I know that there can be pitfalls with using star charts. However, I can’t help but feel that they deserve a place in my parenting toolbox. After all, even though they have a bad rap, bribes can be really effective in the moment. Do I care if my son never chooses to study his multiplication facts on ...
Elementary Learning
Gratitude Journal for Kids
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When it comes to being a parent, above all, I want to raise good people. Sometimes, between all the sibling bickering and potty words, I wonder if I'm AT ALL doing a decent job. I made this gratitude journal for kids as a way to hopefully improve my own kids' attitudes and build their character. ...
Raspberry Pi Computer Building for Kids
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I'll be honest. I'm a little cheap. I wasn't always this way, but I've been with my ultra-frugal husband for almost 20 years now (crazy) and he's rubbed off a bit. An organization in my area that provides STEM classes for kids recently advertised a computer building class for nearly FOUR HUNDRED ...
Homemade Traveler’s Notebook
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A couple months back, I was listening to this homeschooling podcast, when the interviewee said that her kids used traveler's notebooks. I was intrigued by the idea of my kids journaling in notebooks which could be easily and inexpensively swapped out as they filled them up. I ended up making 4 ...
Low Floor High Ceiling Math Problems
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Last spring, when I said I wanted to teach a math class to kids between the ages of 9 and 14 at our local homeschool co-op, people looked at me like I was crazy. "You can't teach the same math to a 9 and 14 year old." "Their ability levels vary too greatly to do math in a co-op setting." That's what ...
United States Quarter Collection
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I made this United States quarter collection board so my 7 year old could collect the coins from all 50 states. Since he spent the past year learning United States geography, I thought it would be a fun and educational summer activity for him. However, it's my 5 year old daughter who has really ...
Homemade Spinning Brushbot
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What better way to get kids interested in science and technology than fun, hands-on projects that move on their own? This simple, homemade, spinning brushbot was inspired by the book How to Build Robots. This book recommends taking apart a battery-powered, electric toothbrush to get the parts for ...
Interactive Multiplication Cards
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Recently, I had the brilliant idea that I was going to make my 7 year old some multiplication flashcards. He started learning his times tables recently in the adaptive online math program he uses. (Review to come...I like it, but haven't decided how much.) However, about 3 colorful homemade cards ...
United States of America Toothpick Map
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Geography is not my strong suit. I am determined, however, that the same will not be true for my kids. I'm going to do what I can to ensure that they don't have to live their lives in quiet embarrassment, hoping that no one ever asks them to point out Delaware on a map. This homemade United States ...
DIY Number Strip Puzzles
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I first learned about number strip puzzles from the website 3 Dinosaurs. I LOVE all the free educational material on that site, especially for the preschool age group. My 5 year old daughter in particular is currently pretty passionate about these number "puzzles." She has a dream of combining all ...
Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 