education Archives

Reading Together Matters

Reading has almost fallen out of style. Because of entertainment streaming services like Hulu or Netflix, more kids open up screens than books. However, the benefits of opening up a book will never disappear. That is why child development theorists call it one of the most significant activities for your child’s future success.

Reading is necessary for your child’s development

Parents know that a huge part of a baby’s development happens in the first 5 years of their life, but this doesn’t end at age 5. Whether your kid is 2 or 11, reading increases literacy and comprehension skills. It also adds to the number of words in their vocabulary. It can even strengthen their social skills. Not to mention doing the activity together helps to build bonds within the family!

Get creative!

There are ways to make reading as a family fun and engaging. Try creating special “book nooks” around the house specifically for opening up books. You can also have your kids come up with their own endings to their favorite stories to test their creative skills and imagination. You can even add family karaoke nights to your week, turning reading into a fun and musical event. The possibilities of reading together are endless, as are the benefits for your child’s learning.

Black History Month: How To Explain It To Your Little Ones

Black History Month is here! But what exactly is this month and how do you explain it to your kids? Thanks to Carter G. Woodson Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate African-American people. We put together a few tips for you to keep in mind while teaching your young ones about the importance of this month.

Start with the idea of fairness

All children understand the idea of unfairness, which makes it a great place to start when explaining the difficult parts of history. You can explain how African-Americans were treated unfairly for hundreds of years and fought for over a century to be treated like everyone else. As your children get older, you can explain to them the history in more detail.

Talk about the positives!

Remember–Black History is more than just hardship! Talk about the amazing contributions they have made to society as a whole. A great place to start is to teach your kids about the impact of Black music, Black scientists and inventors, activists, and any other important cultural contributions. There are a ton!

Don’t forget to mention the present

Remind your kids that the fight is not yet over and that inequality still exists. History is still being made every day, and by learning about Black History they are contributing to the fight for freedom and equality for all!

It’s never too young to teach your kid to celebrate differences and to have respect for different backgrounds. And it’s also never too late to teach yourself more. After all, Black History is American History and is something we should all know and appreciate.

Girls Run The World!

It is Women’s History Month, and women and girls are still making history as we speak. Instead of focusing on accomplishments of women in the past we wanted to switch it up. Here are the girls who are changing our present and our future.

Mari Copeny aka Miss Flint

Mari is the definition of a child activist. She has been fighting for clean, lead-free water in Flint, Michigan since she was 8. Her work has caused people around the United States to address racial inequalities of water quality.

Greta Thunberg

One of the more well-known young women activists, Greta Thunberg is a Swedish 17-year-old girl who has been extremely outspoken about climate change. She has been invited to speak at the UN and other large political events.

Emma Gonzales

After surviving a school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, Emma Gonzales and other students from the school led one of the largest gun-control protests the country has seen. In addition, she gave one of the most memorable speeches about gun violence at the March For Our Lives protest.

Malala Yousafzai

Another household name, Malala Yousafzai began her fight for female education around the globe. Her bravery reached new levels when she faced a horrible attack for her activism, but continued to advocate for the cause. She also started the Malala Fund, which helps girls around the world fund their education.

Khloe Thompson

Homelessness was something that concerned 11-year-old Khloe Thompson when she decided to found Khloe Kares, a foundation that provides care packages to shelters and homeless individuals around the nation. The foundation has dispersed 1000s of care packages to date.

These are only a few of the young girls who are helping to make our planet a safer and more equal place. It is no shocker that these women are so young and making such a huge impact because who runs the world? Girls!

Women-Made Inventions For Everyone

Women have added a lot to our society. From science to medicine women have put in work. During this Women’s History Month, let’s look at some of the best inventions made by women:

1. Car Heater: Margaret Wilcox

Margaret Wilcox invented central car heating in 1893. As a result we can stay cozy in our vehicles.

2. Fire Escape: Anna Connelly

Anna Connelly invented the fire escape in 1887, saving many lives. Because of her living in apartments has been much safer.

3. Laser Cataract Surgery: Patricia Bath

Patricia Bath finished her laser cataract patent in 1986. Due to her invention thousands of people can still see.

4. Computer Algorithm: Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace wrote the first “computer” program in the 1840s. Her work helps computer scientists write programs till this day.

5. Circular Saw: Tabitha Babbitt

Tabitha Babbitt is known for inventing the circle saw. During the year 1813 everyone praised her for inventing the convenient tool.

6. Dishwasher: Josephine Cochrane

Josephine Cochrane invented the dishwasher in 1886. Since then chores have been way easier.

7. Medical Syringe: Letitia Geer

Letitia Geer invented medical syringes that were clean and easy to use in 1899. Due to her invention hospitals are much safer.

8. Bulletproof Vests: Stephanie Kwolek

Stephanie Kwolek discovered Kevlar fabric in 1965. Because of her discoveries we have bulletproof jackets and vests.

9. Windshield Wiper: Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper In 1903. As a result all cars use her invention.

Without women in science, our lives would be much less safe, convenient, and enjoyable.

education

Reading Together Matters