Green Is Universal

No matter who you are. Young or Old. Big or Small. You can make an impact on the environment. This week is Earth Week, which concludes with Earth Day on Sunday, April 22.  While we here agree, everyday is earth day, we appreciate that this week allows people to take time out of their schedules to focus on different things we all can do to help our world.


Here are today's simple tips to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE!


Reduce:
Buy products with less packaging.  Take your children shopping with you and show them two items (different brands of course!), and compare the packaging used for each brand.  Choose the item with the least amount of packaging and explain to them how they've just helped save the earth!


Reuse:
Want your kids to drink more water? A cool refillable water bottle should do the trick.  Bobble makes a very inexpensive bottle that filters water every time you use it.  Now you've got kids drinking clean water, living healthier, and doing their part to reduce plastic waste.


Recycle:
If you don't have one already, label a second garbage can in your home for recyclables.  Attach a sheet of paper showing your child what is and isn't recyclable, and let them decide what can and cannot go into the bin.  Once full, take your child to your local recycling center.  They'll feel accomplished seeing their positive impact first hand.

#WordsofWisdom

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."-Native American Proverb



 

Great Vacation Reads

Regardless of what you do or where you go for Spring Break, there's bound to be some down time.  We've got some great reads to help pass the time, and keep you and your family intellectually engaged.  You never know, you might share the same literary interests as your children!


1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins-This trilogy will keep you on the edge of your seat so much, you won't even need all of Spring Break to finish it!  


2. Matilda by Roald Dahl-A literary children's classic, deemed an all-time best for Tweens, Matilda's story is one like no other.


3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak-Watch your pre-preschooler's eyes come to life in this world full of vivid imagery.  Want to get them to learn to love reading? This one's a good place to start.


4. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli-An inspiring tale of a girl who doesn't conform and it's positive impact in her high school. A great book to show children how cool it is to just be themselves!

#WordsofWisdom

"Rue, who when you ask her what she loves most in the world, replies, of all things, "Music."-Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

Are You Ready for Spring Break?

Spring Break is right around the corner, which is a good thing since it seems that students are letting Spring Fever get the best of them.  Spring Break is the perfect time for students to decompress, relax and re-energize for the end of the semester; mostly known as “testing period”.  So of course, go ahead, and let your children relax for a full week, but there are still many ways to encourage learning without them even realizing it.

1.       Visiting the Local Library or Book Store

Reading is a great way to tap into your child’s creative imagination, and Spring Break gives them enough time to dive into some great reads.  The best part? It’s mobile; your child can read outdoors on a sunny day, in a car or plane on the family’s Spring Break vacation, or around the house during their down time.   Let them chose what they’d like to read, and watch their imagination come to life!

2.       Visit a Museum

A trip to the museum is the perfect mix of learning and fun!  Museums especially targeted for elementary-school students are usually full of interactive activities that will keep them engaged for hours.

3.       Spend a Day in The Life

Remember take your son/daughter to work day? Whether it’s for a few hours in the morning, or all afternoon, take your child to work with you so they can see what you do for a living.  You never know, it could spark the same interest in them as well.  Afterwards, discuss what they liked and disliked about your job and ask them what they’d like to be when they grow up.

4.       Practice Math Facts

Let your child be in charge of the household finances for a day.  Take them with your to run errands like grocery shopping, or buying items at the mall.  Let them check the receipts (they’ll get to see the cost of goods before and after tax), give money to the cashier, and total up the change.  This hands-on use of math skills makes it more interesting and practical.

5.       Write About Spring Break

Find out what your child liked or disliked about their Spring Break activities.  Writing gives them a way to express themselves while sharpening written skills and penmanship.  You can use what they’ve written to add their favorites to their summer break, as well as come up with new activities!

#WordsofWisdom

"Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my book friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness".-Helen Keller