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importance of play

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Understanding the Importance of Play in Child Development: A Wake-Up Call for Parents

How to get a toddler to play independently
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How to get a toddler to play independently

Outdoor Play: Why Does it Matter?
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Outdoor Play: Why Does it Matter?

Together we’ll slow down, stop rushing our kids through life and raise lifelong learners who will become confident and independent adults. 

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Alanna Gallo

thealannagallo

✨ Former teacher ➡️ secular homeschooler
✨ Healthy screen habits for ADHD families
✨ Montessori + Worldschooling
✨ Resources for you ⤵️

Are your kids ready to unlock their full math pote Are your kids ready to unlock their full math potential?Synthesis is changing the game. It’s not just math; it’s problem-solving, critical thinking, and FUN all rolled into one. And it’s one of our absolute favorite ways for our kids to practice math concepts.Here’s why we love it: ✔️ Builds confidence for ALL math levels ✔️ Keeps kids engaged without flashy distractions ✔️ Encourages creativity and teamworkReady to change the way your kid feels about math? Comment SYNTHESIS and I’ll send you the link to get started with a free trial 🙌🏻
The online world is a constant stream of informati The online world is a constant stream of information—but how much of it is true?With misinformation at an all-time high, teaching media literacy is more important than ever.Unfortunately, most schools aren’t preparing kids to critically evaluate what they see online or discern credible sources from misleading ones. Many adults even struggle with this.But as parents, we have the power to bridge this gap and raise kids who can confidently navigate the digital world.Here are three ways to start:1️⃣ Practice Fact-Checking Together: Use real-world examples, like viral news stories, to teach your child how to verify information by checking multiple RELIABLE sources—which are harder to find these days. Just know that most stuff that goes viral is clickbait and not credible or reliable information.2️⃣ Teach Them to Question Content: Encourage critical thinking by asking questions like, *Who created this? Why did they share it? What is their goal?* This helps kids recognize bias and spot misinformation.3️⃣ Model Credible Media Habits: Show your kids how you evaluate sources, avoid clickbait, and pause before sharing unverified information. They learn by watching you (always).Let’s empower our kids to approach media with curiosity, skepticism, and confidence—skills that will serve them for life.
And that’s because people are only seeing the fi And that’s because people are only seeing the first half of the ACTUAL QUOTE…Which is “Follow the child, but follow the child as his leader” - Dr. Maria MontessoriThis quote reminds us as parents to honor our children’s unique paths, but to do so as their steady leader—guiding them with wisdom, setting healthy boundaries, and creating an environment where they feel free to explore safely.Following the child doesn’t mean letting them lead aimlessly; it means walking beside them with intention, offering support, and nurturing their potential with respect and love. ✨
Of course it’s okay to get some new things but b Of course it’s okay to get some new things but be mindful that fewer toys is actually better for play.And that kids would much rather DO things WITH you.Also my yearly reminder that MOST of the “top toys for this holiday season” are NOT worth your money. Your kid will probably play with them for 2 weeks and then never again.So focus on spending more quality time and less money on stuff.Need winter activity suggestions? Comment WINTER WONDER and I’ll DM you a link to my Winter Wonder Activities guide. We use it in the days leading up to the holidays but it can be used all winter long ✌🏻
Just sharing an example of what goes through my mi Just sharing an example of what goes through my mind when we are making decisions about screen based activities ❤️
This is a reminder for myself as well as for my ki This is a reminder for myself as well as for my kids. And hopefully for you if you have a gifted learner in your family ✨Giftedness isn’t just being “smart,” you see the world in a whole different way. And it is often misunderstood. Being a gifted learner comes with its own set of challenges.Gifted kids often experience heightened sensitivities, big feelings, perfectionism, or asynchronous development—where their intellectual abilities outpace their emotional or social maturity.Often they need mental stimulation that far exceeds what can be provided by the average school situation (hence our love of Montessori and homeschooling).Understanding and supporting gifted learners means looking beyond academics and nurturing their whole self—helping them embrace their unique qualities while developing resilience, emotional intelligence, and confidence in their individuality.Cheers to all of us with neurodiverse brains—it truly is a super power even when it feels like it’s not ❤️
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