Thanksgiving is an ideal time to introduce children to the concept of cultivating gratitude. For younger students, this may be the first time they have considered that not everyone has the comforts and opportunities that they do. For all students, instilling the habit of practicing gratitude has been shown to increase empathy and improve physical and psychological health and resilience. Thanksgiving crafts that teach students gratitude can include a gratitude journal, a thankful wreath, or a tree of thanks. When getting into the spirit of the season, consider crafts like these to incorporate gratitude into your holiday, while also continuing ... Read More About Thanksgiving Crafts That Teach Students Gratitude

According to the United States Department of Education, about 1.8 million students were homeschooled in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year that statistics were available. If you are contemplating homeschooling your own child, you might wonder how to begin. Great ways to get started with homeschooling include learning about the homeschooling laws in your state, connecting with other homeschool parents in your area, and creating a homeschool plan. Here’s how to start homeschooling your child: Learn the homeschooling laws in your state Rules about homeschooling vary from state to state. While all states permit parents to educate thei ... Read More About How Do I Start Homeschooling My Child?

In many areas, school attendance requirements are quite strict—with good reason, as a child’s education is of the utmost importance. But for those students with a chronic illness or injury, health has to come first, and schools can and should help you honor that shift in priority. Ways to handle an extended school absence include notifying teachers immediately, familiarizing yourself with programs and policies, and utilizing available technology. A little preparation, research, and a lot of communication can make extended or frequent absences a little easier on your already stressed student. Keep reading to learn how to handle an ... Read More About How to Handle an Extended School Absence

Standardized testing is incorporated into a younger student’s education for a variety of reasons, including state requirements and helping teachers gauge progress. If you’re the parent of a young child, keep an eye out for parent notifications about your school’s specific tests, and proactively ask your child’s teacher for details. Parents of young students should expect a few things from standardized testing periods, including a change in your student's schedule, a shift in classroom regulations, and an impact on students’ assigned homework. It is important to be prepared and to understand that there are certain ... Read More About Standardized Testing 101: What Parents of Young Students Should Expect

With the school year just beginning, your student’s science fair project may be the last thing on your mind. Back-to-school time, however, is a great time to get an early start on your child’s science fair project. Ways to get ahead on your student’s science fair project can include reaching out to their teacher to ensure you understand the involved deadlines, determining the central research question early on, and spending time getting creative with ideas. Getting a head start on your student’s science fair project gives you both time to flesh out any ideas and make a plan for how to execute the project. Also, it will ... Read More About 3 Ways to Get Ahead on Your Student’s Science Fair Project