v 1 issue 3: Summer School

Summer School

This issue, summer school gets cool. Help your kids jump to the head of the class with these fun and fabulous finds. It's education and entertainment wrapped in one great issue...enjoy!

Cover by Jenifer Samaha





summer school reviews


1. Learn the basics of electronics in a snap with a Snap Circuit Kit. Kids can build over 300 projects including AM radios, burglar alarms, flashlights, doorbells, and more. Take charge of summer learning at the Learning Shop!

2. The Impressionist Art Game made an impression on us...and everyone else, winning 6 major awards of excellence! Using two kid-friendly games- Go Fish and Concentration- Impressionist Art teaches strategy, improves memory and fosters art appreciation. Hopefully the picture we painted of educational fun convinces you to visit Bird Cage Press!

3. Let squint open your eyes to creative side of learning. Squint Junior is design for ages 8 and up, though we thinks it offers fun for all ages. Visit Out of the Box for your box of fun.

4. Pop is good for you if it's Pop Bottle Science. Kids can design a volcano and watch it erupt, create a tornado-maker and see how twisters work or turn the bottle into a barometer, a thermometer, walkie-talkie, trombone, and more. Pop on into Fat Brain Toys for a fun spin on science!

5. Oh the things you will learn with the Learning Calendar! This award winning calendar features 365 historical events on the day they actually happened, educational activities and trivia, and great graphics that bring the events to life. Make a date to visit Fat Brain and let the learning begin!

6. For the love of words, check out Quiddler! Designed for beginning readers and accomplished word game players alike, Quiddler is word game the whole family can play. Fun with words at Educational Learning Games.


mom tips
Cleaning Tip:So those back-to-school supplies ended up on those back-to-school clothes? Or maybe the walls? Well, our readers recommend you try this:

1. For ink stains, rub an electrasol 2-in-1 tab on the spot.
2. For crayon on floors, furniture, or walls, try a Mr. Clean Eraser.
3. For glue goo where it shouldn't be, try simply cleaning with warm water, or for tougher spots, try rubbing alcohol.

And of course, before you try any of these tips, please spot test the item to be cleaned to test for color-fastness etc.

Greening Tip: Clean gets green, and we are completely impressed! We tested out Greening the Cleaning products, and found these completely non-toxic (yes, completely non-toxic) products to clean amazingly well. Developed by The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center, Greening the Cleaning uses environmentally responsible, natural or naturally-derived ingredients, and ingredients from renewable resources whenever possible. And, with a very competitive price tag ($4.95 for window and all-purpose cleaners, and $6.95 for laundry detergent), this is a greening option within everyone's price range.

Financial Tip: If you are worried about your credit score or identity theft, and have considered ordering a free copy of your credit report, remember this:

There is one and only one site authorized under federal law to give you a free annual copy of your report, and that is www.annualcreditreport.com.

Parenting Tip: With the school year fast approaching, its important your kids are getting plenty of rest. Having a good bedtime routine (and a reasonable bedtime hour!) is key. Experts recommend the following:

1. Have a set bedtime, and explain this to your child in such a way that the clock, not you, announces bedtime. For example, say to your child: "When the big hand is on the 7, it is time to get ready for bed."
2. Provide your child with a time warning, such as "20 minutes until bedtime". This allows them to better transition towards bedtime.
3. Encourage quiter activities prior to bedtime.
4. Establish and follow a bedtime routine. If you can, make reading with your child a part of this routine.
5. Do not hestitate to allow your child a nightlight, or calming music. Also, quiet play or reading after 'lights out' may help your child fall asleep; children aren't always tired or ready to fall asleep just because it is their established bedtime.
6. Follow these guidelines everynight.

Courtesy of Growing Child, www.growingchild.com, all rights reserved.

Gearing Up for Back-to-School
The school year is almost here, try these tips to help your kids get back in gear...

Kids are often anxious about returning to school, and one of the most important things you can do as a parent is be positive about the upcoming year.

1. Talk about your child's new teacher, school and classes in a positive and exciting way.
2. Make shopping for back-to-school supplies something you do together, and something you have fun with.
3. Remind your child of their accomplishments from the year before.
4. Begin developing your child's school year schedule, and involve them in the process. Set aside time for homework, play and school activities. Help them see that though they have additional and important responsibilities during the school year, a schedule ensures that they also have plenty of playtime to enjoy.
5. Help your child get organized. Being organized will save your child time, and reduce their stress. Simple ideas such as labeling your child's belongings, posting a family schedule, and assigning bins for school related items will help your child stay organized.
6. Talk to your child about school related safety. Simple things such as knowing your work or cell phone number, knowing what to do if they miss the bus and having a plan for days when you are running late will help your child feel capable and safe.
7. Continue to be positive once the school year starts. Make discussing your child's day an important part of your family's dinner conversation, assist your child with homework so that they don't become frustrated with their studies, recognize your child's accomplishments, and whenever possible, get involved at your child's school.