Math can be fun, and these free printables prove it! We’ve rounded up math worksheets for kids, from kindergarten math worksheets and math worksheets for 1st grade to early elementary level math problems. Whether you’re homeschooling or just want some extra math practice for the kids, check out these free printables.
Work on telling time with this clock printable. You'll have to cut out the hands and attach them to the face for nonstop time-telling practice! Get your copy from 2ndGradeworksheets.net here.
Have your tiny mathematicians practice finding the place values of the underlined numbers in this printable from 2ndgradeworksheets.net. You can grab your copy of it here.
Your kindergartener will love matching the numbers to these fun pictures. And Math-Salamander.com has tons more to choose from. Find this printable here.
This intro to word problems from Dadsworksheets.com is perfect for elementary schoolers. Having a visual to help with addition helps kids find the solutions. Get your copy here.
Preschoolers will love the fact they can color and count these fun pictures. Math-Salamanders.com has a bunch of printables to choose from. Get this one here.
Little Dots makes it super easy for kids to break down different shapes, like with this circle practice sheet. Find other shapes on their site to round out the lesson.
Math-Salamanders.com helps the littlest students practice number sequences with these fun sheets. Count to five and download your copy of this sheet here.
Pittsburgh Unified School District teacher Dorothy Honey Mallari’s second grade-style version of Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” is an educational anthem every student needs to hear.
According to KPIX 5, the Los Medanos Elementary second grade teacher regularly rewrites pop music for her class.
Even though original lyrics to the song aren’t all-together child-friendly, Mallari told KPIX News, “And when the song came on — the Kid’s Bop version — they were really digging it.” The teacher continued, “And so I said, ‘OK, this is the song we’re going to do it to.’”
The revamped version of the song now includes lyrics such as, “Let’s be great, cuz’ I know we are great” and, “Help you with your homework, just a little.”
So what do Mallari’s second graders think of the song? Based on the video clip, they all enjoy it! Eight-year-old student Hayden Wiebe told KPIX News, “It makes us feel happy in the morning and it makes us feel like a family.” Another student, Jaxson Sanchez, said of his inspirational teacher, “She makes a difference of school, because other teachers just do normal things.”
It’s not just Mallari’s students who see the brilliance in her “Truth Hurts” re-do. Along with most of the Internet, Lizzo chimed in, tweeting, “Ur right..this IS the best thing I’ve watched today.”
These funny first-day-of-school pictures will have you laughing into your (cold) coffee
Forget about the letterboard back-to-school school pictures, one mama has a genius first-day photo tradition of her own and her idea will make you laugh.
Leslie Brooks started her fabulously funny first-day of school photo shoots back in 2013 when her daughters were elementary school-aged. Now that her kiddos are teens and tweens, she’s made the pics into an annual event.
Brooks’ photos celebrate the freedom that back to school-time brings to parents, with scenes we all kind of dream about. From a relaxing doorstep massage to floating in the pool (on a unicorn while drinking a Starbucks Frap), Brooks’ pics totally nail the first-day vibe—from the mom’s perspective of course.
She’s not the only one who looks forward to the annual event. Her IG followers and friends wait anxiously to see what kind of picture Leslie and her crew will display each year. One commenter said “The most anticipated Instagram post of the year. We all look forward to the “First day of school” pic. You never let us down. 😂😂😂😂. Those faces. 😂😂😂😂😂”
So what do Brooks’ kiddos think of her annual photo shoots? The mom toldGood Morning America, “The kids say to me all the time, ‘this is our awesome tradition.'” Brooks went on to add, “We have so much fun with it, they really have come to look forward to the pictures every year. They even started coming up with costume and prop ideas.” But is she really THAT excited to see them go? Not really. “I adore my children,” Brooks said. “Summers are awesome and I really don’t look forward to them going back to school. I miss them incredibly.”
Chicago has a rich literary history and is home to so many award-winning authors covering every genre under the sun. Introduce your little bookworm to Chicago’s brightest and best authors with our list of kid-approved, classic and contemporary children’s books. From a sweet new educational book about teeth to learning about Amelia Earhart, picture books to chapter books to graphic novels for advanced readers, these are the Chicago-authored tomes to add to your bookshelf ASAP.
The Truth About Tooth, Mistie Psaledas
The Truth About the Toothis written by Mistie Psaledas, a single Hinsdale mom of three after she created her own small tooth fairy company, Wiggle: Tooth Fairy Registry, while furloughed during the pandemic. In this delightful, educational book, tooth fairies reveal their secrets and share what happens to children's lost teeth around the world. The Truth About the Tooth is a story about diversity, creativity, and imagination of different tooth fairy legends—one from which the entire family can take inspiration.
Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein
Poet and author Shel Silverstein grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Beloved for his children’s books, his collection of imaginative, humorous yet insightful poems, Where the Sidewalk Ends, belongs on every kid’s bookshelf.
Bronzeville Boys and Girls, Gwendolyn Brooks
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks is a Chicago gem. Bronzeville Boys and Girls is a collection of thirty-four poems that celebrate the joy of childhood in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and beyond.
It's Her Story: Amelia Earhart: A Graphic Novel, Kim Moldofsky
Chicagoland author Kim Moldofsky debuts her first graphic novel with It's Her Story: Amelia Earhart: A Graphic Novel. Discover Earhart’s incredible achievements before she disappeared on her attempted flight around the world.
The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street is a Chicago children’s classic that has touched readers around the world. The story centers on Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, who shares her hopes and fears in vignettes and poems. Fellow acclaimed Chicago author Gwendolyn Books said of Cisneros: “Sandra Cisneros is one of the most brilliant of today’s young writers. Her work is sensitive, alert, nuanced, and rich with music and pictures.”
A Thousand Feelings: An Anthology of Story Nuggets By Young Writers, K.B. Jensen
K.B. Jensen’s anthology of middle grade fiction stories is entirely written by tweens, many of whom are Chicago-born, as part of an online writing camp. A Thousand Feelings is a mix of adventure, horror, sci-fi, humor, and fantasy, with stories about a girl whose best friend is a stop sign, an intergalactic prison rescue, and a Martian bully who goes from breaking crayons to breaking bones.
Wolf in the Snow, Matthew Cordell
A little girl and a wolf cub find themselves lost in a snow-covered forest in Wolf in the Snow. How will they find their way home? Chicago author Matthew Cordell was awarded the 2018 Caldecott Medal for this heartwarming tale.
Dear Girl: A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful You!, Amy Krause Rosenthal
Amy Krause Rosenthal and her daughter Paris worked together to dream up the endearing Dear Girl, a love letter to the strong girl in your life: “Dear Girl, This book is for you. Wonderful, smart, beautiful you. If you ever need a reminder, just turn to any page in this book and know that you are special and you are loved.”
Thunder & Lightning: A Story for a Stormy Night, Tim Sheridan
When Oak Park-based writer Tim Sheridan’s daughter developed a fear of thunderstorms, he wrote Thunder & Lightning: A Story for a Stormy Night to teach her that thunder and lightning are our friends, not foes. This heartwarming tale of friendship is also available in a deluxe hardcover edition with downloadable songs by The Low Anthem.
Secondhand Dogs, Carolyn Crimi
What does it mean to be part of a family? In Secondhand Dogs, Author Carolyn Crim explores love and loyalty in this middle-grade novel.
The Wright Three, Blue Balliett
The Wright Threeshowcases Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie house via an exciting art mystery that two junior sleuths from the Lab School in Hyde Park set out to solve. Before becoming a full-time writer, Blue Balliet taught at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
Maya and the Robot, Eve L. Ewing
Award-winning author Eve L. Ewing's adorably illustrated middle-grade novel Maya and the Robottells the story of fifth-grade scientist Maya who finds a friendly robot just when she needs help on her science fair project. Ewing also penned the acclaimed Ironheartand Champions series for Marvel Comics.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail, Maureen Stolar Kanefield
Chicago author and lifelong educator Maureen Kanefield wrote the charming The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail (her first!) to encourage kids to find acceptance and tolerance within themselves. Maxwell is a young, intelligent mouse dealing with a body image issue: his tail is growing much too long, and he’s suddenly the target of teasing from his classmates. Learn how Maxwell manages to love himself, ultra-long tail and all, in this sweet tale about a tail.
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, Justin Roberts
You might have seen Chicago-based, American singer-songwriter Justin Roberts on stage here in the Windy City. Now he’s appearing on your local library shelves with The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade. Follow along with Sally, the smallest girl in the smallest grade in her big school, as she stands up against bullying on the playground.
I Hope They Understand, Juleya Woodson
Juleya Woodson graduated from Evanston Township High School in 2009 and works today as a family support specialist with the Childcare Network of Evanston. Her first-ever children’s book, I Hope They Understand, recognizes and celebrates racial and cultural differences and was a response to the lack of diversity in media. “All children deserve to see themselves in the books they read,” Woodson said in a recent interview. “Too often Black boys and girls do not see themselves reflected in the media’s portrayal of beauty.”
I Wish You More, Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld teamed up to write and illustrate the delightful I Wish You More that affirms wishes for curiosity and wonder, friendship and strength, laughter and peace.
Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All, Laura Ruby
Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All is the story of two Chicago girls trying to survive in America in the throes of World War II. Ruby was a National Book Award 2019 Finalist for this compelling young adult novel about finding hope in darkness.
Mayor Good Boy, Dave Scheidt
Mayor Good Boy is here to help Greenwood become a town filled with kindness, but he’s facing foes around every corner. Scheidt, born and raised in Chicago, highlights the benefits of positive civic engagement in his latest graphic novel, Mayor Good Boy, co-created by L.A.-based cartoonist and story artist Miranda Harmon. This charming tale reminds readers that everyone can make the world a better place, whether you’re a human or a dog.
Let's Meet Chicago: Real Kids in the Windy City, Alina Dizik
Veteran journalist Alina Dizik interviewed school-aged children around Chicago to learn about their likes, dislikes, and what they are really thinking. Dizik also celebrates the diversity of our city with tips on how to explore different neighborhoods in Let's Meet Chicago: Real Kids in the Windy City.
S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet, Esther Hershenhorn
Esther Hershenhorn is a Chicago-based author and writing coach. In S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet, Hershenhorn playfully explains the tools, techniques, and strategies to budding writers of all ages, from "A is for the Alphabet" to "T stands for Tall Tales," to "Z? It's for masked Zorro./His Z-signed tales brought fame.”
Sahara Special, Esme Raji Codell
Author Esme Raji Codell documented her first year as a CPS teacher in Educating Esme. In Sahara Special, she chronicles the 5th-grade adventures of Sahara Jones, who struggles with school until she encounters a one-of-a-kind teacher. If you have a reluctant bookworm in your life, check out Raji Codell’s How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, a book designed to help parents get their kids excited about reading.
Few things bring on more tears—for babes and parents alike—than a teething baby! Fear not, we’ve rounded up more than 20 top baby teething toys. From classic designs to teethers with innovative features, find the perfect teething toy to soothe those aching gums.
Start 'em young with eating their veggies! This set contains teethers shaped like broccoli, kale, a radish, mushroom and carrot. They're made from natural rubber, are easy to grip and have a variety of shapes and texture to soothe sore gums. With every Oli & Carol toy purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to help fund the education of underprivileged kids in India.
We love these beech wood teethers from MORI's Playtime collection. The hole in the middle gives little hands something to hold on to, and the sustainable wood has soft edges so it's comfortable to grab and gnaw.
If your little one likes chilled teethers in their mouth but not in their hands, you'll love this clever new teether. Freeze the silicone inserts and then pop them into the room-temperature silicone handle. The handle is also silicone, so it's ripe for chewing too. Two inserts means you'll always have one chilling, and the inserts have unique shapes to target different teeth, from incisors and canines to molars. The two inserts have four different textures to massage both front and back teeth for customized comfort.
Chill the stainless steel part of this teether quickly under cold water or in the fridge for a gum-soothing treat. The easy-to-hold handle is made from silicone and has three brightly colored disks for baby to explore and play with. The disks make a clacking sound, so there's lots to entertain and distract a child from teething pain.
The cute fruit teethers from Perry Mackin are easy for little hands to grip and stand upright to keep the chewing surface clean. There are textures on the fruit and bottom of the teether, for added comfort on sore gums. Suitable for babies starting at 5 months, these silicone teethers are dishwasher-safe and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. They come with a carrying case and in three fruit shapes: watermelon, grape and strawberry.
An awesome baby-shower gift, the ChewBox from The Evolved Parent Co. features six supercute teethers in a variety of textures and colors, with shapes that little hands can hold. These soft, BPA-free teethers are made from food-grade silicone and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Also comes in fruit shapes.
When teething pain strikes, you’ll turn lemons into lemonade with this adorable teether. The lemon face has a variety of textures for your child to touch and gnaw on, and the back is filled with gum-soothing nubs. Pop this food-grade-silicone teether in the fridge for added pain relief.
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Imported from France, Sophie the Giraffe (above) is the iconic teether that has been adored by generations of parents and babies around the world. She’s made from natural rubber and food paint with lots of gripping and chewing surfaces, plus a fun squeaker.
Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush This two-in-one teether and toothbrush is shaped like a yummy banana and is dishwasher safe. This award winner has “peel” handles and thick bristles for soothing gums or brushing teeth.
Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether No teething list would be complete without a classic ring-shaped one! With a variety of textured surfaces and cooling gel tips, baby will never lack for a soothing chewing sensation.
Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether Inspired by babies themselves, the four silicone prongs of the Comotomo teether (above) mimic those oh-so-chewable fingers! It’s safe in a microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers for many cleaning options.
Chewbeads Baby Mulberry Teether The ring of silicone beads is gentle on baby’s gums and perfect for little hands to grip. It can clip on a diaper bag for when you’re on the go and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Manhattan Atom Teether Toy This award-winning teether is sure to stimulate baby’s senses while offering relief from teething pain. Bright colors, the 12 bendy arms, and the clacking rings offer a multi-sensory experience.
Green Sprouts Cooling Teether The classic look of this water-filled teether (above) is a throwback to your own childhood, but it’s safer than ever with silicone free from BPA and PVC and distilled water inside. Keep in the refrigerator, so it’s cool and ready to soothe.
Infantino Good Bites Textured Carrot Teether Get your tots chomping their “vegetables” with this dishwasher-safe carrot teether. The leaves act as handholds and the carrot tip is textured and soft for the ultimate chewing satisfaction.
Mochi Teething Plate Made in Japan from sustainable rice-plastic, the teething plate contains no paints or adhesives for a safe chewing experience. The thin shape and thumb hole fit nicely in little hands.
Bright Starts Snuggle Teether Whether your little one gets the elephant or the giraffe, they’ll love snuggling this teether toy. The feet are textured for soothing sore gums, and the body is soft with a crinkle belly for extra comfort.
Loulou LOLLIPOP Bubble Silicone and Wood Teether Your little one will look stylish holding this easy-grip teether while gnawing away. Made in Canada, the food-grade silicone offers one biting sensation, while the beech wood provides another. The wooden rings also make a satisfying rattle.
Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew With a variety of reversible designs and adjustable sizing, the Neckerchew is one versatile teething bib. The attached teether is made of food-grade silicone and the whole bib can be machine-washed.
RaZ-Berry Teether Is it a pacifier or fruit? Neither, it’s a hands-free teether! Made of medical-grade silicone with a nature-inspired texture, this berry-shaped teether soothes tender gums.
Malarkey Kids Munch Mitt The Munch Mitt offers a great teething solution for babies who are too little to hold teethers on their own. It comes with a storage/washing bag that allows the mitt to be cleaned in the washing machine.
HABA Kringelring Clutching Toy The beechwood beads of the Kingelring (above) are responsibly sourced from forests in Germany, and the rainbow coloring is water-based and solvent-free, making this clutching toy safe and sturdy for little teethers.
Chomp ‘N Chews Teether The unique finger-puppet design of the Chomp ‘N Chews teether can be worn directly on a finger. Choose from three colorful animal designs of a lion, elephant or butterfly.
Toofeze Teething Ring The stainless-steel disk surrounded by silicone offers cool comfort that can be enhanced by placing it in the refrigerator or cold water. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and made from non-toxic, food-grade ingredients.
GNAW Teething Tether Using design elements from Chinese finger traps and a one-handed clip attachment, this teether is clean comfort. It clips to any fabric and stays off the ground and within reach.
Munchkins Orajel Massaging Teether Toy A bite-activated massaging action gives your toddler relief from sore gums, while the rattling beads offer playtime fun. This is a great option for teething toddlers.
Anyone, no matter how young, can help make the world a better place through their thoughtful actions. It’s never too early to set a good example for children by modeling simple acts of kindness. When children are encouraged to see things from another’s point of view and be shown how their actions can help uplift others, they often grow up to be more caring, responsible, and compassionate members of a global community. Books can teach children that they don’t have to perform a heroic act to make the world a better place because even the smallest acts of kindness ripple across the world in ways that no one could imagine.
Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Rulerby Margery Cuyler
Mrs. Ruler is an unconventional teacher who decides to teach her unruly students that kindness is cool. Each kindergartner must perform five acts of kindness, and while most of the kids catch on, there is one student who needs a rescue of the class gerbils to get in a last-minute act of kindness. Parents and teachers will appreciate the list of 100 acts of kindness at the back of the book to inspire kids with ways to put kindness into action.
Stick and Stoneby Beth Ferry
When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a Pinecone, the pair becomes fast friends. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favor?
Written with a warm, rhyming text that includes a subtle anti-bullying message even the youngest reader will understand. New York Times bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld imbues Stick and Stone with energy, emotion, and personality to spare.
Second & Third Grade
The Kindness Quiltby Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
The children in this book are inspired by Aesop’s fable The Lion and the Mouse after their teacher, Mrs. Bloom, reads the story in class. She then instructs each student to perform an act of kindness and present it to the class. Minna cannot choose just one and decides to make a quilt with all of them. Other classmates add theirs to the quilt, and it soon takes over the school. The unique cut-paper illustrations present a variety of ways in which the important lesson of kindness can be shared, and displayed.
Because Amelia Smiledby David Ezra Stein
Amelia smiles as she skips down the street, so her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send a care package of cookies to her grandson Lionel in Mexico. The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe in England! And so the good feelings that started with Amelia’s smile make their way around the world, from a goodwill recital in Israel to an impromptu rumba concert in Paris, to a long-awaited marriage proposal in Italy, to a knitted scarf for a beloved niece back in New York. Putting a unique spin on “What goes around comes around,” David Ezra Stein’s charmingly illustrated story reminds us that adding even a small dose of kindness into the world is sure to spur more and more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you!
Fourth & Fifth Grade
El Deafoby Cece Bell
After a serious illness at the age of four, CeCe discovers that she’s no longer able to hear. Hearing aids and lip-reading involve unexpected challenges, and as she goes out into the wider world she realizes how little people understand what it’s like to live with hearing loss. To succeed in school, she gets a bulky device called a Phonic Ear that allows her to hear her teachers—even when they forget she’s listening. This delightful autobiographical graphic novel provides an uplifting and humorous glimpse into the life of a hard-of-hearing child. A great novel for raising awareness and promoting understanding.
New Kidby Jerry Kraft
A wonderful choice by the 2020 Newberry Award committee as the first graphic novel to win the prestigious award. Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. Instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds. Jordan is not really fitting into either one. This book allows readers to learn about different sides of the tensions that children and adults face every single day, yet have few opportunities to really discuss.
Middle School
Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Storiesby Amanda Li
From surviving a plane crash in the jungle to striking against climate change, you won’t believe the incredible stories of the challenges these brave kids from around the world have overcome! This book features 29 tales of amazing young girls and boys who have achieved the unimaginable. The stories range from triumphing over illness and injury to overcoming bullying. Entries include Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, whose youth climate activism sparked a global movement, and Pakistan’s Ayesha Farooq, who became Pakistan’s first female fighter pilot at age 25. Each section gives advice on how young people can participate in activities similar to the ones in the accompanying biography.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Editionby Catherine Ryan Hyde
A moving and uplifting novel about Trevor McKinney, a twelve-year-old boy in a small California town who accepts his teacher’s challenge to earn extra credit by coming up with a plan to change the world. Trevor’s idea is simple: do a good deed for three people, and instead of asking them to return the favor, ask them to “pay it forward” to three others who need help. A heart-melting story of a boy who shows how each of us can make a difference. If your family enjoys this book, watch the movie together afterward.
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.
It’s every family’s worst nightmare but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution. For kids who have been bullied—or kids who are the aggressor—reading books that address the topic can be an effective teaching tool for learning to stand up for what is right and fostering compassion. From picture books for your little guys to books just for us parents, read on for 9 books we think every parent should own.
Picture Books
My Friend Maggie
Penguin/Random House
Two friends—Paula and Maggie—have been besties forever, until one day the mean girl Veronica starts criticizing Maggie. That’s when Paula starts to notice that Maggie is big and clumsy. And instead of sticking up for Maggie, Paula starts to play with Veronica instead. Lucky for Paula, Maggie stays true when Veronica goes sour on Paula, too. This is a sweet and beautifully illustrated story by Hannah E. Harrison, about friendship and changes and growing up—just a little bit.
The subtitle tells it all: A Tale of What Happens When You Stand Up to a Bully. The little boy in this story is sad because every day he must face a bully. This little boy also has friends including a frog, a cat, a rabbit and even a cow, and they want to help. But every day the little boy tells them, “There’s nothing you can do for me.” It turns out he’s wrong because the next time the boy encounters the bully, all of his friends join in and shout, “Leave him alone!” Author Kes Cray uses rhyme to tell this important story in a relatable way. Lee Widlish’s illustrations will help your kiddos really understand the lesson of the story, how to face a bully and how to help friends who are bullied.
Feeling “different” can be scary but what if we could teach kids that differences are their strengths and not weaknesses? Batty Betty author Kathryn Hast aims to do just that. When Abel, the tuba, discovers that Eve, the sad banana, and Betty, a giant, are being bullied by Beavers, he sets out to defeat them. But it turns out, it’s not about winning, but about being okay with who you are. Illustrated by L.M. Phang.
Written by Pat Thomas, an experienced psychotherapist and counselor, this is a straightforward book aimed at helping addressing bullying and feelings because “bullies only pick on people they know they can hurt.” This book includes a list of parental tips to help kids talk about their feelings and how to address the fears and concerns bullying can bring up, as well as ways to resolve it. Illustrated by Lesley Harker (This book is part of a series of books aimed at addressing common childhood fears and concerns.
A 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book, author Kara LaReau introduced readers last year to the Ratsos. Louie and Ralphie’s dad, Big Lou, teaches them there are two types of people: tough or soft. And his boys are tough, of course. But the Ratso brothers, even when they try to be tough, end up doing good deeds and kind acts instead. Find out how their dad deals with it. Illustrated by Matt Myer.
This story, part of Rosemary Well’s vast collection of children’s books, features Felix, a sweet-natured guinea pig who is best friends with Fiona, an extroverted gal who convinces Felix to sing and dance with their in the Guinea Pig Jubilee talent show. When someone starts to taunt Felix for dancing, he wants to curl up in a ball. But, with help from his friend Fiona, he finds the secret to standing up for himself.
This middle-grade memoir about overcoming bullying and thriving with disabilities shows us all that “ugly” is not always a bad thing. No one knows better than the book’s author, Robert Hoge, who was born with a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs. Surgeons removed his tumor and made him a nose from one of his toes. He was called all kinds of names and dealt with bullying most of his life. Read his remarkable story together with your kids: it will change you life, too!
Bullying No More: Understanding and Preventing Bullying
Barron's
Dr. Kimberly L. Mason offers parents a whole arsenal of tips for how to handle this huge issue, including how to recognize signs of bullying, the different types of bullying, the three main roles kids play in bullying (the bully, the bullied, the bystander), myths and facts about bullying, and intervention and prevention strategies. She also will help you figure out your own parenting style and kid’s response style, to help find the most effective solution for you.
Bullying Solutions: Learn to Overcome from Real Case Studies
Barron's
Co-authored by Dr. Michael Carpenter and Robin D'Antona, Ed. D., this book compiles 40 real-life examples of various types of bullying and how each one was confronted. It’s real life, so that means not all the outcomes were great, but it helps us as parents understand how our actions and those of other parents, school administrators, children and others involved, can affect change. You’ll get an overview of bullying, including definitions, aggressors and targets, a “toolbox” of facts and myths, and effective tips for intervention.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful story about the power of love and what it means to be a family—snag a copy of A Secret Shared, by Newberry Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. Perfect for readers ages 8-12 (or those transitioning to chapter books), this middle-grade book centers around the theme of adoption, specifically how a family navigates living with a secret and bringing the truth to light.
The story centers around twins Nora and Ben, and their little sister Birdy. When their mother takes A DNA test for her work as a newspaper columnist, they learn a shocking secret—Birdy doesn’t share the same ancestry as their parents. The twins begin to wonder what their parents are hiding… and how they’ve gone about their lives never knowing.
This beautifully written book delves into why people keep secrets, who to go to for help and how to move forward with openness and honesty. The parents’ love for each other, as well as their children, paints a heartwarming picture of what makes a family, no matter the circumstances that brought you together.
Today’s theme is: a time you were at your lowest and nobody knew.
This was Alex’s grade seven graduation day. We were beyond ecstatic. Alex did not enjoy elementary school for the most part. Grade seven was the exception. It was a perfect mix of a fantastic teacher, wonderful aide and a group of lovely kids who all made him feel comfortable and accepted.
The majority of the rest of his time there was hard on all of us. There were so many times when he resisted going. To the point of us having to pry his fingers off the doorframe to not be late.
We got a lot of calls, emails and daily reports about how he wasn’t able to do this or that. He wasn’t even able to just ‘be’ at school. It was disheartening and often traumatic, to say the least. This was a period of years when he had a lot of meltdowns. We were almost always on eggshells waiting for the next one to happen.
This graduation day started off great. We were so happy to be moving on while simultaneously anxious about what high school would bring. I pressed his clothes and helped him dress. I took a moment to admire my handsome boy in his new shirt and blazer that I had bought special for the occasion. He fidgeted a little but managed.
I proceeded to get myself ready and it all started to hit me. The auditorium would soon be filled with all the school staff, students and lots and lots of families. What if it’s all too much for him? What if he has an epic meltdown and we need to physically escort him out of there screaming and crying with all those eyes on us? My face got hot at the thought. All the memories from the past eight years came back. The thought of what if high school is no better?
My mind went down the rabbit hole, and before I knew it, I was breathing really shallow. I felt like I was suffocating. I started to sweat and tremble. I raced to the window and threw it open and stuck my head out for some fresh air, but it was already warm out so that didn’t help. I was having a full on panic attack. I realized it too which made me panic even more. Thankfully, I turned the cold water on and splashed my face and neck and it kind of snapped me out.
I then proceeded to bawl my eyes out and silently ask why everything has to be so hard and why can’t we just enjoy this day like everyone else? I took a few minutes to collect myself and reapply my now smeared makeup.
I didn’t tell anyone. We went to the graduation ceremony and ended up having one of the best days ever with Alex. He was happy and smiling and we got some amazing pictures. No meltdowns. Probably helped that we kept reminding him after that day that he would never have to go back and then we were getting a treat after, lol.
I remember sitting in that school auditorium, looking around at all the parents and thinking, “If you only knew what it took to get us here.”
Hi! My name is Laura and I'm a mom of two beautiful kids in Vancouver, Canada. I write a blog on Facebook called The Autism Ride, all about the ups and downs in life with our teenaged son on the spectrum.
From shapes and basic counting to SAT prep and AP Calculus, there are tons of free online math resources that will keep your kids minds sharp. Keep scrolling to see some of the best free online math resources for preschoolers on up to high school seniors.
photo: iStock
ABCMouse: Digital math activities for kids two to eight years old
Adapted Mind: Free math worksheets for first though ninth grade
Beast Academy Online: Great for ages eight to 13 with comic-book style illustrations
CK-12: First grade through Pre-Calculus math activities
Dad’s Worksheets: Over 9,000 free worksheets that include addition, subtraction, fractions and more
edHelper: Free daily math workbooks for first through sixth grade
Eduten: Over 200,000 math tasks for first through ninth grade students
eMathStudio: Digital notebooks and tools, like math editor, calculator and graphing tools
Fiveable: Past and live stream courses on AP prep, Calculus and more
