Liberty Science Center

I'm always on the hunt for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs. I want to keep my kids hungry for learning. FYI girls begin to lose interest/confidence in science and math around 4th/5th grade. There are many things that contribute to that loss of interest/confidence that I will share on another post. In the meantime I'll just say I feel it's important for me to keep my children interested.

I visited the Liberty Science Center in NJ last weekend. It was a rainy day and the perfect time to visit. My kids had a blast and we spent close to four hours there. There are four floors full of exhibits. It's a place everyone should visit. There's something there for all age groups.

Have fun exploring!

Singapore Math

My 4 y/o recently started  Singapore Math Earlybird workbook and textbook. She loves them and I think it may be because the math is interactive, simple, and gradually progresses. Singapore Math is used in many schools and by homeschoolers. I first heard about it during a private school tour at Hackley School in Westchester County, NY. This is if not the best one of the best schools in Westchester county. I continued to do my research and found that Hunter College Elementary and many other great parochial/non-parochial private schools are using the program.

I was drawn even more to the program when I learned a little more about Common Core math. I found similarities between the programs. FYI in case you're not aware, one of the reasons common core was developed is because our children have not been able to compete on an international level. Common core has adopted some Asian methods of teaching math similar to Singapore Math.

For me this is reason enough to expose my kids to it. I can go on and on about Asian math and reasons why they have excelled at it more than we have but I'll save that for another post.

Handwriting Without Tears

I love Handwriting Without Tears. I have purchased many workbooks and this has worked best FOR ME (my kids). While I was searching for daycare I found a few (Montessori, The Learning Experience, Goddard School) using HWtears. My girls are currently attending a learning center named Eye Level and they have also use handwriting without tears for beginning writers.

I love Eye Level and cannot thank them enough for what they've done with my children. I will write about them later (soon).

FYI if you're looking into daycare look for a daycare that is NAEYC certified. Their standards focus on focus on the advancement of children’s learning and development.

Pre-Writing Skills

Before I introduced writing I began by introducing shapes. Drawing shapes to help prepare children for writing. For example, a triangle is similar to an A, a circle can be a C or O and so on. Before you work on writing the letters of the alphabet I would encourage you to work on shapes. There are tons of workbooks out there that you can purchase. If you've been to the book isle at Toys R Us then you know exactly what I am talking about. *You can also find them at any learning or book store.

These books are inexpensive and are a great start. You can also find free worksheets online.

Rewards Board

 

Good for Me Rewards Kit 

Yes, I will try anything to get my kids to listen. I actually overheard a mom telling her children they would receive stars for good behavior. It seemed like a great idea and I must say this rewards board works like a charm. The only problem is it can be expensive if you leave it up to your kids to determine what their reward will be.

My children are 4, 3, and 20 months. My son is the youngest although his name is on the board he's really not included. I use this board to teach my girls to control their emotions (tantrums), encourage sharing, build patience, ask once, and to keep their hands to themselves "no fighting!"

Use this or any board to help your child strengthen weaknesses.