Simple Ways to Build Reading Skills at Home As a parent, you want your child to love to read! You want to make the best choices and raise them to be the best version of themselves. However, it is hard…
Helping Your Child Stay Organized
Helping Your Child Stay Organized We like to think we foster independence in our children. We let them make decisions and force them to live with the consequences. ”You forgot your water bottle, and now you’re thirsty? Well, I bet…
Teaching Questioning Skills
Our children are full of questions. We are inundated and overwhelmed by their relentless need to know things. A simple change in perspective can show us how asking good questions can lead to independence, learning, and intrinsic motivation. We know…
Project Based Learning – Upper Grades
So we’ve talked about Project Based Learning in the elementary grades. Great stuff, right? Loads of engagement, cross-curricular connections, and real-world relevance. What about using Project Based Learning with students in middle school and high school? Even. Better. Creative. Authentic….
Project Based Learning
So you’re learning about health and wellness in science. You read an article about how to calculate your BMI – wait – calculation…isn’t that math? STOP. You can’t do math in the middle of a science lesson. Absurd, right? Enter…
The Environment Shapes Play
The benefit of an organized play space While it may seem counterintuitive to spend time creating an organized and thoughtful play space for kids who seem determined to destroy everything in their path, there is reason to do so. Early…
How to Learn About Your Child’s Interests
You’re so busy doing the maintenance work – changing the diapers, making the meals, bandaging the knees. But do you actually know what makes your child tick? What do you know about your child’s interests? Let’s talk about why you…
5 Ways to do Montessori at Home
What is Montessori? Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy is multi-faceted. It is famous for the concept of following the child. Montessori believed that children are eager and capable of learning new concepts, of doing for themselves, and of articulating their…
Must-Have Montessori-Inspired Toys
You’ve done the research and read the articles about Maria Montessori, and know the benefits of open-ended toys. As you visit the toy store, though, it’s still very overwhelming – what should you buy? These must-have Montessori-inspired toys are just…
The Rising Need for Play Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Olympia Therapy click here This article was written in collaboration with Cary M Hamilton LMHC, RPT-S, NCC, CMHS, CDWF and Sarah Moran LMFT, RPT
There’s Nothing Educational About Educational Toys
Which toy is better – a computer, or a box? A box – of course! Surprised? You shouldn’t be! A computer obviously has merit and value – think of the capabilities! But….a box does, too. Consider how often a toddler…
10 Must Have Art Supplies for Kids
Importance of Art for Kids With the shift towards academics in the early years and the rise of Pinterest worthy crafts, moms often feel they have to be setting up elaborate projects or doing worksheets. Neither of which are really…
