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Archive for December, 2014

Toys that teach prove valuable long after the holidays

December 8, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

A look of alarm crossed my son’s face when I suggested there would be only learning gifts under the tree this year. “That’s a horrible idea,” he said, as visions of flash cards, “boring educational books,” dictionaries and maps danced through his head. I assured him he had nothing to fear – most of the […]

‘Reading deeply’ not as easy on electronic devices

December 8, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

Students have greater access to reading materials as electronic devices are incorporated into classroom learning, but some educators question how well students comprehend when reading in a digital format. The question is, can students actually “go deep” with digital reading? “Deep reading” is a concept frequently connected to Common Core Learning Standards. It’s slow reading, […]

Writing tips for anyone who puts pen to paper or fingers to keyboard

December 8, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

In our electronic world, everyone can be a writer. From blogs to Facebook posts to tweets, there’s a place for everyone who has access to the internet to publicly express themselves. But does everyone do it well? No, hardly. Chances are you’ve cringed at a Facebook post or email riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. […]

Winter solstice: Shadows are longest, daylight is shortest this time of year

December 7, 2014 | Posted in: Early Learners, Elementary, High School, Middle Years

Shorter days and longer nights are the norm in the Northeast this time of year. Instead of begrudging the diminished daylight, use the coming December solstice as an opportunity to help your child learn some science. The winter solstice is considered the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere – or at least the astronomical […]