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10 Empowering Tips to Help Your Shy Child

March 1st, 2024

Being shy or bashful is a common trait among young children. As a parent, it can be challenging to see your little one struggling to interact with their peers, express their thoughts, or feel comfortable in social situations. If you’re searching for ways to help your shy child build confidence and overcome their social hesitations, […]

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Top 10 Educational YouTube Channels for Young Kids: A Parent’s Guide

February 23rd, 2024

With the increasing availability and use of digital media, learning has extended beyond the traditional classroom. Today, children can learn from virtually anywhere, and YouTube is one of the platforms leading the way in online education. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 educational YouTube channels for young kids, highlighting what each has to […]

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Most prestigious schools in USA for board school and private school

February 12th, 2024

What Makes a School Prestigious and High Ranking “Prestige” in the context of a school can be difficult to define precisely, but it often refers to the school’s reputation for high academic standards, a history of successful alumni, experienced faculty, rigorous curriculum, strong support for extracurricular activities, and often, selective admissions. Here are some of […]

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Keeping Your Children Safe Online: Essential Tips to Avoid Child Predators

February 3rd, 2024

The digital age has brought us many conveniences and a wealth of information at our fingertips. However, the increased access to the internet also comes with potential threats, especially for our children. As parents of young kids, it’s crucial to learn how to protect our children from online predators. Let’s explore some essential online safety […]

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Celebrating MLK Day: Guiding Your Child Through the History and Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.

January 14th, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a day off from school or work; it’s an opportunity to educate our children about a crucial chapter in American history and a remarkable hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our children understand the significance of this day and appreciate […]

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Winter Wonders: Outdoor Activities to Engage Young Minds in the Cold

January 10th, 2024

As the temperature drops, your instinct may be to bundle up your little ones and keep them indoors. However, winter offers a unique opportunity for children to learn and engage with the world around them. The snowy landscape and the changing environment provide a new set of stimuli for young, curious minds. Here are several […]

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Smoothing the Transition: Getting Your Child Back to School After the Holiday Break

January 2nd, 2024

The Christmas winter break is a cherished time for families, offering a wonderful opportunity to relax, have fun, and spend quality time together. However, the extended break can disrupt the usual rhythm of school and daily routines. So, how can parents help their children transition smoothly back to school after two weeks of festive fun? […]

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Helping your child write goals for the new year

December 28th, 2023

As we ring in the new year, resolutions are a topic on everyone’s minds. While adults often focus on their personal goals, it’s also a fantastic time to introduce your young child to the concept of goal-setting. Research has shown that kids who learn to set, track and achieve goals at a young age tend […]

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Enriching Christmas Break: Fun and Educational Activities for the Holidays

December 17th, 2023

As the snowflakes start to fall and the sound of jingle bells echoes in the air, children everywhere rejoice over the much-anticipated holiday break from school. Christmas break is an exciting time for kids, filled with festive cheer, family time, and a break from the routine of schoolwork. But for parents, it can be a […]

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Holiday Christmas Gifts for Teachers: A Comprehensive Guide

December 10th, 2023

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, filled with joy, gratitude, and giving. Among those deserving our appreciation are our dedicated teachers who work tirelessly to guide and inspire us throughout the year. Students and parents often find themselves puzzled about what to give teachers to express their appreciation. This comprehensive guide is designed […]

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Be Smart, Save Money: How to Prep School Lunches Effectively

December 1st, 2023

As parents, we all know the struggles of crafting school lunches that are affordable, appetizing and nutritious. It’s like trying to score a parenting hat-trick every day! We asked parents some of their strategies to make this challenge manageable and even enjoyable. Here are the top tips and tricks to help you ace the art […]

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Educational Activities for Your Kids During the Thanksgiving Holiday

November 20th, 2023

Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude. However, when you’re a parent, it can also be a time of trying to keep young children entertained and engaged while still managing the whirlwind of holiday preparations. Thankfully, there are plenty of educational activities that not only occupy your kids but also help them to learn […]

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Navigating the Morning Rush: A Parent’s Guide to Smoother School Drop-offs

November 14th, 2023

Mornings can be chaotic for parents, especially with the added pressure of school drop-offs. The challenge of getting everyone dressed, fed and out the door on time can often result in stress and tension. However, with some preparation, planning and a few practical tips and trick to make school drop-offs a smoother and more enjoyable […]

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Comprehensive Review of IXL.com for Parents: Your Child’s New Learning Companion?

November 8th, 2023

Are you a parent considering using IXL.com to support your child’s learning journey? This comprehensive review will help you understand what IXL offers, its pros and cons, functionality, user experience (UX) design, and pricing. As we delve into the IXL review, we’ll focus on how IXL.com could be an essential tool for enriching your child’s […]

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Navigating the Parent-Teacher Conference: Top 10 Questions to Ask for Your Child’s Success

November 1st, 2023

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time filled with new beginnings, goals, and the promise of academic growth. One essential part of this phase is the first parent-teacher conference. This meeting is a powerful opportunity for parents to understand their child’s learning environment, establish open communication with the teacher, and pave […]

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Making Halloween a ‘Boo’-tiful Learning Experience: Educational Activities for Kids

October 23rd, 2023

With its crisp air, falling leaves, and festivities, October ushers in one of the most anticipated holidays for children – Halloween. While it’s commonly associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, and parties, Halloween also offers a plethora of educational opportunities. Here’s how parents can transform this ‘spooktacular’ holiday into a fun and enriching learning experience for their […]

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Fall Into Learning: Engaging Outdoor Educational Activities for Kids This Autumn

October 16th, 2023

As the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air, and vibrant fall foliage paints a picturesque canvas, nature provides a fantastic setting for engaging, educational activities for kids. From exploring pumpkin patches to apple picking, the fall season offers a wealth of opportunities for experiential learning. Here’s how parents can seize the beauty of […]

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Harmonizing the Day: The Importance of Daily Routines for Young Children

October 3rd, 2023

In the whirlwind of family life, establishing and maintaining daily routines for young children may feel like a daunting task. However, research consistently highlights the numerous benefits routines offer, making them well worth the effort. From instilling a sense of security to fostering independence, routines play a pivotal role in children’s growth and development. Why […]

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Igniting the Drive: How to Motivate Your Child to Complete Their Homework

September 26th, 2023

At the end of a long school day, it can often be challenging to motivate your child to tackle their homework. Yet, homework is an integral part of academic success, reinforcing classroom learning and teaching important skills like time management and self-discipline. So, how can parents encourage children to see homework not as a chore […]

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How to tell if your baby is gifted or not

September 18th, 2023

As parents, we all believe our babies are special and unique. Still, some children exhibit certain traits and behaviors that might indicate they are gifted. ‘Giftedness’ refers to an advanced level of cognitive and intellectual abilities, often evident from an early age. If you’re wondering whether your newborn to two-year-old baby could be gifted, here […]

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Transforming Grocery Trips into Learning Adventures: Top 10 Activities for 3-6 Year-Olds

September 7th, 2023

The grocery store may seem like an unlikely venue for early childhood education. However, with a bit of creativity, parents can transform mundane shopping trips into thrilling and enriching learning adventures for young children, aged 3-6. Here are the top 10 educational activities that you can engage your children in, right between the aisles of […]

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A Proactive Approach to Your Child’s Education: Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher

August 29th, 2023

Navigating your child’s academic journey is no easy task. It requires continuous effort, open dialogue with educators, and a keen understanding of your child’s learning process. The start of the school year is an excellent opportunity to lay the foundation for your child’s educational success. Here are ten key questions to ask your child’s elementary […]

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Harnessing Potential: The Impressive Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in a Gifted and Talented Program

August 18th, 2023

As parents, we constantly seek the best opportunities to help our children realize their full potential. If your child showcases exceptional abilities, then exploring a Gifted and Talented Program can be a transformative step. Gifted and Talented Programs offer an array of benefits for elementary age students, nurturing their talents and ensuring a more rounded […]

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Teaching Your Child Sight Words

August 14th, 2023

The education journey for your child is an exciting adventure filled with the exploration of letters, sounds and eventually, words. One crucial step in this educational journey is the introduction of sight words. Sight words are common words that children are encouraged to recognize instantly, without the need for phonics. Recognizing these words ‘by sight’ […]

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A Parent’s Comprehensive Guide to Getting Ready for Kindergarten

August 8th, 2023

Starting kindergarten is a significant milestone in a child’s life, marking their first step into formal education. Understandably, it can stir up a mix of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation, both for your child and the entire family. To ensure a smooth transition into this new chapter, it’s essential to understand what kindergarten readiness means and […]

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The Pros and Cons of Online and In-Person Tutoring for Your Child

August 1st, 2023

As a parent, ensuring your child’s academic success is a top priority. But sometimes, they might need a little extra help outside of the traditional classroom. With today’s technology, parents have more options than ever when it comes to selecting the right tutoring method for their child. We’re looking at the two main ones: online […]

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Back to School Bliss: Shopping for Educational Activities for Your Preschoolers

July 28th, 2023

It’s that time of year again, parents! The lazy days of summer are wrapping up, and the excitement of a new school year is on the horizon. For your 3 to 5-year-olds, this might be their first-ever ‘back-to-school’ experience! This period is crucial as it helps shape their attitude towards education. One way to make […]

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Characteristics, Signs and Traits of a Gifted Boy or Girl by Age

July 20th, 2023

As parents it’s important we recognize and nurture giftedness in our kids from a young age is essential for their intellectual and emotional development. Gifted children often exhibit unique traits and characteristics that set them apart from their peers. Many parents notice these traits as early as infancy and continue to develop through their childhood […]

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Keep the Pages Turning: Top 10 Tips to Nurture Early Reading Skills this Summer

July 14th, 2023

Summer break is a time for fun, games, and relaxation for your little ones. But it’s also an ideal period to foster new skills, especially reading. This is particularly important for 3 to 5-year-olds, as this age marks a critical phase in language development and cognitive growth. So how can you, as parents, ensure your […]

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Navigating Kindergarten Gifted Testing: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

July 7th, 2023

As parents, we all believe in the unique capabilities and potential of our children. Some children, however, display advanced cognitive abilities at an early age that may qualify them for gifted education programs. Kindergarten is typically the time when schools begin identifying these students through gifted testing. The prospect of your child undergoing such tests […]

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Fun and Educational Activities for Kids for July 4th Independence Day

July 1st, 2023

As we approach the 4th of July, our nation prepares to celebrate its independence with a day filled with fireworks, parades, and barbecues. But amidst the fanfare, it’s important not to miss the educational opportunities this special day offers. Independence Day is a perfect time to help our children understand the history, values, and significance […]

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Combating the Summer Slide: An Active Approach to Preventing Brain Drain

June 25th, 2023

It’s a phrase that elicits joy in the hearts of children and sometimes anxiety in the minds of parents and educators – ‘summer vacation.’ While the summer break undoubtedly presents a much-needed break from classroom activities, it’s a phenomenon called the ‘summer slide’ or ‘brain drain’ often lingers in the shadows as we head into […]

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How to Help Your Struggling Reader

June 19th, 2023

Do you have a young child who is struggling to read?  If so, you are not alone. Today I want to show you the one thing you can do that will instantly help your child read more easily. One of the first things we teach kids are letters and the sounds they make.  “Cat” is […]

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How One-on-One Tutoring Outperforms Solo Studying

June 12th, 2023

The Power of Personal Attention Students’ methods of studying significantly influence their academic success. While independent study has its merits, research consistently shows that one-on-one tutoring provides unique benefits that can significantly enhance learning outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore why personalized tutoring outperforms solo studying. Understanding the Limitations of Solo Study Solo […]

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Engaging Educational Activities for Kids on Summer Vacation: A Top 10 List

May 31st, 2023

The summer months are a great time for family vacations, but many parents worry about the “summer slide”—the learning loss that children can experience when they’re out of school for an extended period. Research from the Brookings Institution shows that on average, students’ achievement scores decline over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year […]

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Avoid the summer slide learning loss

May 16th, 2023

The “Summer Slide” refers to the learning loss that can occur when students are out of school during the summer months. Research has shown that students can lose up to two months of learning over the summer, particularly in areas like math and reading. This can lead to a significant achievement gap over time. To […]

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Testing Mom vs. in-person tutoring centers

May 10th, 2023

TestingMom.com is an online platform that provides educational resources and practice materials for gifted and talented (G&T) tests, private school admissions exams, and state tests, among others. It aims to help parents navigate the testing and admissions process. Kumon Math and Reading Center: Pros: Kumon offers a self-learning methodology where students learn through doing worksheets […]

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Characteristics and Traits of a Gifted Child

May 9th, 2023

The Traits and Characteristics of a Gifted Child Gifted children are known for their extraordinary intellectual abilities, yet they are as diverse a group as any other. Recognizing the typical traits and characteristics of a gifted child is crucial for parents and educators to nurture their potential effectively. One of the most defining characteristics of […]

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Review of Testing Prep Online vs. IXL

March 20th, 2023

Here’s an in-depth review of Test Prep Online vs. IXL IXL.com: IXL.com is an innovative online learning platform designed to provide students from pre-K through 12th grade with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. With over 8,000 skills covering math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish, IXL offers a personalized learning approach that adapts […]

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Review of Testing Mom vs. Test Prep Online

February 27th, 2023

There are many online test prep platforms available and here are two platforms that offer similar content and services: TestingMom.com and TestPrepOnline.com   Overview of each company TestingMom.com and TestPrepOnline.com are both online educational resources that offer test preparation materials. However, there are some differences between the two platforms. Testing Mom is a comprehensive test preparation platform […]

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Character Skills Snapshot 101

June 6th, 2022

Character Skills Snapshot 101 By Adam Cook Recently, a new admissions assessment, the Character Skills Snapshot, came across my desk, and I wanted to try to help parents better understand the scope, design, and purpose of the test. With the seemingly endless list of school admission exams and cognitive batteries, it can be overwhelming for […]

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Enhance Your Testing Mom Experience With MindPrint

May 23rd, 2022

Enhance Your Testing Mom Experience With MindPrint By Adam Cook   Hello Testing Mom Family! I’m excited to share with you a new development in our services. Beginning in June, Testing Mom members can purchase a MindPrint assessment at a deeply discounted price and review their child’s results with an education professional. What Is a […]

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It’s Never Too Early for Financial Literacy Education

May 17th, 2022

By Adam Cook   Now more than ever, the volatile economic climate that we live in warrants a comprehensive financial education regimen. Without a working knowledge of financial literacy, individuals often find themselves in situations that are completely overwhelming and, unfortunately, wholly avoidable. Economist and former chair of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, hit the […]

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3 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Adulthood

May 17th, 2022

Parenting older children into adulthood can be a difficult feat. There’s a lot of pressure to ensure that your children are adequately prepared for their futures. Parents should strive to give their children the resources and tools they need to be successful adults. Elements like education, housing, and personal finances are three main areas that […]

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The Importance of the Learning Environment

May 11th, 2022

By Adam Cook Over the past few decades, education research has consistently indicated the close relationship between the learning environment at home and the quality of student educational outcomes at school. As a classroom teacher, I have personally seen the rapidly changing landscape of education, but one thing that remains constant is the impact a […]

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How to Lose Learning Loss

April 19th, 2022

By Heather Wood Tutor, Teacher and Writer for Testing Mom   I’m tired of talking about it. I’m sure you are too. But nevertheless, problems resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic reverberate still, two full years later. And that goes double for school children! It was March 2020 when the world changed. And while some found […]

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4 Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teachers: Get the answers you need to help your child succeed

October 19th, 2021

Welcome to October, that time of year when children have finally settled into their new back-to-school routines, and parents are eagerly anticipating a flurry of school activities like meet-the-teacher night and parent-teacher conferences. I have a unique perspective as a parent of school-aged children. Not only am I a mother, but I am also an […]

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5 Great Chapter Books for Your Upper Elementary or Middle School Reader

September 21st, 2021

Does your child struggle to find chapter books that interest them for independent reading? Or maybe they are avid readers, and have run out of books to read? Here is a list of 5 great chapter books for your elementary or middle school reader that will have your child excited to read! They are listed […]

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Give Your Children the Education They Deserve: Why Tutoring Services Matter

August 31st, 2021

A few years ago, I decided to give yoga a try. I was sick of paying for a gym membership I never used and running just isn’t my thing. I had heard of all of the great health benefits of yoga, so I looked up studios in my area. I found one with a class […]

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All Aboard the Coding Train! How coding classes can change your child’s life

August 11th, 2021

I come across a lot of “mom” memes and videos on social media. You know the ones. They describe the indescribable: what it’s like to be a parent. I particularly like the one where the mom is pictured with kids running wild around her with the message: I run a tight ship… A pirate ship. […]

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Are Your Kids School Ready? 4 Skill-Building Strategies to Help Your Child Avoid Learning Loss

July 30th, 2021

  Here, my son Baron is following the instructions for a hands-on demonstration of our solar system from an astronomy workbook. One of my very favorite movies of all time is the 1998 rom-com You’ve Got Mail. It’s set in a simpler time, when email was brand new and AOL with a dial-up modem was […]

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4 ways to boost your child’s confidence for a return to school

July 23rd, 2021

It’s that time of year again! Parents all across the country are replenishing school supplies, buying new backpacks, and sprucing up their children’s back-to-school wardrobes. And I don’t know about you, but I am growing positively giddy over the prospect of an end to marathon bouts of sibling bickering all day long. Yes, summer vacation […]

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Clinging to Summer

August 20th, 2020

My windows are open, the air is heavy and thick.   I can hear thunder rumbling in the distance, but I can’t bring myself to turn on the air conditioner. I am waiting for the exact moment when the rain starts to fall hard enough and angle just the right way to hit my window […]

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Summertime in Pandemic

July 15th, 2020

My daughter leaves the radio on while she sleeps every night. So this morning she came in my room to say the radio station played a trick on everyone. They played Christmas music and said, “Surprise, you’ve slept longer than you thought! It’s already Christmas time!” Well it is funny, but also sadly true for […]

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Nonna’s Recipe for Love

May 5th, 2020

Today in Camp Corona, Joanne is teaching her kids and giving some love from her family’s Italian heritage–by sharing Nonna’s special Ragu and homemade noodles! Mmm! Also if you missed last night’s 2Moms@Home with Joanne and Karen, you will want to tune in, as they spoke with Dr. Nicole Saphier about family wellness in these […]

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Coronacuts and Crisis Schooling

April 28th, 2020

Like most of us, Joanne and her family have reached the shelter-in-place need for a haircut! Read her post today to see how they handled that. Also if you missed last night’s 2Moms@Home with Joanne and Karen, you will want to catch up, as they have a guest dad, who drops some really great wisdom […]

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Top TEN Things to To Do While You’re (STILL) Stuck At Home

April 18th, 2020

Many are asking Joanne of our Surviving Sudden Homeschool series what she is doing with her kids to stay ENGAGED and ENTERTAINED.  So here is her TOP TEN LIST just for you!  Join Joanne and Karen Monday nights for 2Moms@Home. Sign up here: 2Moms@Home. Tales from #CampCorona: A Top 10 List It’s been 5 weeks since we last […]

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Coronavirus, Connection, Conversation, and Carbohydrates

April 9th, 2020

Today Joanne is sharing her Surviving Sudden Homeschool life, three weeks in and almost finding her stride. Joanne and Karen are hosting 2Moms@Home on Monday nights. Be sure and sign up for this NEW live event. Then stop in with your favorite drink and meet us there in-person for a little adult conversation! Communication and connection. Trapped inside this snowglobe of virtual […]

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Camp Corona and Consequences

April 3rd, 2020

Today Joanne is sharing her Surviving Sudden Homeschool life, two weeks in. Joanne and Karen are hosting 2Moms@Home on Monday nights. Be sure and sign up for this NEW live event. Then stop in with your favorite drink and meet us there in-person for a little adult conversation! I don’t want to brag, but I am completely dressed today. I mean, […]

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Homeschool is Officially in Session

March 27th, 2020

Today Joanne is back, sharing her Surviving Sudden Homeschool life. Perhaps you caught her daughter’s homeschool detention song on our Testing Mom Facebook page this past week–be sure and listen!  Joanne and Karen are meeting Monday nights for our NEW live event called 2Moms@Home. Be sure and join us there in-person! Without further ado, Joanne shares her first full […]

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Surviving Sudden Homeschool

March 19th, 2020

Today we are introducing Joanne, from our TestingMom team. Joanne and Karen will be starting a NEW live event next week called 2Moms@Home. We can’t wait to share more! Without further ado, meet Joanne! Failing. Maybe even flailing. I knew this was going to be difficult. I was prepared for the challenges. I mean, I […]

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A Letter from Karen Quinn: Coronavirus Update – Your Child’s Worries and School Closings

March 9th, 2020

To Our Valued Families –  If your children are anything like mine, I’m sure they’re worried about the coronavirus.  I just wanted to share with you some ways you can help your kids get through this difficult and confusing time.    How Do I Talk To My Child About the Coronavirus? National Public Radio has […]

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Exploring the Ways Kids Can Serve Their Community

March 3rd, 2020

Last week, we looked through the lens of community service work in order to extract the social, emotional, and educational benefits that such participation has for both your child and the organizations that they are serving. Today, we want to provide some guidance for when it comes time for your child to choose their own […]

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Community Service Works for Children: Learning to Make an Impact in Your Community

February 18th, 2020

Many of us can relate to the satisfying feeling of doing something nice for others. Whether it is a conscious or spontaneous decision, being open to making just a small change in the hopes of benefiting others is something from which most of us achieve personal satisfaction. In essence, learning to be selfless does not […]

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Flash Cards are a Game Changer for Memory and Learning

February 7th, 2020

With so many facts being given to our kids every day, sometimes to an overwhelming amount, we need to start to ground them in knowledge for each subject.  Because at some point down the road, they will be faced with taking all those facts and making a determination, like solving a problem or writing an […]

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Do Youngest Kids in Class Struggle Most?

January 30th, 2020

It’s not too early to start considering the upcoming school year.  In fact, many of those decisions and registrations are coming down the pipes right now.  If you have young children starting school in the fall, who are on the young-side of the group for Kindergarten, you may be wondering if you should start them […]

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10 Lifestyle Changes to Help You Academically! Part 2

January 24th, 2020

Today we’re bringing the second part of how these 10 lifestyle changes will help your children academically! In last week’s post we delved into the variety of ways in which your child’s lifestyle changes had the potential to influence their social, emotional and academic lives. The changes we discussed were unique in that they were […]

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10 Lifestyle Changes to Help You Academically!

January 9th, 2020

These 10 lifestyle changes will help your children academically–bringing the first part of our series to get you started! In today’s busy, chaotic, and fast-paced world, many of us are familiar with or even practice a concept we have come to know as self-care. Although the word itself is self-explanatory in many ways, the act […]

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What to Leave Behind in 2019: Student Success

December 23rd, 2019

How to Achieve Student Success in the New Year Today let’s explore some patterns of thought and attitudes that we need to leave behind in 2019 for student success. It is rather hard to believe that 2019 is soon coming to a close, and 2020 is upon us. The start of a new year can […]

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Fun Holiday Gift Ideas to Enhance and Support your Child’s Learning

December 19th, 2019

With the holidays just around the corner, many parents are feeling the looming pressure of figuring out what to get their children as gifts. It is natural to become invested in this process as we are incentivized by the joy that our children express when they open up something that they love!     Holiday […]

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Holiday Gifts for All Your Child’s Teachers

December 4th, 2019

Every year, I’m thinking through good gift ideas for all the people pouring into my child’s life–something thoughtful to say thank you and bring a sprig of joy into each educator’s life. So today I wanted to compile a list of good ideas and crafts that your child can help you put together!     […]

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How Important is Parent Engagement in Education Success?

November 25th, 2019

Children spend 70% of their waking hours (including weekends and holidays) outside of school.  As hard as teachers and schools try, you cannot depend on them to give your child all they need when it comes to education.  The research for parent engagement is consistent, positive and convincing – The more involved a parent (or […]

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Transforming Halloween Festivities into Learning Experiences for your Child

October 28th, 2019

With Halloween just around the corner, parents and children are putting together costumes, buying candy, and making exciting plans for trick or treating. Halloween is a time that many children cherish, as it gives them the opportunity to showcase their creativity through the costumes that that they choose. They can fully embody something extraordinary for […]

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How to Eat an Elephant

October 11th, 2019

You know how to eat an elephant, right?  One bite at a time!  When you are tackling those large tasks at home and numerous smaller ones, it helps to break them down into do-able steps.  Some are today tasks.  Some need some preparation for another day.  And some are really huge, so you need to […]

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Brain Food for Kids: Protein

October 3rd, 2019

Children need healthy proteins daily to grow and develop properly.  When your child eats foods that contain protein, the digestive juices in his or her stomach and intestine go to work. The protein is broken down into basic units called amino acids, which can be reused to make the proteins his or her body needs to maintain muscles, bones, blood, […]

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Fall Pumpkin Recipe EXTRAvaganza!

September 24th, 2019

Building skills with your children in an everyday setting is as easy as finding a recipe and cooking together.  But we want to fuel their minds and bodies with good things, as well, so today I wanted to share some HEALTHY, pumpkin recipes to make together–it’s a FALL pumpkin recipe extravaganza!! My friend, Meredith, shared […]

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Read-Aloud Books for Young Children

September 16th, 2019

As we begin to shift from summer into fall, it’s a wonderful time to introduce read aloud books to your young child, if you are not already spending time together this way.  Beyond bonding time, there are so many great intellectual and character-building benefits that are seen from this time, as well. So be intentional to […]

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The Right Way to Praise Your Child

September 10th, 2019

The Right Way to Praise Your Child is Free! I’ve said it so many times, and it’s true: Kids will work hard for praise, and it’s great for parents because it’s free! One of the things I’ve mentioned on our member parent training calls is that there’s a difference between praising your child for working […]

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The Best Way to Prepare for the CogAT® Test

September 4th, 2019

Lots of parents these days are finding that their kid will be taking the CogAT® test. This test is a cognitive test often given to children to measure how well suited they are for a gifted and talented or other advanced program. Many kids find themselves taking the test early in the school year, so […]

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Language Comprehension: Blank’s Language Levels Framework

August 28th, 2019

Is communication a challenge in your home? Your child may carry that same struggle with him into the classroom. Research shows that language difficulties affect roughly 15% of younger students, wherein, they do not have the skills to cope with the demands each school day brings (Hart & Fielding-Barnsley, 2009). So what begins young, can […]

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The Spelling Bee

August 19th, 2019

A Change of Mind-Set The complaint I hear most often from parents during this get-back-to-school time of year is how hard it is to change their child’s mindset from an all-day of play to an all day at school.  After delving into the topic even further with the parent, they usually relay the same story […]

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Parenting 101: Handling Common School Year Disasters

August 13th, 2019

Leaving behind the freedom of a school-free summer and getting your kid back into their autumn routine isn’t always easy. One survey of working parents showed that nearly half of them reported back-to-school stress being so bad it interfered with their work. Here’s a parenting 101 guide for the following scenarios and guidelines to make […]

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How to Help Build Your Child’s Memory Skills

August 2nd, 2019

How to Strengthen Your Child’s Memory As Dr. Mel Levine contends, “More memory is needed for school success than is required in virtually any career.” That’s why you want to work on your child’s memory skills in the formative years to set a strong foundation for the future. For kindergarten and testing success, children need […]

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The Most Common Test-Taking Mistakes Older Children Make

July 25th, 2019

NEW! Being Careless and Not Being Prepared Not Knowing How To Take a Test Not Managing Information Correctly Attention Issues We are beginning a new series today, similar to the common test taking mistakes younger kids make, but this time it is from another vantage point: older children.  And with it comes new challenges and […]

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Back to School Checklist

July 15th, 2019

Back to School Checklist: Yes, it’s that time again! In our house, we are a month out from the first day of school! I can’t tell you how many parents I’ve talked to who failed to get their child ready for the beginning of the school year. Proper back-to-school preparations are about much more than buying […]

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Speech Development Delays

July 5th, 2019

This mom asks a great question regarding her daughter’s speech development–while she is ahead in some things, she has fallen behind here.  Here are some great tools if your child, too, is experiencing some speech development delays. Question from a Concerned Mom My daughter just turned 3 and seems to be bright as she has […]

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Drawing With Children

June 26th, 2019

Maren Schmidt shares her practical, put-it-into-action advice and insight about children and drawing with them. Training the Eye to See Betty Edwards in her book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, explains that around age ten our logical “left-brain” style of thinking begins to dominate and overrides our creative “right-brain” type of thinking. Drawing with Children Our […]

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Prevent Summer Brain Drain Even While Traveling!

June 19th, 2019

Summer Slide Around this time every year, parents begin worrying about the dreaded “summer slide.” This term defines the learning loss kids experience over the summer due to the fact that they aren’t going to school every day and engaging their minds in reading, thinking and problem solving. Keep the Momentum Going Many parents scoff […]

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13 Activities to Prevent Summer Slide

June 13th, 2019

Aware and Prepared Parents are all aware of brain drain and want to prevent summer slide. “Research over 100 years has shown us – students not engaged in some kind of educational activity over the summertime typically loses about one to three months of learning.  And the decline is more detrimental for math than it […]

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Teaching On The Go

June 4th, 2019

Keep Their Minds Active This summer and all year long – work with your child to keep her mind active.  Here are five easy ways to ensure that your child doesn’t lose any ground this summer – even if you are traveling with your family. 5 Tips for Teaching on the Go Institute a 30-minute […]

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Getting My Child to Focus

May 15th, 2019

Distracted Cycle It seems there’s always so much to do, and with so much stimuli around us in our multi-tasking mentality, it seems we are constantly distracted. It’s getting harder and harder to focus on anything for any substantial amount of time. Focus for Preschoolers Kathleen Kannass, Ph.D., associate professor of developmental psychology at Loyola […]

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Do You Have a Stand-Out Child?

May 7th, 2019

Stand Out Child Have you seen this highly entertaining, super cute and laugh-out-loud funny television show called Little Big Shots? As the title proclaims, it’s about little kids with big talents, each one a stand out child.  It’s like a cross between America’s Got Talent mixed with a big helping of Kids Say the Darndest Things […]

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Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language on Cognitive Development

April 25th, 2019

It’s always refreshing to hear someone speak a foreign language. Whether it’s the mysteriousness of it or its unique pronunciation- speaking a foreign language truly unlocks another door into our diverse world. Learning a foreign language can be hard, especially at an older age. Human brains stop developing around the age of 25, so it’s […]

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What Should Your Private School-Bound Child Do This Summer?

April 23rd, 2019

Today we welcome Emily Glickman, President of Abacus Guide Educational Consulting, one of NYC’s longest-practicing educational consultants, as she shares her summer tips for your private school-bound child. Here’s Emily… I meet with families in NYC and Westchester, NY who are seeking admission for their children to top private schools. Often, my clients ask me what their children […]

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Rainy Day Ideas for Kids — Fun and Fitness

April 5th, 2019

Kids’ Fun and Fitness Everyday–No Matter What the Weather Brings! We make kids’ fun and fitness a priority in our homes, because we know the pay-off…good endorphins, alertness in the classroom and healthy, happy kids! So today, here are some great ideas for indoor activity that will bring great fitness. The American Heart Association recommends […]

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Hands-on Learning

March 28th, 2019

My Personal Experience of Hands-on Learning A while back, I had to suck it up and finally start wearing reading glasses – it was a big step into aging that I wasn’t ready to take.  I had posited for years that I’d never experienced any eye problems when I read, so how could that magically happen […]

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A Challenge for Your Gifted Student

March 25th, 2019

Do you have a gifted student? Challenge your gifted student by setting the goal higher than his reach. Encourage him to ask questions and to find his tribe, where he will grow. This is where parenting becomes advocating.  And we can show you how to do that.  Here’s a story from one of our members. […]

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Stress Management for Kids

February 25th, 2019

Today, we welcome back guest blogger Archana Gupta, who is sharing some important tips on helping your child with stress management. In today’s age of cut-throat competition, we are all tired, stressed and exhausted. As we are being overworked and over-scheduled, so are are our kids. So it is important to take stock and begin […]

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Seven Habits of Highly Effective Readers

February 8th, 2019

7 Habits of Highly Effective Readers 1. Effective readers have adaptable reading strategies that match different reading tasks. The demands of the reading process change depending upon the type of reading you do. You can breeze through the stories and articles that are fun, compelling and full of all the interesting things that you love! […]

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New Year, New Habits for Success

January 3rd, 2019

Do you find that you have good intentions to help get your children ready for the next test, but you lack organization and efficiency in your home and schedule? I totally understand! I struggle, too. That is why I love creating new habits for success in a brand, new year! What time is better than […]

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