Smart First Graders Blog
Dec 05, 2012
Practical and Useful Information
What a wonderful site. It has so much useful information for parents, grandparents, teachers, tutors, caregivers . . . and kids. The information on child
Sep 25, 2012
Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class
After reading this book about one teacher's solution to all the bickering among the students in her class, my kids have become more aware of the times
Sep 20, 2012
Elephant and Piggie Books
Elephant and Piggie are the best! They are written by Mo Willems, who is known for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny--and E&P are just
Sep 20, 2012
Dinosaurs Love Underpants
My 3 and 6 year old crack up to this book everynight! They think it is so silly that dinos would wear underpants
Sep 20, 2012
Perfectionist Child
My daughter just finished first grade. It's been a rough year. She is so hard on herself when she doesn't live up to her own expectations. She played
May 25, 2012
Summer Fun Has (Almost) Begun!
School is ending, summer is here, and you are figuring out what your kids will be doing for those months.
You probably want to give your kids a well-deserved break, but you also don't want them to forget everything they've learned in school this year. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Play outside together. 2. Go on a scavenger hunt. 3. Visit important people you don't see very often. 4. Set a goal, and work toward it. 5. Do the thing your family never has time for. 6. Pour bubble solution in a flat dish, tie a giant loop in rope, and make giant bubbles.
Follow this link for more great summer ideas!
Apr 13, 2012
Managing Kid Conflicts
"Mom, she hit me!" "You tell your sister you're sorry!" Managing conflicts between kids is no easy task. Should you make them apologize? Should you let them work it out themselves? How do you help kids actually listen to each other? This article will show how to plan for conflict, how to resolve issues calmly, and how to help kids apologize and really mean it.
Apr 09, 2012
The Thrill of Discovery
My first grade nephew was thrilled as can be as he described this year's Easter egg hunt: "I filled up my basket, and then I filled up my pockets, and then I had to hold the rest in my arms--but I gave two to my sister!"
I was reminded that we can use this love of seeking and finding on more than this one day a year for really fun learning. Go on a hunt for hidden sight words, make a list of nature items to look for outside, or be a math detective! (Click the link for a fun first grade math scavenger hunt.) Happy seeking!
Mar 01, 2012
I Can't Believe I'm Doing This
First off, let me announce my big news: I have a book coming out! It's called "Miss Brain's Cool Math Games" (for kids in grades 1-2) and it's got a lot of really great gems.
The thing is, now that the fun part of writing it is done, all the not-fun parts such as proofing, distributing, setting up shopping carts, and such are hanging over me. And I am dragging my feet, because, well, that part is just not very exciting.
SO--to keep myself motivated, I'm sending my newsletter subscribers one free game each week from my book, starting March 5 until the day I get it published!
How's that for a kick in the pants? So I highly recommend signing up for my newsletter NOW; can't say when another opportunity like this will come along!
Thanks to QsySue for the use of her funky 70s photo.
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“ Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. ”
~Dr. Haim Ginott
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