DiscussionHow can I help my child to think scientifically?
Scientific thinking is based on things that children naturally have in abundance—curiosity, energy, and playfulness! While it may sound too easy to be true, a great way to develop scientific thinking is to let children explore and play. As children explore the everyday world, ask questions, and start developing theories about how the w...
Science
My son asks me to read to him even though he can read. Should I?
Studies show that reading aloud to your child is the most important thing you can do to help build skills for future reading success. As children listen to books read aloud at any age, they can gain access to text that is more challenging than they could tackle on their own. This exposure helps young readers build oral vocabulary, prac...
Reading & Writing
How do I teach my child about money?
At this age, most children are able to understand that money can be used in different ways. Now’s a great time to teach your child about saving, spending, and giving. You can create three jars and label them “save,” “spend,” and “give.” When your child receives or earns money, help him or her divide the money into those three jars. Est...
Personal & Social Skills
My child is anxious when she gets wrong answers. What can I do?
Getting wrong answers on homework or a test can be discouraging. We live in a society in which getting a "wrong" answer is typically looked down upon. We celebrate getting something "right" while disregarding "wrongs." It is no big wonder that many children get anxious when getting wrong answers. Some children get anxious even before c...
Personal & Social Skills
I’ve never considered myself good at math. How can I help my child stay confident?
It is wonderful that you want to help your child have a more positive experience with mathematics than you had. To do this, it’s important to avoid telling your child that you were not “good at math” because your child may begin to believe that mathematics success is related to an innate talent, rather than practice and perseverance. W...
Mathematics
How can I encourage my child to learn more about different parts of the world?
Geoliteracy is a hot topic these days. A basic understanding about the different parts of the world and the diversity of people and cultures are important foundation for the future. Children at this age are just moving out of a very self-centered view of the world, and are just getting a sense that there are more beyond their immediate...
Social Studies
Any advice on picking an instrument for my daughter?
The piano and string instruments (such as a violin and guitar) are great choices because they give your child a solid foundation in reading music and music theory that will help with learning different instruments as she get older. Many string instruments also come in smaller sizes making them easier for young children to play. Larger ...
Creativity & Life Skills
How can I get my son to act grateful if he doesn't like a gift?
Learning gratitude is a difficult concept for young children to grasp. Being grateful requires a sensitivity to other people’s feelings, but the ability to take a different perspective or “put one's self in another’s shoes” is a skill that continues to develop throughout childhood. Teach your son the importance of saying “thank you” wh...
Personal & Social Skills
My daughter seems more exhausted than joyful. What's going on?
Holidays can be a time of joy, fun and excitement, but they can also be full of unexpected changes in routine and overstimulation. This can be particularly difficult for young children, because they thrive on structure and predictability. You are also more likely to be busy preparing for the holidays and hosting guests, which may cause...
Personal & Social Skills
How can I keep my son focused with all the holiday fuss?
With so many unexpected changes in routine and overstimulation, keeping your son focused during the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season can be challenging. One way to keep him focused is to keep to your daily routine as much as possible. Children thrive on structure and predictability, so while it is necessary to be somewhat flex...
Personal & Social Skills
What are some good science gifts for my 2nd grader?
There are many great gift ideas for your budding scientist! Look for toys that are fun and engaging, and involve children in authentic scientific inquiries. LeapFrog has a number of fun science learning apps, such as The Science of Disney and The Magic School Bus: Dinosaurs. Other great science toys include 4M’s “Green Science Kits” wh...
Science
What holiday books should I read with my second grader?
There are many fun books to get your child excited about the holiday! “The Polar Express ” by Chris Van Allsburg and “How the Grinch that Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss are two great holiday classics. “Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas” by Julia Rawlinson is a wintery tale that really captures the magic of the holidays with some of ...
Reading & Writing