By Kate Sundquist

Read Time: 5 minutes

What Is Unstructured Play?

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 the drumstick he was gnawing...
By Erica Higgs

Read Time: 3 minutes

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.
By Jill Staake

Read Time: 4 minutes

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 around them, it's time to...
By Linda

Read Time: 6 minutes

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, Arias Freund, has become a...
By Jill Staake

Read Time: 5 minutes

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 two instructions: DO NOT EAT...
By Sarah Vanderkooy

Read Time: 2 minutes

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.
By Mariko Zapf

Read Time: 4 minutes

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 cook time when the timer...
By Jill Staake

Read Time: 4 minutes

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! These are all easy enough...
By Stacy Tornio

Read Time: 5 minutes

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 most businesses are struggling, many...
By Jill Staake

Read Time: 4 minutes

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, you're likely to return with...
By Trevor

Read Time: 5 minutes

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 three traffic jams to get...
By Jodi Maurici

Read Time: 8 minutes

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 or less stress than your...