Posted in Uncategorized on May 20th, 2013
My kids are 6 and 9. We eat fast food too often, so this summer, I want to help them eat better. My goal is to have fewer fights over food and good lunchbox ideas for school. How can we make this a fun learning experience?
This is a perfect summer project, says Emily Ziedman, [...]
Posted in Motivating and Organizing Kids, Partner with Teachers, Uncategorized on May 14th, 2013
I didn’t realize how disorganized my fifth-grade son, Garth, was until his teacher told us about multiple uncompleted assignments he had. He enters middle school this fall. She’s urged us to work with him on getting his act together this summer, but how?
This teacher gets a “C” for flagging the problem (”better late than [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on May 6th, 2013
I teach in a district making budget cuts. We are trying to keep our middle school guidance counselor. She is really good, but never toots her own horn. Our school has 550 students! Can you help us make a case for her?
With that student-to-counselor ratio, members of your district should be doing everything they can [...]
Posted in Motivating and Organizing Kids, Uncategorized on Apr 15th, 2013
My son is failing ninth grade. For years, I’ve reminded him to do his homework, and then checked with his teachers. When I back off, he slacks off. His teachers say he can still pass if he shows effort. He admits he’s lazy. I’ve grounded him and removed digital devices, but it’s always the same [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Dec 17th, 2012
I heard an interview with an author who says character is more important than IQ in school success. I have zero time to read but I like his idea. Are there character-building tips that will work with one bratty teen?
Chances are you heard author, Paul Tough, whose new book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Nov 19th, 2012
Our 12-year-old daughter’s friends say their parents let them lie about their age to get Facebook accounts. We don’t think our daughter is mature enough for Facebook. Are there places online where kids can share their lives and interests with friends?
Although Facebook’s privacy policy requires all members to be 13, a June 2012 Consumer Reports [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Oct 29th, 2012
My middle-schooler has a lot of YouTube videos as homework. He says it’s because the school has “flipped instruction.” Can you please explain what this is?
Flipped instruction is a new teaching strategy. Traditionally, teachers present new material during class time and assign students homework and group projects to do on their own.
But flipped instruction switches [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Oct 15th, 2012
My daughter just entered a “cliquey” suburban high school, and she’s having a hard time fitting in. She came from a small K-8 school where she was popular and everyone was “family.” Do you have any suggestions on how she can make the adjustment to her new school?
Transitions often present challenges for young people — [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Dec 7th, 2009
I’ve been toy shopping for kids ages 3 to 14 and am discouraged by the poor quality and lack of educational value in what I’ve seen. With money tight, I’d like to invest in toys they’ll love and learn from. Any reliable resources to help me choose?
Even Santa checks these sites before loading the sleigh.
Common [...]