Elementary School
Free PrintablesGet Our FREE Independent Classroom Kit to Encourage Resilient, Self-Sufficient Students
Creating a classroom full of independent doers and thinkers is one of the single best practices teachers can do to have a successful school year. …
Parenting5 Edible Science Experiments for Great Hands-On Learning
Some days you don't have to decide between doing a science experiment and making a snack—you can do both at the same time! My kids …
ParentingMake Your Own Cardboard TV—All You Need Is a Box
It's easy to make a cardboard TV. All you need is an empty box and a few other supplies. This is a great project for kids to make their own fun.
Free Printables20 Fun Backyard Games on Free Printable Cards
These fun backyard games are available as printable cards. They are some of the most classic childhood games that all kids should learn how to play.
Parenting20 of the Best Backyard Games for Kids and How to Play Them
Once upon a time, backyard games for kids were everywhere. Kids roamed their neighborhoods throughout the day and joined up to play all sorts of …
ParentingHow to Teach Kids to Solve Their Own Problems
I learned to solve my own problems by attending the School of Hard Knocks. At least that’s what my mom called it. Growing up, I …
Education & SchoolsParentingWhy Teachers Want Your Kids to Fail
As the seniors I teach wrap up their final year of high school, I have one hope for them above all others: I hope they …
Education & Schools100+ Best Independent Learning Resources for Kids
Are your kids always eager to explore something new? If so, these are the independent learning resources they need! Many are free, though some charge …
Education & SchoolsWhy Hands-Off Learning Is a Huge Opportunity for Kids
My kids are used to roaming the nearby streets. They are used to finding friends and wildly running through the common spaces of our neighborhood. …
Free Printables12 Thank You Notes for Teachers That Really Capture Real Life Right Now
For many, it's been a struggle. Kids learning at home and parents trying to work at home is not an easy combination. Thankfully, teachers are …
Education & SchoolsThe Cancellation of Standardized Testing Is a Huge Win for Teachers and Students Across the US
With the canceling of standardized testing, teachers, parents, and students across America are thrilled. Learn why this is such good news.
Education & SchoolsShould We Still Be Teaching Kids How to Read and Use Maps?
The other day I was on a work trip in Los Angeles and had to traverse four different interstates, take 10 back roads, and skirt …
Education & SchoolsBehavior Charts Encourage Fear and Inequality in the Classroom, and It’s Time to Get Rid of Them
Behavior charts aren't doing our students any favors. It's time to get rid of them in classrooms and try a different approach.
Education & SchoolsOur Students Are Struggling with Social Media and Anxiety—and Adults Are the Ones to Blame
While teaching a lesson on stress the other day in class, I posed a question to my 7th graders: “Do you think you have more …
Parenting7 DIY Snow Experiments Kids Can Do on Their Own
Looking for DIY snow experiments? Get a recipe for making snow, try your hand at snow ice cream, and even learn how to make your own DIY snow globe.
Free PrintablesGet the Let Grow Kid Card to Celebrate Childhood Independence
Here at Let Grow, we are big supporters of kids exploring on their own. This is why we created the Let Grow Kid Card. This …
Education & SchoolsStudent-Led Conferences Should Be Available at All Schools
Student-led conferences can be a powerful way to get kids involved with their own school experience. Here's how to make them work at your school.
Education & SchoolsP.E. Class Needs Less Structure and More Free Play
P.E. class doesn't have to be regimented and structured. Learn how this P.E. teacher used free play to transform his classes.
Education & SchoolsTeachers Are Quitting, Students Are Crying, and Parents Are Frustrated—Welcome to Kindergarten
Kindergarten teachers are seeing the joy of kindergarten being zapped by standards-based curriculum that doesn't include free play. Let's fight back.
Education & SchoolsSchool Recess Keeps Shrinking, and Our Kids Deserve Better
Learn about LiiNK, the school recess program that is reshaping the way some schools view recess and unstructured play for the better.
Education & SchoolsIt’s Not Enough to Teach Kids How to Be Independent If We Don’t Let Them Put it into Practice
Yes, we can teach our kids how to be independent. But then we have to actually step back and let them put it into practice.
ParentingDear Parents Everywhere, It’s Okay to Let Your Kids Be Bored
As adults who were formerly children, we know the magic of childhood lies in its minimal responsibilities and abundance of free time. No doubt our …
Parenting I Want to Let My Son Walk to School with Friends, But There’s a Problem
What do you do when you want to let your child walk to school with their friends, but another mom keeps following them? See what this mom did.
Education & SchoolsMovement Breaks Should Not Be a Substitute for Recess
This mom has seen recess shrink at her son's school, and she believes movements breaks should never be a substitution for recess.
NewsA Kid By Himself at the Store: Is that Good? Bad?
"Where is that kid's mother?" That's what the staff at the Village Market in Wilton, CT, wanted to know when a child came in, alone, …
Education & Schools250+ Fun Activities For Kids To Do Instead of Homework
I'm an elementary school teacher in Southern California. For 25 years, I have to admit that I was staunchly pro-homework, until one day I had …
Education & SchoolsA Let Grow Project Success Story: Patchogue-Medford Schools
Michael Hynes, superintendent of Patchogue-Medford Schools in Long Island, believes in the Let Grow Project. All seven elementary schools in his district participate, with incredible …
Education & SchoolsWhy A No Rules Recess Might Be Just What Your School Needs
A New Zealand school made headlines a few years back when it introduced a No Rules Recess policy. They did away with all the don'ts …
Education & SchoolsProfessors Reveal Secret to Succeeding at Harvard
Erika and Nicholas Christakis have noticed a troubling trend: students don't know how to play anymore. As they noted in an article for CNN, they …
ParentingWhen Did We Stop Letting Kids Walk to School On Their Own?
Ask today's grandparents how they got to school, and nearly all of them will tell you, "I walked." But by the time current parents were …
Get Our FREE Independent Classroom Kit to Encourage Resilient, Self-Sufficient Students
Creating a classroom full of independent doers and thinkers is one of the single best practices teachers can do to have a successful school year. …
5 Edible Science Experiments for Great Hands-On Learning
Some days you don't have to decide between doing a science experiment and making a snack—you can do both at the same time! My kids …
Make Your Own Cardboard TV—All You Need Is a Box
It's easy to make a cardboard TV. All you need is an empty box and a few other supplies. This is a great project for kids to make their own fun.
20 Fun Backyard Games on Free Printable Cards
These fun backyard games are available as printable cards. They are some of the most classic childhood games that all kids should learn how to play.
20 of the Best Backyard Games for Kids and How to Play Them
Once upon a time, backyard games for kids were everywhere. Kids roamed their neighborhoods throughout the day and joined up to play all sorts of …
How to Teach Kids to Solve Their Own Problems
I learned to solve my own problems by attending the School of Hard Knocks. At least that’s what my mom called it. Growing up, I …
Why Teachers Want Your Kids to Fail
As the seniors I teach wrap up their final year of high school, I have one hope for them above all others: I hope they …
100+ Best Independent Learning Resources for Kids
Are your kids always eager to explore something new? If so, these are the independent learning resources they need! Many are free, though some charge …
Why Hands-Off Learning Is a Huge Opportunity for Kids
My kids are used to roaming the nearby streets. They are used to finding friends and wildly running through the common spaces of our neighborhood. …
12 Thank You Notes for Teachers That Really Capture Real Life Right Now
For many, it's been a struggle. Kids learning at home and parents trying to work at home is not an easy combination. Thankfully, teachers are …
The Cancellation of Standardized Testing Is a Huge Win for Teachers and Students Across the US
With the canceling of standardized testing, teachers, parents, and students across America are thrilled. Learn why this is such good news.
Should We Still Be Teaching Kids How to Read and Use Maps?
The other day I was on a work trip in Los Angeles and had to traverse four different interstates, take 10 back roads, and skirt …
Behavior Charts Encourage Fear and Inequality in the Classroom, and It’s Time to Get Rid of Them
Behavior charts aren't doing our students any favors. It's time to get rid of them in classrooms and try a different approach.
Our Students Are Struggling with Social Media and Anxiety—and Adults Are the Ones to Blame
While teaching a lesson on stress the other day in class, I posed a question to my 7th graders: “Do you think you have more …
7 DIY Snow Experiments Kids Can Do on Their Own
Looking for DIY snow experiments? Get a recipe for making snow, try your hand at snow ice cream, and even learn how to make your own DIY snow globe.
Get the Let Grow Kid Card to Celebrate Childhood Independence
Here at Let Grow, we are big supporters of kids exploring on their own. This is why we created the Let Grow Kid Card. This …
Student-Led Conferences Should Be Available at All Schools
Student-led conferences can be a powerful way to get kids involved with their own school experience. Here's how to make them work at your school.
P.E. Class Needs Less Structure and More Free Play
P.E. class doesn't have to be regimented and structured. Learn how this P.E. teacher used free play to transform his classes.
Teachers Are Quitting, Students Are Crying, and Parents Are Frustrated—Welcome to Kindergarten
Kindergarten teachers are seeing the joy of kindergarten being zapped by standards-based curriculum that doesn't include free play. Let's fight back.
School Recess Keeps Shrinking, and Our Kids Deserve Better
Learn about LiiNK, the school recess program that is reshaping the way some schools view recess and unstructured play for the better.
It’s Not Enough to Teach Kids How to Be Independent If We Don’t Let Them Put it into Practice
Yes, we can teach our kids how to be independent. But then we have to actually step back and let them put it into practice.
Dear Parents Everywhere, It’s Okay to Let Your Kids Be Bored
As adults who were formerly children, we know the magic of childhood lies in its minimal responsibilities and abundance of free time. No doubt our …
I Want to Let My Son Walk to School with Friends, But There’s a Problem
What do you do when you want to let your child walk to school with their friends, but another mom keeps following them? See what this mom did.
Movement Breaks Should Not Be a Substitute for Recess
This mom has seen recess shrink at her son's school, and she believes movements breaks should never be a substitution for recess.
A Kid By Himself at the Store: Is that Good? Bad?
"Where is that kid's mother?" That's what the staff at the Village Market in Wilton, CT, wanted to know when a child came in, alone, …
250+ Fun Activities For Kids To Do Instead of Homework
I'm an elementary school teacher in Southern California. For 25 years, I have to admit that I was staunchly pro-homework, until one day I had …
A Let Grow Project Success Story: Patchogue-Medford Schools
Michael Hynes, superintendent of Patchogue-Medford Schools in Long Island, believes in the Let Grow Project. All seven elementary schools in his district participate, with incredible …
Why A No Rules Recess Might Be Just What Your School Needs
A New Zealand school made headlines a few years back when it introduced a No Rules Recess policy. They did away with all the don'ts …
Professors Reveal Secret to Succeeding at Harvard
Erika and Nicholas Christakis have noticed a troubling trend: students don't know how to play anymore. As they noted in an article for CNN, they …
When Did We Stop Letting Kids Walk to School On Their Own?
Ask today's grandparents how they got to school, and nearly all of them will tell you, "I walked." But by the time current parents were …