Reading is a Critical Component of Academic Development
Motherly Life Notes Leisure reading makes a difference in a child’s educational performance. Children who read for pleasure perform better in literacy tests, develop a broader vocabulary and increase their understanding of social cues and other cultures. [...]
Math Competitions
Mathematics competitions are aimed primarily at advanced students in middle and high school. The contests are designed to promote problem-solving and analytics skills. Although generally held in-person at local schools, there are certain online contests as well as exams [...]
Recommended Summer Reading for Grades 4 – 5
Fiction The Twenty-One Balloons William Pene du Bois Summary. On a voyage in a hot air balloon across the Pacific Ocean, Professor Sherman lands on Krakatoa and discovers a world of wealth and eccentric [...]
Great Books to Help Children Begin the New School Year
The start of a new school year brings out lots of emotions. Your child will meet new teachers and new friends, and for some a new town and a whole new school. We compiled a list of great books [...]
Are Mobile Phones Affecting Your Children’s Social Skills?
Parents' acceptance and contribution to their children's use of mobile phones has changed the way kids develop social skills. While parents may argue in support of either the pros or cons, it is hard to deny that the cultural [...]
The Effectiveness of School Choice
The WSJ reports on a discussion with Parag Pathak, a renowned economist who has focused his career on studying school choice. Mr. Pathak’s work uses economic modeling to gain insight into the process and outcome of public and private [...]
Where Your Kids Can Play Chess in Massachusetts
Playing chess helps children develop focus and attention span, visual memory, and problem solving skills. Chess is extremely popular in Massachusetts and there are many opportunities to play at various venues and tournaments across the state. Here we provide [...]
Ski Bretton Woods
Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Bretton Woods has a variety of options for amazing outdoor family adventures. The resort has earned the distinction of Best In the East for grooming for three consecutive years by SKI [...]
Recommended Summer Reading for Grades 6 – 8
Fiction Chasing Vermeer Blue Balliett Summary. Petra and Calder find themselves at the center of an art scandal. Everyone seems to be a suspect and Petra and Calder draw on their powers of [...]
An Overview of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence
Developed by renowned psychologist, Dr. Raymond Cattell, fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence defines how knowledge is gained, stored and used over a lifetime. Fluid Intelligence The ability to problem solve and perceive relations between new [...]
Kids Benefit from Chess Beyond Just Winning a Game
Chess is a game of strategy. It requires a player to make a series of decisions that are influenced by their opponent's possible moves. Kids who play chess learn to plan ahead and assess their options, improve concentration and [...]
Volunteering Propels Psychological Well-Being
An interview-based study in India explored self-perceived linkages between well-being and volunteering. Individuals engaged in long-term volunteering indicated positive development in terms of mental health and general physical health, as well as strengthened social connections. Further, volunteers on long-term [...]
Do You Know About Math Circles?
Motherly Life Notes What exactly is a math circle? A math circle is an in-person or virtual learning space where students explore and discuss ways of thinking about challenging questions. Participants develop deeper problem solving and mathematical thinking [...]
These Graphic Novels are Great for Young Children and Reluctant Readers
Graphic novels are amazing books for kids of all ages. While these books are part comic and part novel, they are 100% captivating. Children love the humorous adventures and vibrant illustrations. Importantly, kids are less intimidated by graphic novels [...]