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Seven Reasons Why You’re Going to Be AWESOME This Year and Seven Sweet Ideas, to Boot!We’re the first to admit, this school year may be a little bit crazy. No matter your school’s current scenario, things are definitely not status quo. But teachers, you’ve got this! Here are three reasons why you’re going to ROCK this school year, from us, your biggest fans!First, you’re fab on the fly. What you teach may be mandated, but how you teach it has always been up to you! You’re flexible, you try different approaches with different students, and you turn on a dime when something’s not working. Second, you’re cool with collab. You’re used to collaborating with your colleagues, bouncing crazy ideas off each other, and sharing resources. And you’ll be there for each other now, too, to test each other’s online platform sign-in processes, do trial runs of video calls, troubleshoot technology issues, and share the awesome TED Talks, Khan Academy lessons, free downloadable EI worksheets, and funny teaching memes you find. And third, you bring the fun! From putting their packs on the right pegs to lining up for lunch, you’re used to making even the most mundane activities more fun – and we know you’ll keep finding awesome ideas to do just that ????Speaking of awesome ideas, we’re sharing a few of our own, meant to make your learning space, day, and overall outlook just a little bit brighter:1. Keep Things Quiet!If you’re teaching or learning from home, create a customized doorhanger to let the rest of your crew know that you are online. Cut your own door hanger out of sturdy cardboard, purchase a blank wood hanger at Michael’s and paint it yourself, or follow these easy instructions to transfer an inkjet page onto wood.Photo credit: FamilyShoppingBag.com2. Add Some Inspiration!Print a positive message each day and post it where your kids can see it. Or, if you’ve got great writing, write your words of encouragement on your whiteboard. Then read it aloud with your kids at the start of the day (and again the middle and end, if need be!). Find some great quotes to copy at Greeting Card Poet. Visit our blog for some super tips on building back-to-school confidence and print out our adorably awesome mini posters to help set the tone for an inspiring year!3. Stay Organized!If you’re working from a smaller space than usual, it’s especially important to have a place for everything and keep things organized. Our Small Space Place Pocket Chart is a great way to store your materials! You can also use it to plan and organize your week, revealing one pocket at a time to your students.4. Get to Know Each Other!Kids crave connections and teachers want to get to know their teachers, so host a virtual show and tell. Save a bit of time each week for kids to show off their pets while you share your prized coffee cup collection or whatever other wacky things you’ve got to get your kids giggling. Here are some ideas on how to get set-up!Photo caption: sarahchesworth.com5. Get Moving!A welcomed break from the computer screen, send your kids on a scavenger hunt! Have students find items from around the house as they relate to lessons. Teaching Science or STEM? Have them go find a real-world example of an inclined plane. Teaching math? See if they can snap a pic of a parabola. Check out these fantastic 22 Scavenger Hunt Ideas.6. Play Dress Up!Keep things light with a spirit week! Have the class dress up in a different theme each day – and you do it, too! Think crazy hair, Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks, and pajamas. Odds are, your online students won’t even have to change! Here are 4 serious benefits of playing dress up for child development.[caption id="attachment_6939" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo credit: mommyevolution.com[/caption]7. Bring in Reinforcements!You’re not in this alone. Use your parents and online resources to add some variety and keep your kids engaged. Host a reader’s workshop with parent guest readers or authors reading their own books online. Type “Children’s Book Authors” into YouTube and take your pick or click here for awesome options from PBS Kids. Join this read-along of "You Matter" with author Christian Robinson.This year is a huge ask, for sure. Teachers are going above and beyond what they ever imagined they’d be doing in the name of educating our kids and keeping them safe. There’s no one we trust more than you to do it – and we’re here for you! Find free resources, including ideas, experiments, printables, and downloads perfect for teachers and homeschooling parents alike, on EducationalInsights.com. You’ve got this!
Teachers (and Parents Helping from Home), You’ve Got This! Seven Reasons Why You’re Going to Be AWESOME This Year and Seven Sweet Ideas, to Boot!We’re the first to admit, this school year may be a little bit crazy. No matter your school’s current scenario, things are definitely not status quo. But teachers, you’ve got this! Here are three reasons why you’re going to ROCK this school year, from us, your biggest fans!First, you’re fab on the fly. What you teach may be mandated, but how you teach it has always been up to you! You’re flexible, you try different approaches with different students, and you turn on a dime when something’s not working. Second, you’re cool with collab. You’re used to collaborating with your colleagues, bouncing crazy ideas off each other, and sharing resources. And you’ll be there for each other now, too, to test each other’s online platform sign-in processes, do trial runs of video calls, troubleshoot technology issues, and share the awesome TED Talks, Khan Academy lessons, free downloadable EI worksheets, and funny teaching memes you find. And third, you bring the fun! From putting their packs on the right pegs to lining up for lunch, you’re used to making even the most mundane activities more fun – and we know you’ll keep finding awesome ideas to do just that ????Speaking of awesome ideas, we’re sharing a few of our own, meant to make your learning space, day, and overall outlook just a little bit brighter:1. Keep Things Quiet!If you’re teaching or learning from home, create a customized doorhanger to let the rest of your crew know that you are online. Cut your own door hanger out of sturdy cardboard, purchase a blank wood hanger at Michael’s and paint it yourself, or follow these easy instructions to transfer an inkjet page onto wood.Photo credit: FamilyShoppingBag.com2. Add Some Inspiration!Print a positive message each day and post it where your kids can see it. Or, if you’ve got great writing, write your words of encouragement on your whiteboard. Then read it aloud with your kids at the start of the day (and again the middle and end, if need be!). Find some great quotes to copy at Greeting Card Poet. Visit our blog for some super tips on building back-to-school confidence and print out our adorably awesome mini posters to help set the tone for an inspiring year!3. Stay Organized!If you’re working from a smaller space than usual, it’s especially important to have a place for everything and keep things organized. Our Small Space Place Pocket Chart is a great way to store your materials! You can also use it to plan and organize your week, revealing one pocket at a time to your students.4. Get to Know Each Other!Kids crave connections and teachers want to get to know their teachers, so host a virtual show and tell. Save a bit of time each week for kids to show off their pets while you share your prized coffee cup collection or whatever other wacky things you’ve got to get your kids giggling. Here are some ideas on how to get set-up!Photo caption: sarahchesworth.com5. Get Moving!A welcomed break from the computer screen, send your kids on a scavenger hunt! Have students find items from around the house as they relate to lessons. Teaching Science or STEM? Have them go find a real-world example of an inclined plane. Teaching math? See if they can snap a pic of a parabola. Check out these fantastic 22 Scavenger Hunt Ideas.6. Play Dress Up!Keep things light with a spirit week! Have the class dress up in a different theme each day – and you do it, too! Think crazy hair, Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks, and pajamas. Odds are, your online students won’t even have to change! Here are 4 serious benefits of playing dress up for child development.[caption id="attachment_6939" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo credit: mommyevolution.com[/caption]7. Bring in Reinforcements!You’re not in this alone. Use your parents and online resources to add some variety and keep your kids engaged. Host a reader’s workshop with parent guest readers or authors reading their own books online. Type “Children’s Book Authors” into YouTube and take your pick or click here for awesome options from PBS Kids. Join this read-along of "You Matter" with author Christian Robinson.This year is a huge ask, for sure. Teachers are going above and beyond what they ever imagined they’d be doing in the name of educating our kids and keeping them safe. There’s no one we trust more than you to do it – and we’re here for you! Find free resources, including ideas, experiments, printables, and downloads perfect for teachers and homeschooling parents alike, on EducationalInsights.com. You’ve got this!
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Over the last 15 years or so, STEM learning has weaved its way into the American curriculum, with STEM activities showing up in classes as early as preschool. But what IS STEM? And why is it so important?STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – areas that are growing by leaps and bounds as we become more and more reliant on technology. In fact, while there are millions of jobs in STEM fields around the world, employers are struggling to fill them because, until recently, these subjects were not emphasized in schools. Current thought holds that exposure to these subjects and opportunities to explore them through hands-on learning experiences will excite kids and inspire them to continue to study STEM subjects and then go on to pursue STEM-related careers.Teachers across the country have been working hard to infuse their daily lessons with STEM examples, ideas, conversations, activities, and experiments. And you can, too! The STEM experts at EI are sharing easy ways to introduce and reinforce STEM learning right now, at home![caption id="attachment_6537" align="alignnone" width="840"] GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope[/caption]S is for ScienceKids are naturally curious about science and there’s not a rug rat around who doesn’t love an awesome science experiment. Introducing your little ones to the amazing world of science is easy, with the GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope! Featuring extra-large, dual eyepieces and a chunky, kid-sized focusing knob, this sturdy microscope is perfect for preschoolers. Kids collect everyday objects, place them on the sample tray, turn on the LED light, and take a peek to see their object magnified up to 8x larger. They can examine everything from a postage stamp to a piece of pizza, gaining an understanding of the physical composition of different objects around them and getting invaluable, hands-on experience with a real, scientific tool! On sale NOW for $14.14 on Amazon Prime. Keep the science fun going with the FREE, downloadable science activities and Home’s Cool Videos on our website, like our beginning science activity cards and erupting apples experiment how-to video![caption id="attachment_6538" align="alignnone" width="840"] Artie 3000™ The Coding Robot[/caption]T is for TechnologyCoding is a key STEM skill and kids as young as 7 years old can get in on the fun, thanks to Artie 3000 the Coding Robot, the creative way to learn to code! Using a computer or tablet, and Artie’s on-board WiFi, kids follow easy instructions to create the code, then Artie draws whatever they’ve coded. Artie’s simple set up and pre-programmed designs are perfect for beginners; more advanced coders can create their own, custom code. From basic shapes to advanced drawings, words, even secret code, Artie grows with your child as their skills advance. Check out this amazing list of 45 fun things to do with Artie 3000 and the awesome Artie Home’s Cool Video series for a visual how-to. Available on Amazon Prime for $54.99.[caption id="attachment_6540" align="alignnone" width="840"] Design & Drill® Space Circuits[/caption]E is for EngineeringKids as young as five years old can explore the incredible world of engineering with Design & Drill® Space Circuits sets! Mini-STEMgineers use a kid-friendly drill to complete 20 space-themed missions, including making lights turn on and off, spinning simple motors, activating buttons and switches, and more, all while building basic problem-solving skills and gaining an understanding of simple circuitry. On sale now on Amazon Prime for just $27.70! Looking for even more building and construction fun? Browse our At-Home Activities page and Home’s School Videos for additional activities including drawing with your drill and practicing simple bolt addition.[caption id="attachment_6541" align="alignnone" width="840"] Hot Dots®[/caption]M is for MathMake math practice WAY more fun, with interactive Hot Dots®! The Hot Dots Jr. Let’s Master Pre-K Math set gives kids a jumpstart on math success with 85 pre-K math lessons, 15 advanced lessons, and a talking pen. Preschoolers press Ace-the Talking, Teaching Dog Pen to any answer dot for an immediate audio and visual response. Silly sounds and fun phrases keep kids engaged and motivated as they tackle lessons on counting, numbers, patterns, time, fractions, and more. Available now on Amazon Prime for $30.14. Kids can also practice counting, numbers, patterns, sequences, shapes, colors, and more with the free, downloadable math activities on our website!With a bit of forethought, sneaking some STEM learning into your at-home play time is simple – and fun!
Back to School (Or Not) Part 1: What the Heck Is STEM Learning? Over the last 15 years or so, STEM learning has weaved its way into the American curriculum, with STEM activities showing up in classes as early as preschool. But what IS STEM? And why is it so important?STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – areas that are growing by leaps and bounds as we become more and more reliant on technology. In fact, while there are millions of jobs in STEM fields around the world, employers are struggling to fill them because, until recently, these subjects were not emphasized in schools. Current thought holds that exposure to these subjects and opportunities to explore them through hands-on learning experiences will excite kids and inspire them to continue to study STEM subjects and then go on to pursue STEM-related careers.Teachers across the country have been working hard to infuse their daily lessons with STEM examples, ideas, conversations, activities, and experiments. And you can, too! The STEM experts at EI are sharing easy ways to introduce and reinforce STEM learning right now, at home![caption id="attachment_6537" align="alignnone" width="840"] GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope[/caption]S is for ScienceKids are naturally curious about science and there’s not a rug rat around who doesn’t love an awesome science experiment. Introducing your little ones to the amazing world of science is easy, with the GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope! Featuring extra-large, dual eyepieces and a chunky, kid-sized focusing knob, this sturdy microscope is perfect for preschoolers. Kids collect everyday objects, place them on the sample tray, turn on the LED light, and take a peek to see their object magnified up to 8x larger. They can examine everything from a postage stamp to a piece of pizza, gaining an understanding of the physical composition of different objects around them and getting invaluable, hands-on experience with a real, scientific tool! On sale NOW for $14.14 on Amazon Prime. Keep the science fun going with the FREE, downloadable science activities and Home’s Cool Videos on our website, like our beginning science activity cards and erupting apples experiment how-to video![caption id="attachment_6538" align="alignnone" width="840"] Artie 3000™ The Coding Robot[/caption]T is for TechnologyCoding is a key STEM skill and kids as young as 7 years old can get in on the fun, thanks to Artie 3000 the Coding Robot, the creative way to learn to code! Using a computer or tablet, and Artie’s on-board WiFi, kids follow easy instructions to create the code, then Artie draws whatever they’ve coded. Artie’s simple set up and pre-programmed designs are perfect for beginners; more advanced coders can create their own, custom code. From basic shapes to advanced drawings, words, even secret code, Artie grows with your child as their skills advance. Check out this amazing list of 45 fun things to do with Artie 3000 and the awesome Artie Home’s Cool Video series for a visual how-to. Available on Amazon Prime for $54.99.[caption id="attachment_6540" align="alignnone" width="840"] Design & Drill® Space Circuits[/caption]E is for EngineeringKids as young as five years old can explore the incredible world of engineering with Design & Drill® Space Circuits sets! Mini-STEMgineers use a kid-friendly drill to complete 20 space-themed missions, including making lights turn on and off, spinning simple motors, activating buttons and switches, and more, all while building basic problem-solving skills and gaining an understanding of simple circuitry. On sale now on Amazon Prime for just $27.70! Looking for even more building and construction fun? Browse our At-Home Activities page and Home’s School Videos for additional activities including drawing with your drill and practicing simple bolt addition.[caption id="attachment_6541" align="alignnone" width="840"] Hot Dots®[/caption]M is for MathMake math practice WAY more fun, with interactive Hot Dots®! The Hot Dots Jr. Let’s Master Pre-K Math set gives kids a jumpstart on math success with 85 pre-K math lessons, 15 advanced lessons, and a talking pen. Preschoolers press Ace-the Talking, Teaching Dog Pen to any answer dot for an immediate audio and visual response. Silly sounds and fun phrases keep kids engaged and motivated as they tackle lessons on counting, numbers, patterns, time, fractions, and more. Available now on Amazon Prime for $30.14. Kids can also practice counting, numbers, patterns, sequences, shapes, colors, and more with the free, downloadable math activities on our website!With a bit of forethought, sneaking some STEM learning into your at-home play time is simple – and fun!
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Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, so we’re sharing some our favorite ideas for fun family activities, homemade gifts, and other ways to make dad feel like the superhero he is!
Nom Nom Nom – Start the day off right by making some of dad’s favorite dishes! Let the kids help -toddlers can press the button on the blender and help whip up a smoothie (this one’s our fave!); preschoolers can use a butter knife to slice a banana for oatmeal topping.[caption id="attachment_6163" align="alignnone" width="517"] Food Network: Frozen Fruit Smoothies[/caption]
Head Out for a Ride – Gather the scooters, bikes, and trikes and make the most of the gorgeous June weather! Take a trip around the block, to the park, or along the shore. Don’t forget your helmets![caption id="" align="alignnone" width="766"] Photo credit: parentmap.com[/caption]
Get Your Giggle On – Let your kids take turns filling out lines on this fun, Father’s Day mad lib, then read it to dad together. Looking for more serious feels? Have each of your kids answer these 10 questions about dad, then share their responses.
Play a Game – Does dad love chess? Checkers? I she a sports lover? Let him choose a game to while away the afternoon! May we suggest this rowdy word game that is guaranteed family fun:Blurt!® Sports Game!
Make a Print – Pick up a canvas and some paints, take off your kids’ socks and shoes, and make some prints! Find adorable ideas for toddler hand and footprint Father’s Day art on our Father’s Day Pinterest board, like this perfect-for-handy-dads footprint painting.
Color Him Happy –Older kids can color their own Father’s Day greeting cards using these free, downloadable templates from EI! Choose a card featuring one of your kiddo’s favorite EI characters in full-color or choose a DIY coloring card and let them get creative. There are even cards for Grandpa! simply click images to print or visit our website for more cute printable cards![caption id="attachment_6171" align="alignnone" width="1440"][/caption]
Give a Gift – Your Father’s Day gift doesn’t need to be extravagant. A Mason jar filled with dad’s favorite nuts and a sweet, homemade tag, a hand-painted wooden spatula for the grill, or a boxed-up batch of his very favorite,ooey-gooey fudge brownies are enough to show dad how much you care.
Hit the Park – Grab the balls, bats, and a frisbee and head out to the park for an afternoon of family fun in the sun. Pack a picnic and take a break in the shade when you’ve worn all your wiggles out.[caption id="attachment_6179" align="alignnone" width="748"] Photo credit: Muse Academy[/caption]
Shoot for the Stars – Set up a telescope, like the GeoSafari® Omega Refractor, and soak up a stellar night of starry skies, complete with s'mores! Find four easy fire-free ways to cook up these sweet treats, here.[caption id="attachment_6180" align="alignnone" width="842"] GeoSafari® Omega Refractor Telescope[/caption]
Snuggle – Grab the blankets and pillows, let dad pick his favorite movie, and end this special day with a whole family snuggle fest![caption id="attachment_6181" align="alignnone" width="774"] Photo credit: https://www.lifehack.org[/caption]
No matter how you choose to celebrate dad, a day filled with family will always feel special!
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Dad Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, so we’re sharing some our favorite ideas for fun family activities, homemade gifts, and other ways to make dad feel like the superhero he is!
Nom Nom Nom – Start the day off right by making some of dad’s favorite dishes! Let the kids help -toddlers can press the button on the blender and help whip up a smoothie (this one’s our fave!); preschoolers can use a butter knife to slice a banana for oatmeal topping.[caption id="attachment_6163" align="alignnone" width="517"] Food Network: Frozen Fruit Smoothies[/caption]
Head Out for a Ride – Gather the scooters, bikes, and trikes and make the most of the gorgeous June weather! Take a trip around the block, to the park, or along the shore. Don’t forget your helmets![caption id="" align="alignnone" width="766"] Photo credit: parentmap.com[/caption]
Get Your Giggle On – Let your kids take turns filling out lines on this fun, Father’s Day mad lib, then read it to dad together. Looking for more serious feels? Have each of your kids answer these 10 questions about dad, then share their responses.
Play a Game – Does dad love chess? Checkers? I she a sports lover? Let him choose a game to while away the afternoon! May we suggest this rowdy word game that is guaranteed family fun:Blurt!® Sports Game!
Make a Print – Pick up a canvas and some paints, take off your kids’ socks and shoes, and make some prints! Find adorable ideas for toddler hand and footprint Father’s Day art on our Father’s Day Pinterest board, like this perfect-for-handy-dads footprint painting.
Color Him Happy –Older kids can color their own Father’s Day greeting cards using these free, downloadable templates from EI! Choose a card featuring one of your kiddo’s favorite EI characters in full-color or choose a DIY coloring card and let them get creative. There are even cards for Grandpa! simply click images to print or visit our website for more cute printable cards![caption id="attachment_6171" align="alignnone" width="1440"][/caption]
Give a Gift – Your Father’s Day gift doesn’t need to be extravagant. A Mason jar filled with dad’s favorite nuts and a sweet, homemade tag, a hand-painted wooden spatula for the grill, or a boxed-up batch of his very favorite,ooey-gooey fudge brownies are enough to show dad how much you care.
Hit the Park – Grab the balls, bats, and a frisbee and head out to the park for an afternoon of family fun in the sun. Pack a picnic and take a break in the shade when you’ve worn all your wiggles out.[caption id="attachment_6179" align="alignnone" width="748"] Photo credit: Muse Academy[/caption]
Shoot for the Stars – Set up a telescope, like the GeoSafari® Omega Refractor, and soak up a stellar night of starry skies, complete with s'mores! Find four easy fire-free ways to cook up these sweet treats, here.[caption id="attachment_6180" align="alignnone" width="842"] GeoSafari® Omega Refractor Telescope[/caption]
Snuggle – Grab the blankets and pillows, let dad pick his favorite movie, and end this special day with a whole family snuggle fest![caption id="attachment_6181" align="alignnone" width="774"] Photo credit: https://www.lifehack.org[/caption]
No matter how you choose to celebrate dad, a day filled with family will always feel special!
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We have all been missing our loved ones. We bet your kiddos are really missing their friends too! These free printable greeting cards have been created especially for you to make it easy to let them know you are thinking of them.[caption id="attachment_6083" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: HUGS Card[/caption]National Best Friends Day is June 8 and this is a great way for your little ones to show their love and learn the value of good ol' fashioned snail mail! In a time when we all need love, support, and encouragement more than ever before, these adorable, downloadable, mailable cards are an easy way to spread the love.[caption id="attachment_6079" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: Full-Color Frankie[/caption][caption id="attachment_6081" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: DIY Frankie Coloring Card[/caption]Start with a list of friends and family near and far – don’t forget the grandparents! Then let your child choose the right card for each person on their list. Print, color (if you’ve chosen a color-in-card), then write a sweet note or draw a fun picture on the inside, sign, and send![caption id="attachment_6085" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: PLAY card[/caption][caption id="attachment_6089" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: Sneaky Snacky DIY Coloring Card[/caption][caption id="attachment_6087" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: Sneaky Snacky Full Color Card[/caption]After all, who doesn’t love getting mail? Spread the love! ????
Missing Loved Ones? Send Your Love with a Letter! We have all been missing our loved ones. We bet your kiddos are really missing their friends too! These free printable greeting cards have been created especially for you to make it easy to let them know you are thinking of them.[caption id="attachment_6083" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: HUGS Card[/caption]National Best Friends Day is June 8 and this is a great way for your little ones to show their love and learn the value of good ol' fashioned snail mail! In a time when we all need love, support, and encouragement more than ever before, these adorable, downloadable, mailable cards are an easy way to spread the love.[caption id="attachment_6079" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: Full-Color Frankie[/caption][caption id="attachment_6081" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: DIY Frankie Coloring Card[/caption]Start with a list of friends and family near and far – don’t forget the grandparents! Then let your child choose the right card for each person on their list. Print, color (if you’ve chosen a color-in-card), then write a sweet note or draw a fun picture on the inside, sign, and send![caption id="attachment_6085" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: PLAY card[/caption][caption id="attachment_6089" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: Sneaky Snacky DIY Coloring Card[/caption][caption id="attachment_6087" align="alignnone" width="680"] Click image to download: Sneaky Snacky Full Color Card[/caption]After all, who doesn’t love getting mail? Spread the love! ????
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Including Free Printable Birthday Greeting Cards - Everyone Loves a Surprise in the Mailbox!
From car parades and waving from a window to Zoom calls with far-away family and friends, birthday celebrations are looking a little different this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise your favorite birthday boy or girl with something special! Whether you’re hosting at home or celebrating from afar, we’ve got you covered with some fun ideas for gifts and activities that will make the next birthday feel super special!Start with snacks! If you’re partying at home with the family, ice cream sundae and cupcake topping bars are always a hit! Get inspired with the tasty toppings in this blog post from HelloLittleHome.com. If you’re celebrating from afar, consider putting together a party-in-box including some of your favorite non-perishable treats like gummies and chips!DIY Birthday Cake Slime! Grab a few household items to make homemade sensory slime. Add Playfoam® for a colorful squishy sensory crunch that is guaranteed to create hours of creative fun with your kiddos! Watch this video tutorial for a step-by-step guide. Enjoy!https://youtu.be/yKwnnZDZrMICrank up the tunes! Pick your kiddo’s favorite jams and get your moves on, family-style! Use cupcake liners, plastic table cloths or other simple supplies with glue and a paper lantern to create your own DIY party lantern ball! Check out more details from agirlandagluegun.com. Celebrating virtually? Throw a Zoom dance party or email a well-wishes video with a great soundtrack.Send a surprise through the mail! Start with a super-cute birthday card from E.I. featuring a 30% discount code on the back! Just choose your favorite design, print, and pop it the mailbox (who doesn’t love getting mail?).Then surprise your sweetie with a great gift from educationalinsights.com! Games are great for the preschoolers in your family – your pint-sized pal will love The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game or Pete the Cat My Buttons. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game - Photo credit: @my-sensoriumCelebrate your Kindergarten cutie with a GeoSafari outdoor exploration tool like the Ladybug Garden or Bugnoculars. And your soon-to-be-middle-schooler will go crazy for coding with ARTIE-3000, the drawing, coding robot![caption id="attachment_6061" align="alignnone" width="300"] GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars[/caption]
Including Free Printable Birthday Greeting Cards - Everyone Loves a Surprise in the Mailbox!
From car parades and waving from a window to Zoom calls with far-away family and friends, birthday celebrations are looking a little different this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise your favorite birthday boy or girl with something special! Whether you’re hosting at home or celebrating from afar, we’ve got you covered with some fun ideas for gifts and activities that will make the next birthday feel super special!Start with snacks! If you’re partying at home with the family, ice cream sundae and cupcake topping bars are always a hit! Get inspired with the tasty toppings in this blog post from HelloLittleHome.com. If you’re celebrating from afar, consider putting together a party-in-box including some of your favorite non-perishable treats like gummies and chips!DIY Birthday Cake Slime! Grab a few household items to make homemade sensory slime. Add Playfoam® for a colorful squishy sensory crunch that is guaranteed to create hours of creative fun with your kiddos! Watch this video tutorial for a step-by-step guide. Enjoy!https://youtu.be/yKwnnZDZrMICrank up the tunes! Pick your kiddo’s favorite jams and get your moves on, family-style! Use cupcake liners, plastic table cloths or other simple supplies with glue and a paper lantern to create your own DIY party lantern ball! Check out more details from agirlandagluegun.com. Celebrating virtually? Throw a Zoom dance party or email a well-wishes video with a great soundtrack.Send a surprise through the mail! Start with a super-cute birthday card from E.I. featuring a 30% discount code on the back! Just choose your favorite design, print, and pop it the mailbox (who doesn’t love getting mail?).Then surprise your sweetie with a great gift from educationalinsights.com! Games are great for the preschoolers in your family – your pint-sized pal will love The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game or Pete the Cat My Buttons. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game - Photo credit: @my-sensoriumCelebrate your Kindergarten cutie with a GeoSafari outdoor exploration tool like the Ladybug Garden or Bugnoculars. And your soon-to-be-middle-schooler will go crazy for coding with ARTIE-3000, the drawing, coding robot![caption id="attachment_6061" align="alignnone" width="300"] GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars[/caption]
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Seven Reasons Why You’re Going to Be AWESOME This Year and Seven Sweet Ideas, to Boot!We’re the first to admit, this school year may be a little bit crazy. No matter your school’s current scenario, things are definitely not status quo. But teachers, you’ve got this! Here are three reasons why you’re going to ROCK this school year, from us, your biggest fans!First, you’re fab on the fly. What you teach may be mandated, but how you teach it has always been up to you! You’re flexible, you try different approaches with different students, and you turn on a dime when something’s not working. Second, you’re cool with collab. You’re used to collaborating with your colleagues, bouncing crazy ideas off each other, and sharing resources. And you’ll be there for each other now, too, to test each other’s online platform sign-in processes, do trial runs of video calls, troubleshoot technology issues, and share the awesome TED Talks, Khan Academy lessons, free downloadable EI worksheets, and funny teaching memes you find. And third, you bring the fun! From putting their packs on the right pegs to lining up for lunch, you’re used to making even the most mundane activities more fun – and we know you’ll keep finding awesome ideas to do just that ????Speaking of awesome ideas, we’re sharing a few of our own, meant to make your learning space, day, and overall outlook just a little bit brighter:1. Keep Things Quiet!If you’re teaching or learning from home, create a customized doorhanger to let the rest of your crew know that you are online. Cut your own door hanger out of sturdy cardboard, purchase a blank wood hanger at Michael’s and paint it yourself, or follow these easy instructions to transfer an inkjet page onto wood.
Photo credit: FamilyShoppingBag.com2. Add Some Inspiration!Print a positive message each day and post it where your kids can see it. Or, if you’ve got great writing, write your words of encouragement on your whiteboard. Then read it aloud with your kids at the start of the day (and again the middle and end, if need be!). Find some great quotes to copy at Greeting Card Poet. Visit our blog for some super tips on building back-to-school confidence and print out our adorably awesome mini posters to help set the tone for an inspiring year!
3. Stay Organized!If you’re working from a smaller space than usual, it’s especially important to have a place for everything and keep things organized. Our Small Space Place Pocket Chart is a great way to store your materials! You can also use it to plan and organize your week, revealing one pocket at a time to your students.
4. Get to Know Each Other!Kids crave connections and teachers want to get to know their teachers, so host a virtual show and tell. Save a bit of time each week for kids to show off their pets while you share your prized coffee cup collection or whatever other wacky things you’ve got to get your kids giggling. Here are some ideas on how to get set-up!
Photo caption: sarahchesworth.com5. Get Moving!A welcomed break from the computer screen, send your kids on a scavenger hunt! Have students find items from around the house as they relate to lessons. Teaching Science or STEM? Have them go find a real-world example of an inclined plane. Teaching math? See if they can snap a pic of a parabola. Check out these fantastic 22 Scavenger Hunt Ideas.
6. Play Dress Up!Keep things light with a spirit week! Have the class dress up in a different theme each day – and you do it, too! Think crazy hair, Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks, and pajamas. Odds are, your online students won’t even have to change! Here are 4 serious benefits of playing dress up for child development.[caption id="attachment_6939" align="alignnone" width="700"]
Photo credit: mommyevolution.com[/caption]7. Bring in Reinforcements!You’re not in this alone. Use your parents and online resources to add some variety and keep your kids engaged. Host a reader’s workshop with parent guest readers or authors reading their own books online. Type “Children’s Book Authors” into YouTube and take your pick or click here for awesome options from PBS Kids. Join this read-along of "You Matter" with author Christian Robinson.This year is a huge ask, for sure. Teachers are going above and beyond what they ever imagined they’d be doing in the name of educating our kids and keeping them safe. There’s no one we trust more than you to do it – and we’re here for you! Find free resources, including ideas, experiments, printables, and downloads perfect for teachers and homeschooling parents alike, on EducationalInsights.com. You’ve got this! 
Photo credit: Muse Academy[/caption]
Send a surprise through the mail! Start with a super-cute birthday card from E.I. featuring a 30% discount code on the back! Just choose your favorite design, print, and pop it the mailbox (who doesn’t love getting mail?).
