Why go to school? For those who like to think for themselves and question life's important questions, Sudbury Valley presents a challenge to the accepted answers. Intellectual basics The first thing most people think of when it comes to school is that it's a place where we go to learn. That's the main, intellectual goal of school and it comes before any others. So much … [Read more...]
Want to Learn About Our Currency?
When you look at a bill - $1, $5, $10, etc, do you ever think about how it gets made? Take a look at the art on bills, how that art ends up on each bill. Who Designs the Bills? US Currency bills are designed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which is a part of US Treasury. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is in charge of designing and printing all the bills we use every day. … [Read more...]
Getting to Know Salvador Dali on Facial Hair Friday
This post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office and features the man with on of the most iconic mustaches in history: Salvador Dalí. Salvador Dalí is renowned for his influential Surrealist art, most famously his oil on canvas The Persistence of Memory, now at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Dalí is known for depicting a dream world in which common … [Read more...]
How to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety and Stress
It is normal and understandable for kids to feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break or starting school for the first time. Parents can help their children transition back to school by being aware of the symptoms of stress and anxiety and using some creative strategies. Reasons Kids Might Be Stressed or Anxious Some kids worry because they are afraid of what … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Instill a Love of Learning in Children
It is important to instill a love of learning in your child. You have one opportunity to do this, and it is crucial to start early. Teaching your child to enjoy learning will make many different aspects of their life easier, including school, self-improvement, and relationships. It is important to encourage your child to be curious and open to new experiences in order to … [Read more...]
5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Homeschooling
Homeschooling has seen a significant increase in the past decade, with the number of students doubled, according to the U.S. government and education researchers. It is estimated that, if the current trend of growth in homeschooling continues, the number of students being homeschooled will surpass 2 million in 2018. So, why do parents choose to homeschool their children? 1. Make A Change From … [Read more...]
15 New Year’s Resolutions For Students
As you start to think about your New Year's resolutions, remember that it is a time of renewal. This is your chance to let go of any old habits or negative thinking that might be holding you back, and focus on setting new, positive goals that will help you achieve success. For you students, the new year also means that you are half way done with the school year. Whether you have had a … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Encourage a Love of Reading in Your Kids
How to Encourage a Love of Reading Reading can inspire people in different ways. Remember that if the goal is to raise life-long readers, you won't get there by making your kids hate it.Try different approaches to see which ones might serve to ignite a love of stories. My kids were lovers of audio books, and I've since realized that I take in much more of a book, and remember it much better when … [Read more...]
8 Ways to Minimize Summer Learning Loss
Tips to Minimize Summer Learning Loss Professional educators know that if students don't do anything meaningful during the summer months, they'll lose what they learned during the school year. It's really that simple. Summer learning loss is a problem because students lose progress they've made during the school year and miss out on opportunities to get ahead. A study from Johns … [Read more...]
Back to School Anxiety: 8 Simple Strategies for Handling Overwhelm
For many kids, the start of the new school year is exciting. However, it also causes a spike in anxiety. Even kids who are usually easy-going get butterflies, and kids who are prone to anxiety get more clingy and nervous. Parents also feel the pain. Leaving a crying child at preschool is difficult for parents. Having to talk a panicked first grader onto the bus or out of the car at … [Read more...]