What better way to get kids excited about science than with an experiment straight out of a spy novel? Write a secret message using colorless ink, wait for it to dry, then use a special secret solution to reveal the message. This activity was inspired by the Berlin blue experiment in this chemistry ...
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Birthday Interview Form
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A while back, I was listening to this episode of the Bravewriter podcast, when the mother being interviewed mentioned a family tradition that sounded incredible. She took each child out to dinner the day before their birthday. Just the two of them. Additionally, she would ask the child the same ...
DIY Hollow Book Secret Hiding Place
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My 2nd grader is really into detectives, spys, and secret agents. (Check out his secret plans for his latest mission.) Ever since he started reading the detective series, Nate the Great, he likes to turn everything into a case or a mystery. When I was a kid, I went through a Nancy Drew phase, so I ...
Horse Hopper
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This bouncy horse hopper has been one of the most played with toys in our house for nearly 4 months. Everyone from the 18 month old to 10 year olds that come visit always want to ride it which it makes it's desirability off the charts, even though we now own two. Product: Horse Hopper Company: ...
Alphabet Star Charts
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When I made a multiplication star chart for my 8 year old and a sight word star chart for my 6 year old, I didn't want my 3 year old to feel left out. I decided to make him this uppercase and lowercase alphabet star chart so that he could learn his letters and be rewarded for his hard work as ...
Sight Word Star Charts
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My 6 year old is so excited to read. With my oldest, I never really made a big deal about sight words. At 8 years old, his spelling might not be the best, but he learned all the standard sight words just through reading. I don't think there's anything wrong with using this "organic exposure ...
Best Resources for Studying World History
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History was never my favorite subject growing up. (I was always a math and science nerd.) There were just TOO many things to keep straight and it always got super jumbled in my head. I'm trying to rectify the mess that is my history knowledge now that I'm an adult. I have to say, even though a bunch ...
Best Resources for Studying Ancient Egypt
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I think my kids and I could spend an entire year studying Ancient Egypt. There is so much fascinating history to be discovered. Be sure to check my Ancient History page for free printable learning material and activities! Here are some books, audio CDs and other resources that we ...
Ruckus Junior
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My 3 year old and I sometimes have issues. Yes, I know...if I can't get along with a 3 year old, it probably says more about my maturity level than it does about his. However, I have to say that this game (Ruckus Jr.) is really helping our relationship. Product: Ruckus Junior Company: Imagination ...
Extracting DNA from a Strawberry
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Extracting DNA in the kitchen? I know what you're thinking. That *sounds* cool, but I'm sure it's way too complicated. At least, that's what I thought. I'd seen some instructions in the past that involved weird ingredients and lots of waiting and I figured, my kids won't be up for that. Then we did ...
Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 