Hands-On Learning
Parenting7 Leaf Project Ideas and Experiments to Try This Fall
It's peak leaf season right now, so it's the perfect time for kids to head outside and gather the prettiest and most colorful leaves they …
Education & SchoolsTeachers Everywhere Have a Message for Parents: Stop Doing Your Kid’s Homework
This teacher and dad explains why it's such a bad idea for parents to do their kid's homework. Learn why he says it can have a negative impact long-term.
ParentingWhy Sharing an Office with Your Kids is Awesome and Awful at the Same Time
A while back, I had a coworker who constantly clipped his fingernails in the cubicle next to mine. I don’t work in one of those …
Education & SchoolsParentingI’m Failing Forward As a Parent and Teacher, and I’m Okay with That
I was a straight-A student. I was the girl who always did my homework, always broke the curve, always went above and beyond. As my …
Education & SchoolsParenting21 Things Teachers Really Want You to Stop Doing for Your Kids
The day our children are born is quite possibly one of the happiest days of our lives. We vow to protect them and keep them …
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 …
Free PrintablesThis Adulting Chart Will Help Teens Get Ready for the Real World
This adulting chart is perfect for teens who are about to be on their own. Give your teen a list of things they should learn how to do.
Parenting20 Basic Life Skills Your Teenager Should Have
Your teen is an adult now, but how are their life skills for adults? Take a look at some of the things your teen should know how to do on their own.
ParentingThis Kid-Friendly Project Will Teach You How to Grow Air Plants
When you learn how to grow air plants with this easy project, you'll see that it's an easy gardening project for adults and 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.
ParentingDIY Bird Feeders Kids Can Make on Their Own
Check out these DIY bird feeders that kids can make entirely on their own. The projects only need a few supplies each. Then add seed!
ParentingLearning How to Tie-Dye Proved to Be a Great Life Lesson
Learning how to tie dye has truly withstood the test of time. This DIY project is great for kids of all ages and is a great lesson in patience and failure.
ParentingThis DIY Fairy Garden Is the Perfect Gardening Project for Kids
This DIY fairy garden is easy for kids to do on their own. You just need a birdbath, plants, and DIY fairy furniture you make out of sticks.
Get IndependentWhat Is Unstructured Play, and How Does It Look?
The best parenting advice I ever received came from a mom whose son went to toddler music class with mine. She had tried to replace …
ParentingMy 4 Year Old is on a Hiking Challenge, and She’s Learning So Much from the Great Outdoors
Abby has been hiking since 18 months, and she'll soon hit 500 miles. See how this hiking challenge has brought her confidence and independence.
ParentingBug Hotels, Toad Houses, and Other Backyard Wildlife Habitats Kids Can Create
If you and your family love the great outdoors, or if you're looking for ways to get your kids interested in the flora and fauna …
Education & SchoolsThis 6-Year-Old Will Show You How to Make Stop Motion Videos
Imaginary play is awesome. And stop-motion animation can take this kind of world-building activity to the next level. How do I know? Our six-year-old son, …
ParentingDon’t Be Afraid of Silica Gel Packs—You Can Do Cool Things with Them!
It seems like those little silica gel packets come with just about everything you buy these days: medications, electronics, clothing, and more. They always have …
ParentingMake Your Own DIY Photo Display Using Rocks
This DIY photo display is easy to make and only requires rocks, paint, and wire. Kids can make these on their own, and the displays make great gifts.
ParentingFlour, the Shelter-in-Place Unsung Hero
I am not much of a baker. I have a signature one-bowl chocolate cake recipe that tolerates unsifted flour and a generous dose of extra …
Parenting5 Really Fun Games Kids Can Play with a Penny
Short on cash but looking for new games kids will love? Dig out the penny jar, because these penny games are just what you need! …
Free PrintablesCreate Your Own Science Experiment with Our Free Paper Airplane Printable
Paper airplanes are filled with hands-on learning opportunities. They make great science experiments for kids as they figure out the best way to construct a …
ParentingGrowing a Victory Garden Might Be Just the Thing Your Family Needs This Spring
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” This famous quote by Audrey Hepburn is resonating with people around the world right now. While …
ParentingRyan Hickman Has a Message for Kids Everywhere: You Can Make a Difference
When Ryan Hickman was 3 years old, his dad took him to the local recycling center. They live in California, which offers incentives for turning …
ParentingLoose Parts Play Will Change the Way Your Kids Spend Their Free Time
Learn the value of loose parts play when you just let your kids go and figure it out on their own. All they need in a few parts to get started.
Parenting12 Amazing Things Kids Can Do with Sticks
If you've ever gone on a nature walk with a kid, you know that they love to pick up stuff along the way. In fact, …
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 …
Free PrintablesMake Your Own Neighborhood Map with Our FREE Printables
You can make a neighborhood map with these free templates from Let Grow. These pages include a worksheet, a blank map, and a map with a grid.
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 …
ParentingLearn How to Make Beeswax Food Wraps
Learn how to make beeswax wraps using just a few supplies. This is a great project kids can do on their own, and it's a good way to save on using plastic.
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.
ParentingDon’t Make Your Kid Go to College
Alternatives to college shouldn't be seen as a negative. By giving teens choices, they're much more likely to be happy, successful adults.
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.
ParentingRoman’s Cooking Corner Is the Little Bit of Messy We All Need
Roman's Cooking Corner shows the magic that can happen when you let kids be kids. This toddler reminds us that messy can be a good thing.
Free PrintablesEncourage a #LetThem Approach in Your Home and Classroom with This Free Poster
We want to encourage independence in kids with this free #LetThem printable poster. Get it for free for your home or classroom.
ParentingYou Can Have Cake in 2 Minutes with This Mug Cake Recipe
You'll have instant access to cake with this mug cake recipe. Kids cake make this recipe completely on their own, and it came from 9-year-old, Lauren.
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 & 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.
ParentingIndependence Should Be Part of Special Needs Parenting
Learn how to encourage independence and give kids more freedom in special needs parenting.
ParentingPublic Spaces Offer Great Teachable Moments, So Let’s Get Kids Off the Screens
Build soft skills and find great teachable moments when you're in public with your little one. Here are seven great scenarios.
ParentingInstead of Teaching Kids Soccer, Just Let Them Play
Youth soccer is one of the biggest activities in America, and yet in recent years, participation numbers have been dropping. The New York Times notes …
7 Leaf Project Ideas and Experiments to Try This Fall
It's peak leaf season right now, so it's the perfect time for kids to head outside and gather the prettiest and most colorful leaves they …
Teachers Everywhere Have a Message for Parents: Stop Doing Your Kid’s Homework
This teacher and dad explains why it's such a bad idea for parents to do their kid's homework. Learn why he says it can have a negative impact long-term.
Why Sharing an Office with Your Kids is Awesome and Awful at the Same Time
A while back, I had a coworker who constantly clipped his fingernails in the cubicle next to mine. I don’t work in one of those …
I’m Failing Forward As a Parent and Teacher, and I’m Okay with That
I was a straight-A student. I was the girl who always did my homework, always broke the curve, always went above and beyond. As my …
21 Things Teachers Really Want You to Stop Doing for Your Kids
The day our children are born is quite possibly one of the happiest days of our lives. We vow to protect them and keep them …
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 …
This Adulting Chart Will Help Teens Get Ready for the Real World
This adulting chart is perfect for teens who are about to be on their own. Give your teen a list of things they should learn how to do.
20 Basic Life Skills Your Teenager Should Have
Your teen is an adult now, but how are their life skills for adults? Take a look at some of the things your teen should know how to do on their own.
This Kid-Friendly Project Will Teach You How to Grow Air Plants
When you learn how to grow air plants with this easy project, you'll see that it's an easy gardening project for adults and 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.
DIY Bird Feeders Kids Can Make on Their Own
Check out these DIY bird feeders that kids can make entirely on their own. The projects only need a few supplies each. Then add seed!
Learning How to Tie-Dye Proved to Be a Great Life Lesson
Learning how to tie dye has truly withstood the test of time. This DIY project is great for kids of all ages and is a great lesson in patience and failure.
This DIY Fairy Garden Is the Perfect Gardening Project for Kids
This DIY fairy garden is easy for kids to do on their own. You just need a birdbath, plants, and DIY fairy furniture you make out of sticks.
What Is Unstructured Play, and How Does It Look?
The best parenting advice I ever received came from a mom whose son went to toddler music class with mine. She had tried to replace …
My 4 Year Old is on a Hiking Challenge, and She’s Learning So Much from the Great Outdoors
Abby has been hiking since 18 months, and she'll soon hit 500 miles. See how this hiking challenge has brought her confidence and independence.
Bug Hotels, Toad Houses, and Other Backyard Wildlife Habitats Kids Can Create
If you and your family love the great outdoors, or if you're looking for ways to get your kids interested in the flora and fauna …
This 6-Year-Old Will Show You How to Make Stop Motion Videos
Imaginary play is awesome. And stop-motion animation can take this kind of world-building activity to the next level. How do I know? Our six-year-old son, …
Don’t Be Afraid of Silica Gel Packs—You Can Do Cool Things with Them!
It seems like those little silica gel packets come with just about everything you buy these days: medications, electronics, clothing, and more. They always have …
Make Your Own DIY Photo Display Using Rocks
This DIY photo display is easy to make and only requires rocks, paint, and wire. Kids can make these on their own, and the displays make great gifts.
Flour, the Shelter-in-Place Unsung Hero
I am not much of a baker. I have a signature one-bowl chocolate cake recipe that tolerates unsifted flour and a generous dose of extra …
5 Really Fun Games Kids Can Play with a Penny
Short on cash but looking for new games kids will love? Dig out the penny jar, because these penny games are just what you need! …
Create Your Own Science Experiment with Our Free Paper Airplane Printable
Paper airplanes are filled with hands-on learning opportunities. They make great science experiments for kids as they figure out the best way to construct a …
Growing a Victory Garden Might Be Just the Thing Your Family Needs This Spring
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” This famous quote by Audrey Hepburn is resonating with people around the world right now. While …
Ryan Hickman Has a Message for Kids Everywhere: You Can Make a Difference
When Ryan Hickman was 3 years old, his dad took him to the local recycling center. They live in California, which offers incentives for turning …
Loose Parts Play Will Change the Way Your Kids Spend Their Free Time
Learn the value of loose parts play when you just let your kids go and figure it out on their own. All they need in a few parts to get started.
12 Amazing Things Kids Can Do with Sticks
If you've ever gone on a nature walk with a kid, you know that they love to pick up stuff along the way. In fact, …
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 …
Make Your Own Neighborhood Map with Our FREE Printables
You can make a neighborhood map with these free templates from Let Grow. These pages include a worksheet, a blank map, and a map with a grid.
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 …
Learn How to Make Beeswax Food Wraps
Learn how to make beeswax wraps using just a few supplies. This is a great project kids can do on their own, and it's a good way to save on using plastic.
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.
Don’t Make Your Kid Go to College
Alternatives to college shouldn't be seen as a negative. By giving teens choices, they're much more likely to be happy, successful adults.
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.
Roman’s Cooking Corner Is the Little Bit of Messy We All Need
Roman's Cooking Corner shows the magic that can happen when you let kids be kids. This toddler reminds us that messy can be a good thing.
Encourage a #LetThem Approach in Your Home and Classroom with This Free Poster
We want to encourage independence in kids with this free #LetThem printable poster. Get it for free for your home or classroom.
You Can Have Cake in 2 Minutes with This Mug Cake Recipe
You'll have instant access to cake with this mug cake recipe. Kids cake make this recipe completely on their own, and it came from 9-year-old, Lauren.
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.
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.
Independence Should Be Part of Special Needs Parenting
Learn how to encourage independence and give kids more freedom in special needs parenting.
Public Spaces Offer Great Teachable Moments, So Let’s Get Kids Off the Screens
Build soft skills and find great teachable moments when you're in public with your little one. Here are seven great scenarios.
Instead of Teaching Kids Soccer, Just Let Them Play
Youth soccer is one of the biggest activities in America, and yet in recent years, participation numbers have been dropping. The New York Times notes …