to local first responders

17. Send a card to a service member

18. Do chores for your family without asking

19. Leave bottled water, toilet paper, or other paper goods for a friend

20. Send a meal to a family (right now you could use a delivery service and support a local restaurant)

21. Make a bird feeder

22. Tell funny jokes to make someone laugh

23. Purchase gift cards from local businesses

24. Make a craft for a friend (I Heart Crafty Things is my favorite site for crafts!)

25. Leave change in the vending machine for the next person

26. Compliment 5 friends

27. Make a video with an encouraging message or song and send to a loved one

28. Write words of encouragement on sticky notes and post them around the house

29. Create art on a rock and leave them around the neighborhood or at a park

30. Clean a sibling's room

31. Leave bubbles or chalk on a friend's front porch

32. Read a book to someone (it could even be over FaceTime to grandparents or loved ones!)

33. Donate essential supplies to a local homeless shelter (such as these blessing bags)

34. Plant something or deliver a plant to a loved one

35. Be an encouragement to the cashier. A smile or an encouraging word goes a long way!

36. Make a special dinner or dessert for your family

37. Donate books to a free library box

38. Deliver cookies to someone's doorstep (do store-bought cookies if you're worried about germs!)

39. Make a friendship bracelet and give it to a friend

40. Have a virtual playdate using Skype or FaceTime when you can't be together

41. Sponsor a child in need

42. Leave a nice comment on a blog post, YouTube video, or Instagram picture

43. Make a sibling their favorite snack

44. Do something special for your pet (ie: play with them, clean their cage, buy them a toy)

45. Go through your toys and fill a box to donate

46. Share a happy memory with a loved one

47. Thank a healthcare worker

48. Leave a nice review for a company you've used

49. Create art to send to local nursing homes

50. Send a postcard like this to neighbors to offer help

Kindness truly is contagious. I love this video below. It shows the beauty and power of one act of kindness.

Have an amazing day and I hope you can spread some kindness in whatever you do!

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50 Ways to Spread Kindness During Hard Times

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We all go through hard times. Right now, our country is going through a time that unprecedented and a lot of things are unknown. It's so easy to be fearful and anxious. I'm trying my absolute best to find joy and reasons to be thankful each day.

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Learn about the forces of motion and gravity with a new painting technique by exchanging the paint brush for a swinging pendulum. Engage your child with the combination of art and science for a STEAM learning activity.

is the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. While you may be aware of the popularity of STEM learning, we believe "A" for Art should be added to create STEAM. It is with the addition of creative and critical thinking that will help your child be a successful problem solver and thinker.
The Science Behind Pendulum Painting
A pendulum is a fixed object hung from a point so it can swing freely back and forth due to the force of gravity. When discussing the concept with children a great example to use is a swing. As a the swing moves back and forth it is demonstrating the physics of a pendulum. The swing is moving back and forth due to the force of gravity on the swing.

Materials

Foam or Paper Cup, Scissors, String, Tape, 2 Chairs, Broom, Large Paper (We used a roll of brown craft paper), Plastic Tablecloth or other drop cloth

Tutorial

Step 1: Prep the workspace by covering the floor with a drop cloth. Prep the pendulum by poking a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and one hole on each side of the cup underneath the rim. Tie a piece of string through the two holes on the side of the cup creating a handle for the cup.

Step 2: Place the broom horizontal across between the two chairs and slide the string tied cup to the middle of the broom.

Step 3: Before adding paint to the cup, test your pendulum with water. This is an easy way to make sure your work space is covered before adding paint. It also allows your artist time to experiment with swinging the cup.

Once your child is ready, place a piece of tape covering the bottom hole of the cup and fill the cup with a mixture of washable paint and water. It may depend on the thickness of your paint but we used a 2:1 ratio, 2 parts paint to 1 part water. Roll out and place your paper underneath the pendulum.

Remove the tape and swing the cup. Observe what patterns the pendulum creates on the paper.

Step 4: Let the painting dry completely.

Experiment with different timing of swinging the cup, different lengths of string, or lowering and raising the cup.
Afraid of the Mess? Try it Outside!
This project can get a bit messy (but with a drop cloth it was very easy to clean up).

If the ideas of painting inside scares you...try taking the pendulum painting outside. We used a DIY washable sidewalk paint to test the pendulum outside.
DIY Washable Sidewalk Paint Recipe
1/3 c. of cornstarch

1/3 c. of water

tablespoon of Washable Paint

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Be sure to test the paint in a small spot first to make sure it will wash off. We have found some different brands of paint wash off easier than others.
Questions to Ask Your Child:

What pattern is the pendulum making with the paint?

What happens if you swing the pendulum gently or swing it more forcefully?

What does the painting look like or remind you of?

For more fun, hands-on STEAM activities check out our best-selling book!

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Pendulum Painting Made Easy - Kids STEAM Lab

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Learn about the forces of motion and gravity with a new painting technique by exchanging the paint brush for a swinging pendulum. Engage your child with the combination of art and science for a STEAM learning activity. STEAM is the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

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Art At Home With Ms. Q- Earth Day Edition! Andy Goldsworthy Inspired Earth Art

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After months of quarantine, you've probably binged all your usual TV shows, cooked your favorite go-to meals, and spent more time aimlessly staring at your phone than you'd care to admit. To break up what feels like a monotonous blur of days spent cooped up inside the same four walls, check out these 50 creative things to do when you're bored.

1. Memorize the prologue from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) on Sporcle.

After being forced to memorize both Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" monologue and Marc Antony's "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech for my ninth-grade English class, I decided the next natural place to go on my own was Galadriel's exposition of the Middle-earth's history from the beginning of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). The easiest way to do this is on Sporcle, where the prologue is split into Part One and Part Two. Before long, you'll be performing it aloud in a dramatic imitation of Cate Blanchett's deep voice as you type. -Ellen Gutoskey, Staff Writer

2. Attempt to recreate a historical dish or a meal from a movie.

3. Plan out your dream restaurant.

Dedicate some of the time you're spending indoors to imagining the dream restaurant you plan on opening someday. You've got full autonomy over the menu, the décor, the beer taps-even what brand of mints gets top billing in the restrooms. And, of course, you've got to have a punny name to go along with it-Penne for Your Thoughts, perhaps? Remember, pizza is too boring for your imagination, so don't be afraid to pitch your ideal gastropub that serves nothing but artisanal casseroles and mead. -Jay Serafino, Special Projects Editor

4. Watch livestreams of bird feeders on YouTube so you feel like you're actually outside.

Weeks of being cooped up in your house may be making you long for birdsong. To observe nature in the Great Indoors, fire up YouTube and watch livestreams of birds gathering for a nibble at feeders. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology operates feedercams at its headquarters in upstate New York, a backyard in Ontario, and a rainforest in Panama. Many amateur birders have hooked up GoPros to their feeders and are sharing the action with the world. You never know which species will show up. - Kat Long, Science Editor

5. Or, if you have a yard, take up backyard birding/squirreling.

If you're lucky enough to have a yard, take a break from staring at your screens and look outside. Get familiar with your animal neighbors-who knew squirrels were so playful? You'll soon get well-acquainted with your usual furry or feathered visitors. Grab a pair of binoculars and a field guide and see how many different creatures you can identify. - K.W.

6. Watch all of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

There are a lot of great shows and movies to binge on Netflix right now. But if you're looking "for something completely different," check out Monty Python's Flying Circus. The legendary British sketch show aired in the late 1960s through the early 1970s, and you may recognize the comedic troupe from their films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Flying Circus covers topics ranging from how to defend yourself against fresh fruit to the fish slapping dance. After a few episodes, you'll be a certified member of the "Ministry of Silly Walks" in no time. - Kristen Richard, Associate Editor

7. Learn how to play "I Saw a Tiger" on the guitar.

Netflix's docuseries and the quirks of its larger-than-life subject, Joe Exotic, have been the talk of quarantine. Joe-whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage (né Schreibvogel)-had a number of big cats in his backyard zoo, yes. But he also released a whole bunch of country music. He neither wrote nor actually sang the songs, but you can amuse your friends and family by performing them (even if it's only on Zoom). I have done this. It was a hit! The guitar chords for "I Saw A Tiger" can be found here. - Erin McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief

8. Watch the most popular movie from the year you were born.

Babies are adorable, but they don't exactly make for a rapt moviegoing audience. Really, they have no idea what's going on. Check out the state of the world when you arrived in it by figuring out the most popular movie the year you were born. (Hint: If it was Lady and the Tramp, you're probably due for Social Security benefits.) - Jake Rossen, Senior Staff Writer

9. Plan out your dream trip.

Travel may be the last thing on your mind, but just because you can't take off this weekend for a vacation doesn't mean you can't plan one. Use your extra free time to fantasize about your ultimate dream vacation. And because you're doing the research part of trip-planning without making any commitments, you're free to look at flights, hotels, and restaurants outside your price range. Save any photos and links you find in one place and come back to them when you need an escape-or when it's finally time to book a real getaway. - Michelle Debczak, Senior Staff Writer

10. Read a book you loved as a kid.

Just as there are certain smells or sounds that can take us back in time, picking up a book you loved as a kid and reading it through the lens of adulthood can also be a transporting experience. While the 2020 version of you might have trouble believing a portal to a magical world full of friendly fauns and White Witches might be lurking somewhere in the back of your wardrobe, or that a reclusive candymaker might ever want to give you the keys to his chocolate-filled kingdom, the child inside you probably never stopped believing anything was possible. - Jennifer M. Wood, Managing Editor

11. See how long you and your housemate can toss a ball without dropping it.

If you're looking for an activity to distract you from returning to your fridge for the second or third lunch of the day, this could be it. When Joey and Ross (and later, Chandler and Monica) spend a good 24 hours tossing a ball back and forth in a 1999 episode of , Joey misses a meal for the first time in his life. Just make sure to let all your housemates know there's a serious competition going on beforehand, lest someone come along and ruin your streak (looking at you, Phoebe Buffay). - E.G.

12. Zoom Karaoke.

If you love karaoke, you might think singing along with a few of your closest friends is off-limits in the time of coronavirus-but you would be wrong. It's not quite the same as booking a private room and belting out some Celine Dion ("It's All Coming Back to Me Now" is my jam), but you can set up a virtual karaoke session over Zoom and the Watch2Gether app; you can find instructions here. A hairbrush mic is encouraged-and maybe, depending on how loud you're singing, a note of apology to your neighbors. - E.M.

13. Go to a random page of a mail-order catalog and order whatever is the cheapest thing listed.

Online ordering has taken a lot of the spontaneity out of shopping. Simulate an impulse buy by browsing an online or print mail-order catalog, opening a random page, and buying the cheapest thing listed. The more useless it is, the more fun you'll have trying to justify the purchase. - J.R.

14. Make a meal using the items that have been in the back of your pantry/freezer for months.

Being stuck at home is a great excuse to eat the items that have been sitting in your pantry for months-or years. Clear the oldest boxes and cans from your shelves, make sure they're not expired, and use them to make dinner. You can cook with other products in your kitchen, but the final meal has to feature all the ingredients you started with. Think of it as a mini Chopped challenge. If you live with other people, invite them to join the competition (or judge your dish if they're not in the mood to cook). - M.D.

15. Actually clear out your inbox.

We all know that one person who reads emails the minute they arrive in their inbox and immediately deletes unwanted messages. But for the rest of us, there's probably plenty of unread marketing emails and maybe even a few unopened chain emails from way back when still stuck in virtual purgatory. If you have some free time, clean out all that unopened mail and make room for the messages you actually want to read. - K.R.

16. Transcribe historical documents.

Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for a way to connect more directly to the people, places, and events that came before 2020, transcribing historical documents is a great way to not only support the cultural institutions that are preserving our history, but to feel like you're a part of it. The Library of Congress is one organization that's always in need of volunteers; in recent years, they've offered the opportunity to transcribe everything from Abraham Lincoln's personal papers to Walt Whitman's poetry to the personal papers of the leaders of the women's suffrage movement, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Zooniverse is another great resource for finding projects that need your help. - J.M.W.

17. Experiment with baking chemistry.

Baking can be a great stress-reliever, but it's also an easy opportunity to conduct chemistry experiments you can eat. You can sub out different ingredients to see the effect they have on your baked goods. For example: baking soda, which is basic, needs an acid to react with. It's basically a slow-motion version of a science fair volcano that helps your cookies rise. Adding brown sugar to your recipe will therefore lead to a puffier cookie, while subbing it out for white sugar leads to a flatter, more spread-out end product. So go ahead and make that eighth batch of chocolate chip cookies. You know ... for science. - Jon Mayer, Senior Video Producer

18. Master one cocktail to make your signature drink whenever you host parties in the future ...

Why be the Jack of all generic mixed drinks when you can specialize in one signature cocktail that everyone remembers? So pick a drink that speaks to you and get muddling, shaking, and pouring until every glass you make is flawless through pure muscle memory. Don't worry about getting too complex, either-a top-notch martini or Manhattan is as respectable a calling card as any. - J.S.

19. ... Or Invent your own cocktail.

Cocktail hour has had a resurgence during quarantine for a number of reasons. And while we should all be wary of falling into unhealthy habits, now is also a great time to experiment a bit with mixology. Let necessity be the mother of invention. If you've got a knob of ginger and some sugar, you're a few minutes from an infused simple syrup. Use some citrus peel, add a splash of seltzer, and get some herbs involved. There are no rules, and no one's going to turn down your take on a (please forgive us) quarantini. - J.M.

20. Go down a rabbit hole of weird images from Google Street View.

21. Look up and perfect 10 words you consistently mispronounce or misspell.

Everyone has a handful of words they reliably misspell or mispronounce on a regular basis. (For me, it's "misspell.") Take some time to hit the dictionary and practice writing or repeating words that give you problems. - J.R.

22. Scan old family photos and share them with your relatives.

Simultaneously declutter and preserve family memories by scanning your boxes of old photos. You'll be able to correct faded colors or lighten images, if you choose, and share the digital copies with friends and family. And if you don't recognize all the folks at past awkward holiday gatherings, send the picture out to your email list and see if other family members can help with IDs. - K.L.

23. Paint or wallpaper a room.

Even if you don't personally believe in the concept of color psychology, or the idea that color can affect your mood, a change of scenery will do you some good. Especially when you're stuck inside and have spent the past two months staring at that boring eggshell white color that covers every inch of wall space in your home. Spruce up your living space by adding a little-or a lot-of a color you love, whether it's turning your entire kitchen bright orange (which is considered a "happy color") or creating a truly dreamy space by covering the wall behind your bed with cloud-filled wallpaper. - J.M.W.

24. Watch a classic movie from a genre you generally don't like.

25. Make a point to learn a fun fact each day.

If your Zoom meetings or Google Hangouts are getting a little dull, try spicing them up and impressing your friends with a fun fact. For example, did you know that bats give birth upside down and catch the babies in their wings? To help you get started, check out Mental Floss's Amazing Fact Generator. - K.R.

26. Learn how to draw one thing really well.

27. Press flowers.

Looking for a creative way to preserve pieces of this unusual spring? Snip your favorite blooms, slip them between two pieces of paper, then wedge them within the pages of a book buried beneath more heavy tomes for a week or two. When the petals get papery, you can frame them, tuck them into the pages of your journal, or paste them onto letters you mail to your loved ones. - K.W.

28. Kill time coming up with "Googlewhacks," two-word search queries that produce exactly one result.

There are millions of websites on the internet, and very few of them contain information that hasn't been repeated elsewhere. Such pages are the sources of "Googlewhacks"-two-word search queries that produce exactly one hit on Google. The two words must be found in the dictionary, and they can't be typed in quotation marks. After trying every word combination you can think of, finally seeing "1 result" at the top of your search page is way more exciting than it should be. - M.D.

29. Make a stop-motion movie.

Stop-motion is a relatively straightforward way to produce animation, which is otherwise a medium with quite a high barrier to entry. Besides time, all you need is a camera (your phone should work) and a way to keep it stable (a tripod is great, but you can also carefully arrange books, boxes, or rig up any setup that would make the MacGyver proud). You can make characters out of clay, grab your old action figures, or even use simple paper cut-outs. Just take a photo, make a very minor adjustment, and repeat. About 12 photos per second is a good baseline, meaning even a one-minute film will take hours to produce. If anyone questions your new hobby, you can quote Parks and Recreation's Ben Wyatt: "Do you think a depressed person could make this? No." - J.M

30. Try to actually beat an old Nintendo game as an adult.

There's hard, and then there's "Nintendo hard," a term given to the blisteringly difficult NES games from the 1980s and '90s. And if you were a fan of the original Nintendo during your childhood and are now an adult looking to slay the demons from your past, go revisit titles like Ghosts 'n Goblins, Gradius, and Zelda II to see if you can best some of the toughest games from the 8-bit era. If you have a Switch, just sign up for Nintendo Switch Online to get all these titles and more right on your console. - J.S.

31. Trace your family tree online.

32. Learn the dance moves to iconic '80s and '90s music videos.

Were you obsessed with Britney Spears or the Backstreet Boys as a teen? Then use your quarantine to teach yourself a few new (old) moves (I'd suggest the chair dance choreographed by Fatima Robinson that BSB performed in the "As Long As You Love Me" music video). It isn't just a fun way to get active that's also sure to put a smile on your face; it's also a fun party trick for when we're allowed to have parties again. (Pro tip: Old episodes of Making the Video on YouTube will really come in handy here.) - E.M.

33. Learn how to speed-read.

The merits of speed-reading are pretty widely contested, with some people arguing the comprehension you lose by flying through a text neutralizes the benefit of saving time getting to the end. Still, reading even a little faster could make a big difference when it comes to tackling that precariously-tall to-be-read book pile. The Outread app, which trains your brain to pick up the pace by highlighting words or flashing them across your screen, lets you upload your own e-books or choose from classics novels in its built-in library.

34. Play The Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd's Dark Side Moon at the same time.

You don't need to live in a college dorm room to enjoy this one. If you play the Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon over The Wizard of Oz, the two very different pieces of media appear to sync up in an uncanny way. Clare Torry's wailing in "The Great Gig in the Sky" scores the tornado scene; the cash register bell at the start of "Money" signals the movie's switch to color; and "Brain Damage" introduces the Scarecrow. According to the members of Pink Floyd, the "Dark Side of the Rainbow" phenomenon wasn't intentional-but that doesn't make it any less interesting to watch. - M.D.

35. Organize everything.

36. Make a vision board.

Get crafty and clear out your stack of decades-old magazines by making a vision board. You can be as creative as you want-just cut out images and words that fit your theme, and start dreaming about life after quarantine. - K.W.

37. Complete a paint-by-numbers kit.

Paint-by-numbers kits give you the satisfaction of creating an objet d'art without the need to compose a scene, draw well, or be artistically inclined in any way. All it takes is the ability to paint within the lines and to match colors to numbers-which is about all my quarantine-strained brain can handle right now. - K.L.

38. Take a free online class.

From graphic design to history, there's pretty much an online class for anything you could want to learn. And if you find yourself with some free time, you have a chance to study a new subject. If you're looking for some ideas, here's a list of 40 classes offered by Ivy League schools you can take online for no charge. - K.R.

39. Go on a Wikipedia rabbit hole trip.

The best way to learn is by exploring, and in the age of quarantine, one of the easiest ways to do this is by heading down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Just pick a page to start on-it could be for a president, a city, a movie-and keep clicking on the links within to journey farther into the depths of what the online encyclopedia has to offer. For example, it only takes four random clicks to get from Woodrow Wilson to Tony the Tiger, where you'll learn the sugary cereal mascot has a son named Tony Jr., a daughter named Antoinette, and a wife named Mrs. Tony. And just like that, you're already getting better at trivia. - J.S.

40. Read a book that you were supposed to read in school (but never actually read).

If you wrote a lofty, 10-page analysis of Gabriel García Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera in 12th grade without having read the book and have spent the last eight years feeling guilty, now's your chance to do penance. I can't vouch for how good that book is (for what might be obvious reasons), but I can speak to F. Scott's Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. They're good! - E.G.

41. Do some digital decluttering, too.

Decluttering isn't just for physical spaces. After you've cleaned out your email, consider the other digital projects you might have been putting off, like organizing years' worth of photos on your external hard drive-which will also serve as a nice trip down memory lane-or deleting old files you no longer need. - E.M.

42. Try your hand at backyard wildlife photography.

Taking pictures is a great way to get to know your local wildlife. Hunker down near a window or in a quiet spot in your yard, or head to a park (if it's safe and allowed in your area). Make sure you don't get too close to the critters or disturb them in any way. If you'd like to take close-up glamour shots of your animal models, use a camera with a zoom lens or pop a telephoto lens onto your phone. You can find other suggestions for backyard naturalist gear here. -K.W.

43. Do aerobics routines to 1980s workout videos.

While many of us have the time to exercise, finding the energy to do it isn't so easy. So why not have a little fun while getting your daily dose of cardio and go old-school with your workout? Several versions of Jane Fonda's workout videos are available for rent (or purchase) on Amazon Prime. Legwarmers and leotard not included. - J.M.W.

44. Watch a really bad sequel to a really good movie.

Skipping Jaws: The Revenge when it came out in 1987 was a shrewd move; the film, fourth in the Jaws franchise, has a big ol' goose egg for its Rotten Tomatoes critics' score, and the Los Angeles Times called it "dumb beyond belief." Now, however, seems like an opportune time to go fishing in the sea of follow-up flops. Other ideas include 2002's American Psycho 2, starring Mila Kunis; 2001's Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (about which the Chicago Sun-Times wrote "I've seen audits that were more thrilling"); and 1988's Caddyshack II. - E.G

45. Watch reviews of military MREs on YouTube.

There's a hypnotic quality to the dulcet tones of YouTuber Steve Thomas as he eats and reviews military MREs ("Meal, Ready to Eat" for you civilians) on his channel, Steve1989MREinfo. Whether he's cracking open a box of Lithuanian survival rations from 2018, plunging into some fried ham left over from the Vietnam War, or testing out Civil War-era hardtack, Thomas carefully considers each government-issued forkful as if a James Beard Award were on the line. You could lose hours binging on his seemingly endless collection of reviews, and you wouldn't be alone-his videos regularly rack up more than 1 million views each. - J.S.

46. Do a grade school multiplication worksheet.

47. Learn a few foreign phrases and slang for everyday conversation.

Whether you're dropping British slang, subbing in French phrases, or delivering devastating German insults, popping foreign phrases is one surefire way to spice up everyday conversation. As a bonus, you can try using some Victorian slang terms if you've got the morbs. - E.M.

48. Teach yourself a different alphabet.

Maybe you don't have time to teach yourself German or Arabic while you juggle working from home and other responsibilities. You can still learn an alphabet with non-Latin characters-like Cyrillic, Greek, or Cherokee-in less time while gaining a rudimentary understanding of a new language. - K.L.

49. Watch the first and/or last episode of a TV show you've never seen and had no intention of ever watching.

Face it: The chances of you dedicating 100 hours of your adult life to watching the Highlander TV series in its entirety are pretty slim-no matter how much you (usually) respect the opinions of that colleague who just so happens to be a super-fan. But as a consumer of pop culture, it's always interesting to experience even just a taste of any TV series that has managed to maintain any sort of fandom decades after it went off the air (and long after ponytails on dudes and leather dusters stopped being attractive accessories). While watching the pilot and finale of any series is certainly going to leave a lot of missing information in between, at least you'll know how it begins and ends. And who knows-maybe the cheesy appeal of early '90s special effects will convince you that those 100 hours might be worth the investment after all. - J.M.W.

50. Learn to identify Snap, Crackle, and Pop on a box of Rice Krispies.

There's no faster way to lose credibility at the breakfast table than to not be able to name Snap, Crackle, and Pop, the famous mascots on boxes of Rice Krispies. While you're at it, learn the names of other popular cereal characters. (The bird on the Cocoa Puffs box is named Sonny.)

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12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online

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After months of quarantine, you've probably binged all your usual TV shows, cooked your favorite go-to meals, and spent more time aimlessly staring at your phone than you'd care to admit. To break up what feels like a monotonous blur of days spent cooped up inside the same four walls, check out these 50 creative things to do when you're bored.

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When my son was in 2nd grade, I volunteered to bring a science demonstration to his class each week, and the kids began calling me "Science Mom." I've been s...

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This Week's Spotlight:

Whales

NEW! This week, we've assembled some amazing resources about whales. Explore a variety of activities ideal for students in grades K-8 highlighting science, writing, social studies, math and art.

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This Week's Spotlight: NEW! This week, we've assembled some amazing resources about whales. Explore a variety of activities ideal for students in grades K-8 highlighting science, writing, social studies, math and art.

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(Jennifer Potter/for The Washington Post)

The room full of tweens at Marymount International School in London voiced many of the same concerns as my middle-schoolers in the District. "Sometimes, I pretend to know what my friends are talking about just to fit in." "I wish I had more confidence." "My best friend iced me out."

Margaret Frazier, the headmistress, had given me an hour to meet with the students alone so they could unload worries. As we dove into the topic of friendship, I shared statistics that normalized the social churn.

"Only 1 percent of seventh-grade friendships are still intact in 12th grade, and more than two-thirds of friendships shift during the first year of middle school," I told them. "Every single one of you is going to get rejected at some point, and it's not because there's something wrong with you. This is just a time when kids are figuring out how to choose - and be - a good friend."

These fragile, unstable friendships are suddenly at the epicenter of their lives, so perhaps it's not surprising that "80 percent of adolescents report feeling lonely at some point," said Lydia Denworth, author of " Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond."

Parents can't discount the importance of peer relationships to tweens, but it's important to not overstep and solve problems for them. As one sixth-grade girl at Marymount told me: "I want my parents to talk to me about my friendship issues, but not get too involved."

Here's how you can help your child acquire six key skills they need to thrive socially in middle school.

Distinguish between neutral and threatening behavior

Jaana Juvonen, a developmental psychologist at the University of California at Los Angeles, found that a child who doesn't have friends in sixth grade is going to feel more threatened in seventh grade, and is more likely to experience depression and anxiety in eighth grade.

If a middle-schooler feels targeted or isolated, that can have a psychological ripple effect, Denworth explained. "They feel like an animal at the edge of the herd, and it's literally less safe to be on the edge of the herd." They also can seem more awkward, because one of the first things to go when you feel threatened is social skills.

Tweens are prone to misinterpreting neutral behavior as negative or hostile, so help your child realistically appraise a situation. If your daughter is wounded that a classmate didn't invite her to a birthday party, for instance, you might want to remind her that she didn't invite that kid to her party.

Psychologist Mary Alvord, author of " Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens," recommends asking evocative questions that get your child thinking more expansively. You might say: "Tell me about a specific time when you didn't invite someone. Where were you? Who else was there? How did you say it? Why did you exclude them?"

"In middle school, it's very much, 'How can they do this to me?' " Alvord said. "It doesn't matter if they just did the same thing to someone else."

Regroup after experiencing social setbacks

Although it's important to help children assume positive intent, help them process their hurt feelings when a friend drops them. "Middle school friendships can feel both euphorically intense and frighteningly transitory," said Jessica Lahey, author of " The Gift of Failure." "The rush of finding a new person, with all her fascinating and interesting traits, can feel a little like falling in love, and when that relationship ends, as so many other experimental endeavors do, it can be as painful as romantic heartbreak."

Validate your children's sorrow, share your own social setbacks and ask them what they gained through having experienced the friendship, whether good or bad. As Lahey noted: "Helping kids gain ownership over their friendship decisions can give them a sense of competence and self-efficacy, two of the most important building blocks for adulthood."

Be careful not to overfreight the importance of one specific friend or peer group. "We want to teach kids that groups can merge and cross over, and that there are layers to friends," said social worker Katie Hurley, author of " The Happy Kid Handbook." "Kids can become hyper-focused on the idea that everyone has to be a best friend, but the floaters are the most successful when they get to high school, because they can enter a new group."

Reframe risk-taking in social settings

Adults can underestimate the courage it takes for a tween to talk to an older student or join a sports team with unfamiliar teammates. Tell your child that risk-taking isn't about the absence of fear; it's about leveraging other, equally potent emotions. For instance, if they're tired of waiting for an invitation, their impatience might motivate them to make the first move.

Have them start with small risks to build their confidence. Hurley once worked with a seventh-grade boy who struggled to enter group conversations. He would tell her: "I wasn't included; they didn't want me there." She'd freeze-frame him in that moment when he didn't take a chance, then ask him to close his eyes, take a deep breath and reframe the scenario.

"Some kids get one tiny perceived rejection and they're out," Hurley said. "But maybe those kids had just taken a math test and were under stress, or they were deep in conversation."

Build their capacity for compassion

Middle-schoolers who can tune into others' needs and feelings are more likely to develop satisfying, reciprocal friendships, but tweens are vulnerable and insecure. And when stress builds, bullying peaks and compassion wanes.

"Kids dial empathy down when anxious because they're in survival mode - they have to take care of themselves," said educational psychologist Michele Borba, author of " UnSelfie." What looks like lackluster empathy also could reflect a skills deficit - they simply don't know what to do. To address that missing piece, Borba urges parents to arm kids with nonjudgmental phrases that convey compassion, such as, "That happened to me, too," "You don't deserve that" and "You look sad; is that how you're feeling?" As she noted: "The bottom line - friendship is everything to middle-school-age kids. They do care desperately about each other."

Assist them in choosing their battles

Tweens often need help managing conflict, but parents can make a situation bigger and more stressful if they, say, begin texting other parents. "Parents may take things personally if they have their own painful memories of rejection," Hurley said. "Try to separate those feelings from your kids. You can give them emotional support, but they need to learn how to cope and heal from the pain."

Parents can help kids make sense of a situation and formulate a response. Pose questions such as: "Is this a relationship you hope to repair? Does this situation involve you, or are you a peripheral player? Do you have any power to solve it? Could your plan end up hurting you or someone else?"

Hurley will say to kids: "Own your 2 percent, even if you believe it's 98 percent the other kid's fault." On social media, for example, someone might unintentionally get left out. "Maybe one girl sees that she wasn't invited and feels deeply hurt, but the other girls don't own it and apologize," she said. "They try to snap it out or text it out." If children are waging war with peers online, encourage them to put down their phone, take a break and resolve it in person after everyone has a chance to cool down.

Recognize the gap between intent and impact

As kids get older, communication moves from being more explicit to more implicit, and some kids have difficulty making that transition, said Stacey Ellison Glasgow, a speech-language pathologist and associate director of school services for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "They might think, 'I must have missed something, because I'm not sure why that person is annoyed or angry.' "

Alvord recalls one boy in middle school who complained that kids told him his jokes weren't funny, so she offered concrete advice. "I said, 'Well, you could learn some funny jokes, or you can stop trying to be funny.' " She also advised him to say three sentences, then stop and assess his conversation partner's reaction. If the partner seemed bored or disengaged, then he had to ask an open-ended question or shift topics.

Parents can model how to make eye contact, listen without interrupting and interpret nonverbal cues. Ellison Glasgow explained that a parent might say, "The neighbor told me he wasn't looking forward to doing yard work this spring, and then he looked at my yard with a grimace, so I thought maybe I need to take care of my leaves before they blow into his yard." She said parents also can use movies to prompt a dialogue about social communication. "The examples aren't personal, so the child is less likely to feel critiqued or judged."

If your tween has difficulty getting their message across, tells stories that don't make sense, experiences great frustration with peers and doesn't understand why, or is limited in language use, consider reaching out to a therapist or speech-language pathologist. As Ellison Glasgow pointed out, different kids have different social needs, "but feeling fulfilled in friendship is a key element of quality of life for everyone."

Phyllis L. Fagell is the school counselor at Sheridan School in the District, a therapist at Chrysalis Group in Bethesda and the author of " Middle School Matters." She blogs at phyllisfagell.com and tweets @pfagell.

Stuck at home: A chance to strengthen sibling bonds

How to talk to your middle-schooler (so they might actually listen to you)

10 ways to help boys form the close friendships they crave

9 ways parents can help kids cope with jealousy

7 ways parents can help girls build one another up

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6 ways to help your child thrive socially in middle school

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The room full of tweens at Marymount International School in London voiced many of the same concerns as my middle-schoolers in the District. "Sometimes, I pretend to know what my friends are talking about just to fit in." "I wish I had more confidence." "My best friend iced me out."

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When teens struggle with reading, getting them to sit down and actually do it can be challenging. But it doesn't have to be a battle. Use these strategies to encourage your teen to read more.

Make explicit connections between the ability to read and future options in life. If your teen is thinking about college or a career path, have open, honest discussions about the ways reading might be necessary for success. Find role models who struggled with dyslexia - but who persevered and came out on top. Just be careful to discuss, not preach. Encourage your child to brainstorm with you and to generate some of the ideas you discuss.

The best way to encourage kids to read is to allow them to read whatever they find engaging, whether it's comic books, cookbooks, or romance novels about vampires or zombies. The books they're drawn to might not be your favorites, but don't discourage those preferences. Reading is reading. Avoid any urge to censor their choices.

3. Look for books at your teen's reading level.

When teens struggle with reading in high school, it can be challenging to find high-interest books at their reading level. Look for books that specifically target reluctant teen readers, such as those offered through Story Shares and Saddleback Educational Publishing. It's also a good idea to let your child use assistive technology that makes reading easier, such as audiobooks. Getting practice with an accessible text is better than giving up on a traditional book that is geared for more advanced readers.

Note: The author is the executive director of Story Shares, a nonprofit organization that distributes high-interest content for struggling older readers.

The best way to create a culture of reading in your home is to read as much as possible. The more kids see their parents reading, the more likely they are to follow suit. This doesn't change once they enter high school. Teens are even more resistant to any message that implies do as I say, not as I do.

5. Discuss what your child reads.

Talk in meaningful ways about what your child reads. Ask questions and encourage debate. Create an environment of deep discussion and critical thinking. Talking frequently about what kids are reading can help in more ways than one. For example, kids who have dyslexia or ADHD may prefer talking about a story to reading it. Help kids stay motivated by having them read short passages and then discussing them.

6. Resist the urge to criticize.

When teens are reluctant readers, you want to prevent them from shutting down about reading altogether. And that means keeping negative opinions about what they read to yourself. If you don't like the vampire stories your teen likes, don't voice that criticism. If you think magazines are inferior to novels, don't share that opinion while your teen is reading a magazine. Be tolerant and encourage kids to read, whatever form that takes.

7. Find a compelling series.

Readers who get hooked on the first book in a series can follow the same characters or themes through many more books. For teens with learning and thinking differences, starting a new book can be daunting. But the familiarity of a series can make it easier to understand the text and can reduce the negative feelings associated with starting a new reading task. Find the right characters or themes, and even reluctant readers will be eager to pick up the next book in the series.

8. Connect reading to your teen's passion.

By high school, struggling readers may have lost the motivation to work on reading skills. But you can encourage them to stay engaged by looking for ways to connect reading to subjects that are relevant to them. For example, if your teen is a reluctant reader who wants to work with animals, make it clear how important reading will be to learn more about veterinary science.

9. Tie reading to social media.

If your child likes texting friends and posting on social networks, you can give mini-assignments that use those interests. For example, encourage your teen to start following a blog and to read interesting posts aloud to you occasionally. Or you could ask your teen to be on the lookout for interesting abbreviations people use in texts and then make a cheat sheet or to quiz you on what these abbreviations stand for.

10. Leverage interest in current events.

Highlight the ways that your high-schooler can use reading to keep tabs on what's happening in the world. Encourage your child to pick up a newspaper or subscribe to a magazine. For teens with learning and thinking differences, reading might seem frustrating or boring. But if your child is interested in sports, politics, celebrities, music, you name it, there will always be something to read.

About the author

About the author

Louise Baigelman, MEd is the executive director of Story Shares, which distributes high-quality stories for teen and adult beginning readers.

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10 Ways to Encourage Your High-Schooler to Read | Understood

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When teens struggle with reading, getting them to sit down and actually do it can be challenging. But it doesn't have to be a battle. Use these strategies to encourage your teen to read more. Make explicit connections between the ability to read and future options in life.

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Ten Ways Children With Language Disorders Can Maintain Both Physical Distance and Social Connection During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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With social distancing (or more accurately, physical distancing) a new way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages are challenged to find different ways to connect socially. However, for children with language disorders—who have difficulties with social interactions in the best of t…

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At Home With Young Children? Build Preschoolers’ Speech and Language Skills With Everyday Interactions and Activities

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At Home With Young Children? Build Preschoolers’ Speech and Language Skills With Everyday Interactions and Activities

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As families around the country shelter in place, parents of preschoolers can help build their child's speech and language skills during everyday activities at home.

Strong speech and language skills are key to kindergarten readiness and a precursor for reading, writing, and social success. Below are some key communication skills for children ages 3-5, and suggestions for how parents can help their preschoolers:

1. Following Directions

Teach or reinforce ways to follow directions throughout the day. Get your child's attention, make sure they are looking at you, and go over the steps you take when getting dressed, washing hands, brushing teeth, or cleaning up toys. You can even create a picture or sign with the list of steps for common daily tasks. Some easy at-home practice opportunities include the following:

Cooking and baking. Pick a simple recipe and have your child help gather the ingredients. Some recipes have pictures of ingredients, making them easier to find. Talk about what you do first, second, and so on. Children can also learn about numbers and measurements while cooking.

Scavenger hunt. Hide 10 of your child's favorite items throughout your home or yard-and create a simple checklist. Can they find and mark them off the checklist of pictures and/or words? Help them as they hunt to find all 10. You can give clues like "move five steps closer" and "move forward."

Classic games. Games such as Simon Says or Red Light, Green Light help your child listen, pay attention, and move while following one- and two-step directions.

1. Learning Songs and Rhymes

Young children love music. Singing nursery rhyme songs like Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Wheels on the Bus teaches them about different sounds and words. Singing songs and hearing rhymes will help children learn to read.

1. Building Vocabulary and Describing Objects

The more words a child is exposed to, the more words they'll know! Keep the conversation going all day long, regardless of your activity. Some great vocabulary-building opportunities include the following:

Puzzle time. Have your child pick out a puzzle. Talk about the pictures on the box. What new words can be found in the puzzle? Find puzzles that have different themes, like holidays, animals, or foods.

Crafting. Set up a station with art materials and talk as you make a craft. Discuss what they want to make, color choices, and the feel of the materials (like Play-Doh or clay).

Nature walk. There is so much to talk about outside! What do they see and hear? Do they feel a breeze? How do flower petals smell? How many colors do they see? What are the birds and squirrels doing? Ask them to tell you more.

1. Telling Stories

Set the stage for a story by naming a place, character(s), and activity. Encourage your child to create a story from those details and to make up adventures for each character. The funnier or wilder, the better.

You can also pick a familiar book and have them describe how the characters feel. Magazines and newspapers are also great for this purpose. Make up a story about a picture and describe what happens. Role-play the stories by pretending to be the characters.

1. Describing Emotions

Help children to express their own feelings and to talk about how others might be feeling. Some ideas include the following:

Host an arts-and-crafts show for family members you live with and display your child's creations. Use household items (e.g., coffee filters, paper towel rolls, or clothespins) or items from outdoors (e.g., sticks, leaves, rocks) to create the crafts. Ask your child to describe their art, why they chose their subject, and how it makes them feel.

Show your child photos of family gatherings or events and talk about the people in the pictures-who's who, what they're doing, and how everyone may be feeling. Talk about how it feels when you are with friends. What makes a good friend?

Use dolls or make puppets out of household materials and stage a show. Use funny voices, and talk about the characters-who they are, what they like or want, and how they feel.

1. Sequencing and Predicting

Sequencing is breaking down something (e.g., a task or story) into steps or parts-and then putting them in a logical order. Ask your child to select a favorite book. Read it together, and then talk about it. What came first? Next? Last? Have them draw a picture to show you. As you read, you can also ask them what they think will happen next-or what they think the story is about before you read by looking at the cover (this is called prediction).

1. Persuading

Children use many tactics to get their way. Although these tactics may include crying or whining, you can help them learn to persuade with their words. Have them draw a picture of their favorite book and tell you about it-are they able to convince you to read it? Or if they want to watch a TV show or movie, ask them to persuade you-to give you good reasons why they should get to watch the show.

1. Summarizing

Schedule a call (or video chat, if you can) between your child and their grandparent, other family members, or a friend to talk about their daily activities or a book they've read. Can your child talk briefly about the highlights of the day or the main events in a book?

Additional Resources for Parents

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At Home With Young Children? Build Preschoolers' Speech and Language Skills With Everyday Interactions and Activities

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As families around the country shelter in place, parents of preschoolers can help build their child's speech and language skills during everyday activities at home. Strong speech and language skills are key to kindergarten readiness and a precursor for reading, writing, and social success.

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Phonemic Awareness is a foundational skill necessary for reading. Using apps to teach phonemic awareness is a fun way to sneak some learning in while you and your kids are having fun.

What is Phonemic Awareness?

Phonemic awareness is a foundational skill for reading. It is the ability to hear and manipulate phonemes (sounds) in words. Almost all kids who struggle with reading will have weak phonemic awareness skills. Phonemic Awareness skills develop naturally in traditional learners but kids with language-based learning differences need explicit instruction in phonemic awareness to develop these skills.

Here are a few posts I've written on Phonemic Awareness if you want ore information:

Both of these posts contain printed resources for teaching phonemic awareness.

Best Apps for Teaching Phonemic Awareness

The following 11 apps are some of the highest rated apps available.

(4.99 each or purchase the Simplex Spelling School Literacy Curriculum Bundle of 4 apps for 13.99)

A highly regarding teaching tool, Simplex Spelling teaches high frequency spelling words organized by spelling patterns. Every word is broken down into its syllables both visually and auditorily to help students build phonological awareness skills. The Simplex spelling 'reverse phonics' hint feature breaks each word down further into individual phonemes to improve phonemic awareness, a critical skill and achieving literacy. Visit the developer web site to see word lists for each level and determine the best level for your kids.

(free)

The What's Changed Skill Builder app has been specifically designed to develop students' phonemic awareness. What's Changed? focuses on developing phonemic awareness with vowel sounds and consonant blends through exercises that require students to listen to two non-words and identify what changed between the two words. It also helps to develop segmentation and blending skills.

Students develop the core foundational skills that make up phonemic awareness by identifying the type of change that occurred, including:
- identifying the sound that changed ('zat' to 'zad')
- substituting a new letter for the sound that changed ('feld' to 'fald')
- specifying the letter for a sound that was added or omitted ('strek' to 'stek')
- switching two letters for sounds that were switched ('blist' to 'blits')

(3.99)

This interactive app helps individuals learn phonemes in a fun and engaging way. Four activities include:
- Breaking up words - Segmenting
- What word? - Blending
- How many sounds? (drag and drop)
- Identify the number of sounds with the number of letters and syllables provided

(3.99)

Practice early and basic phonemic awareness skills with this interactive app that helps individuals identify the different sounds that make up words in a fun and engaging way.

Four activities include:
- Do these two rhyme?
- Find the picture that rhymes with the word
- Word families - drag and drop
- Identifying the rhyming pair from 6 pictures

Teach Speech Apps also has a variety of bundles that can be purchased:

Teach Speech Apps Bundle 1: Prepositions, Rhyming Words, and Pronouns (8.99)

Teach Speech Apps Bundel 2: Following Directions, Wh Questions, Rhyming Words (8.99)

(free)

Assessments for Phonological Awareness with Progress monitoring. GAAP allows teachers to assess a student, track their learning objectives, while providing instructional aids. It can be used for accommodations all while trending student's growth through years, teachers, and classrooms.

* Assessments: Letter Recognition, Letter Sounds, Rhyming, Blending, Segmenting/Chopping, High frequency words
* Ability to monitor classroom progress
* Ability to monitor student progress
* Ability to assess effectiveness of intervention activities
* Instant feedback on students grasp of concepts taught
* Standard measurement for skills assessment
* Ability to monitor student through classrooms and grades
* Data to trend students growth, identify areas of support for teachers

(24.99)

Targeting phonemic (sound) awareness, phonics, and speech production, the three unique teaching activities are based on the key techniques of the world-renowned, research-based program, Lively Letters, created by speech language pathologist, Nancy Telian.

Flashing: This activity introduces, drills, and tests the letter sound associations for the 44 English speech sounds, using the multisensory cueing methods that Lively Letters is so famous for. As the chosen letters flash in, students can hear the associated sound, the song, and the story.

Tracking: In this activity, students engage in the powerful Lively Letters manipulative word play, (tracking) activities. Here you simultaneously train phonemic awareness and phonics, while further practicing letter sounds and speech production. Students have fun building the critical phonemic awareness skills of sound blending, segmenting, and manipulation while learning how to sound out words of increasing length and difficulty for reading and spelling.

Matching: Here's a playful way to practice letter sound associations and speech production skills. This activity also offers opportunities to associate uppercase to lowercase letters and to transition from Lively Letters pictures to plain letters. Students have fun playing the classic Match Game, now using the letters and letter types chosen.

(9.99)

Sound Literacy is a large, well-organized collection of electronic "tiles." It includes blank tiles for phonemic awareness activities; graphemes-individual letters and consonant and vowel clusters such as sh, ng, igh, aw for phonics activities; and morphemes-prefixes, suffixes, Latin roots, and Greek combining forms-for advanced word study activities. It also includes sound charts for consonant and vowel phonemes. This would be a fun way to teach phonemic awareness with any curriculum.

(21.99)

Phonological Awareness Lab (PAL) is a fun, multi-level game specifically designed to improve phonological awareness in children. Designed by a certified speech-language pathologist, PAL incorporates a fun science lab theme to encourage children to demonstrate their phonological awareness.
Created to help teach phonological awareness, PAL incorporates four (4) "labs" to target the essential phonological awareness skills needed for reading.
* The Sentence Experiment Lab
* The Decoding Room
* The Rhyming Compound
* The Syllable X-Ray
Inside the Decoding Room and Rhyming Compound are multiple levels of activities including blending syllables, blending sounds, rhyming identification, rhyming selection, and rhyming match.

Hearbuilder Phonological Awareness

(free with membership to their online program at Super Duper Publications)

Program Features:
* Targets nine phonological awareness skills: Sentence Segmentation, Syllable Blending, Syllable Segmentation, Rhyming, Phoneme Blending, Phoneme Segmentation & Identification, Phoneme Deletion, Phoneme Addition, Phoneme Manipulation
* Multi-level program gradually increases in difficulty
* Teaches children important listening and sound awareness for reading
* Monitors progress and provides frequent feedback

With a subscription to HearBuilder Online you can:
* Access all four HearBuilder programs - Following Directions, Phonological Awareness, Auditory Memory and Sequencing
* Monitor progress and track student data
* Individualize each student's program settings
* Set levels of difficulty for each activity
* Customize and print reports

Lots of rhyming apps

Rhyming is a basic component of phonemic awareness. Reading strategies that use rhyming as part of their phonemic awareness program help foster the best literacy rates among children and help to create children that really know how to read well.

(free)

(free)

Teaching phonemic awareness doesn't have to be a chore. Have fun teaching with these award-winning apps.

How about you? How are you teaching your kids phonemic awareness?

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Apps for Teaching Phonemic Awareness | Homeschooling with Dyslexia

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Phonemic Awareness is a foundational skill necessary for reading. Using apps to teach phonemic awareness is a fun way to sneak some learning in while you and your kids are having fun. Phonemic awareness is a foundational skill for reading. It is the ability to hear and manipulate phonemes (sounds) in words.