The Creative Guide to Preparing Your Kids for School

By Official Oddbods Team

September 8, 2021

Photo: Laura Rivera on Unsplash

The back-to-school season is an exciting time for families as they gear up for the huge transition ahead. A new academic year may mean new teachers and new friends for most children, even new schools for some. While starting on a clean slate can be refreshing, the high level of unknowns and changes in routine can cause anxiety in some kids.

That’s why it’s good to plan a mix of fun and purposeful back-to-school activities to better prepare our children for the school year ahead. Check out these creative activities inspired by the Oddbods show that you can do with your child and the whole family. Let’s do this!

Fun-Tastical Back-to-School Activities

1. Shop for New School Supplies
Get your child excited by stocking up with some new, inexpensive stationery. We’re particularly partial to this Oddbods Creativity Kit. No matter your budget, giving your child new-to-them school supplies can help them look forward to returning to class. As much as possible, let them make their own choices so they can feel a greater sense of self and autonomy.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple children, let them hold their own shopping baskets and have the items bagged separately during check out. This saves you the effort of sorting out the purchases for each child once you get back home.

2. Order Cute Name Stickers & Get Labelling
It’s not uncommon for children’s stationery to get lost or accidentally traded among students. Name labels can help. There are many online name sticker services offering a wide variety of designs to choose from. Once they’ve arrived, sit down with your child and let them enjoy pasting stickers on their belongings.

3. Assemble a Homework Caddy
Assemble a homework caddy with coveted stationery for your child to look forward to using after school. Becky from Clean Mama assembles adorable but super functional homework caddies for her children every back-to-school season. It’s a great idea to adopt because it helps to organise stationery in your home and injects colour into the dreaded routine of completing homework after school. When shopping for back-to-school supplies, pick out some fancier stationery for communal use among your kids.

4. Tidy Up Together
We’re being cheeky calling this “fun”, but tidying up the mudroom or coat and shoe racks ahead of the back to school season can help to reduce chaos in your home once school has started. Declutter footwear and jackets that your kids have outgrown and craft some fun, decorative touches with your child to display. Involving your child can help them feel proud of contributing to the family.

5. Plan Extra-Special after-School Snacks for the First Few Weeks of School
Make snack time family time. While you have the luxury of the summer break, why not plan some extra special after school snacks for the first few weeks of school to help your child look forward to them? Whether it’s baking cookies or freezing fruit popsicles in advance, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your child before school routines take over your days.

If your kid is running off for after-school activity, the best time for them to snack is 30 minutes before their activity. This leaves enough time for digestion and the fuels from the snack to start working.

6. Download Wacky Zoom Backgrounds in Advance
If your child will be doing some remote learning this coming school year—and if their teachers allow it—start hunting for some fun virtual backgrounds to inject some joy into their online classes. Here’s also a list of parent tips and tricks to keep your kid focused and balanced while learning from home.

7. Make New Morning Routine Charts
Morning routines are chaotic, so get your kids’ help by training them to be independent when getting ready for school with their school gear, like their backpack, in advance and perhaps, boost their mood with their choice of back-to-school essentials.

As your child grows older, they develop more executive functions which help them pay attention, remember instructions and multitask better. Based on the new skills they’ve acquired, design new morning routine charts where they increasingly become more independent in getting ready for school. As a bonus, customise the routine charts with your child’s favourite themes.

8. Read Books about the First Day of School
After spending their summer break at home, young children especially can feel separation anxiety in school. You can help to mentally prepare them for what to expect by reading books about going to a new school or returning to school. Let them know that fear and anxiety are normal feelings and that you trust your child is capable of acting in spite of them.

Check out these three popular titles among parents!

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Pen
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen

9. Rehearse Drop-Offs & Pick-Ups
Talk to your child about how your family will be doing drop-offs and pick-ups once school starts. Drop by the school compound, rehearse the journey to and from school and show them where you’ll be sending them off and picking them up. Letting them know what to expect and giving them plenty of calm assurances can help to reduce their jitters about the coming school year.

Make this year’s back-to-school season extra joyful by trying out the suggestions above. Whether your child is filled with excitement or dread, embrace their feelings and support them through their journey so that they can succeed. Every child is different and each deserves to grow well over the upcoming school term. Parents, you got this!

Official Oddbods Team

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Oddbods is more than an animation. We empower parents to transmit the Oddbods values to their children, supporting healthy development and growth. We're a non-dialogue, cartoon comedy series featuring seven unique and relatable characters who bring individual personalities to life; it builds friendships and encourages young children to celebrate individuality.

15 Ways to Ease Back-to-School Jitters (According to Experts)

by Kipp Jarecke-ChengAugust 24, 2021

For kids, when it comes to heading back to school, reconnecting with classmates and meeting new teachers can be thrilling, but the process can also provoke a mix of excitement and anxiety too (especially if it’s their first time back since 2020). We found a few experts to weigh in on the best ways to quell those first-day butterflies. See what they had to say below.

parent and child reading in bed — iStock

1. Start adjusting schedules now. The first day of school might be a few days (or weeks) away, but it’s never too early to start re-adjusting schedules back to early morning mode. That means switching from late nights and lazy mornings to reasonable bedtimes and early rising.

2. Do a practice run. Before school starts, it’s helpful for students and parents to familiarize themselves with a new school or a new classroom. Visit the school during the summer break and, if possible, visit the classroom where your child will be attending. Mark Griffin, the headmaster of Eagle Hill School in Connecticut, says a classroom visit can help to alleviate the fear of the unknown for an anxious student.

3. Involve your child in decision making. Whether it’s encouraging your kid to pick out her new school supplies or asking your child what he wants to pack for lunch, letting them have a say in what they can expect in the coming school year will give them a sense of control and confidence. Eleanor Mackey, a psychologist with Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C., says allowing kids to be engaged with finding solutions can help them feel better about potentially scary situations.

4. Validate your child’s feelings. Some parents may dismiss a child’s fears of going back to school or miss cues that may reveal something deeper than mere nervousness. “Kids are resilient, but it’s good to validate what they are feeling,” says Allison Wilson, director of curriculum and innovation at Stratford School in Southern and Northern California. “Parents sharing their own stories about their first day of school or about other changes they’ve experienced can resonate with kids and make them feel less worried.”

5. Establish a routine. Going back to school signals the return of the ultimate routine for students and parents. Beyond re-establishing healthy bedtime and waking schedules, well-kept routines like homework, after-school activities, and mealtimes can help students focus on being prepared at school and help families get back into the swing of balancing academics and social lives.

6. Talk about it. Wilson encourages parents to be open to talking about a child’s fears before and after the start of the new school year. “Dialogue can be open-ended, but ask specific questions,” Wilson says. “Don’t ask general questions like, ‘How was your day?’ Be specific, ‘What did you draw in art class today?’ ” In addition, Wilson says parents should model open talk by sharing the highs and lows of their own days.

7. Remember that one size does not fit all. A variety of factors may influence the impact of going back to school and any corresponding anxiety that a student feels. Whether it’s a kindergartner starting full-day school or a middle schooler transitioning to using a locker for the first time, it’s important to recognize that not every child will have the same reactions to new situations. Scholastic offers some helpful tips for ensuring that each kid gets the kind of individualized support they need, including not assuming that your child’s experience will be the same as yours in school.

8. Consider different milestones. In the same way that not all students will experience similar levels of anxiety at the start of the school year, it’s important to consider the differences between entering different grades, different schools or different social dynamics. Meeting your child where she is and the circumstances surrounding the changes being experienced—rather than forcing your perspectives and fears onto your child—will help to calm nerves.

9. Do your homework. There are plenty of resources that can help parents and students cope with back-to-school anxiety, including a wide variety of books that address the topic in humorous and relatable ways for kids. From The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School to Second Grade, Here I Come!, reading stories with your child about what it’s like to go back to school can be a fun, shared activity. Find our favorite back-to-school reads here.

10. Don’t prejudge too quickly. As parents, we like to believe that we’re attuned to what’s going on with our own kid at all times, but sometimes we may mistakenly diagnose back-to-school anxiety when the culprit might be something else entirely. Wilson says, “Maybe it’s not fear or anxiety. The jitters could be excitement or simply not knowing what’s ahead.” Active listening and supporting your child can help to discern the difference between an issue that’s big or small.

11. Host a playdate. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Children’s Center provides useful resources and tips for parents and students coping with back-to-school anxiety, including hosting an after-school playdate with a fellow student in order to start getting acclimated to being around classmates before the first day of school.

12. Review past successes. Although the previous school year may seem light-years away, reviewing with your child his successful completion of the prior school year will help set him up for success in the coming year. Jessica Borelli, associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine, says reminding a student of their past achievements will help build confidence for the impending new school year.

13. Have one last hurrah. Before the start of school, spend some quality time together as a family. Take a road trip, splurge on a fancy family meal, or have a surprise adventure. Arming kids with fond memories of what they did over the summer, aside from sleeping in or going to the beach or pool, will give them conversation starters with their peers and fuel them to get through the first few weeks and months of classes.

14. Get organized. In the days and weeks leading up to the start of school, make sure supplies are purchased, pantries are well-stocked, and back-to-school clothes are ready to go. Nothing exacerbates back-to-school jitters like disorganization and chaos at home.

15. Keep calm and carry on. “Children are really intuitive and adults sometimes don’t see that,” says Wilson. “We may be projecting our own anxieties on our children, which can make the situation worse.” Instead of obsessing about the unknown with your child, remain collected and focused on all of the positive aspects of starting a new school year.

Back-to-School Tips to Start the School Year Off Right

by Karly WoodAugust 20, 2021

From easing first-day-jitters to making sure the kids get on the school routine to morning shortcuts and more, we’ve asked our network of 20 million parents what they do to make the transition into the new school year a success. With school around the corner, you’ll want to keep scrolling to get prepped for the coming year.

Be Prepared

"I keep a "mobile unit" in the back of my car. Essentially, it's filled with literally ANYTHING we could possibly need so we can dash out in a moment's notice. If we are running late for school, I can grab from these bins in the parking lot. Items in the back include everything from an extra pair of shoes, a change of clothes, a thin jacket or sweatshirt, snacks, etc (for each kid). There are even extra bags so if they forget their backpack I can stuff a tote bag with the change of clothes they are required to bring, some shoes, etc." –Meghan M.

"I try to take each of my three kids shopping for school supplies on their own (even though I'd rather just bulk order everything from Amazon). They wear uniforms to school so this is their one opportunity to show a little personal style." –Kate L.

"Shop online to avoid crowds. Kids can pick fun stuff that stores might not carry (cool designs for pencils, folders, notebooks, etc.). Plan out the first week of lunches/snacks. Check Pinterest for simple kid lunch ideas and easy dinner recipes. About 3 weeks before 1st day back, have the kids' body clocks re-charge by having them get to bed earlier - yes, even if they know that other kids are outside at 8:30-9." –Margaret B.

"We just started working on a bridge book between grades ... Not difficult and kind of fun activities, but it gets them going again on writing, math and science concepts they learned during the year and maybe a little that is new and coming up this year." –Emma T.

Easing Back Into a Routine

"I bought each kid an alarm clock so they can set it and learn time management and be responsible for waking themselves up. Start the morning routine a week before school, so their body clock acclimates to getting up early. It also helps a ton to pick out outfits the night before- especially for tween girls!" –Beth S.

"I start the early bedtime routine like a week ahead of time. We also try to have a super fun week before school starts, to 'get summer out of our system.'" –Gabby C.

"[We use a visual countdown clock.] You set it, and it helps kids see the passing of time, as well when they are running out of it. (easier to grasp than "you have 5 more minutes, and also, I guess helps with some autonomy—it's your time, budget wisely.) It's also a little like a game—beat the clock. You get to choose a picture to reveal, and glitter explosions happen when time is up." –Mimi O.

"Studies show younger children do better with [an] early start. It will be [an] adjustment but start 5 days ahead, getting ready for bed and doing bedtime routine." –Rhodora S.

Easing the Jitters

"New clothes help first day jitters, coffee and wine help with the rest. Pro Tip: empty the backpack EVERY day!! –Laura P.

"To quell our son's anxiety about back to school in general and a new school specifically, we planned a trip that goes up until a couple days before school starts. We'll do our BTS shopping before we go. When he started Kindergarten, we met the teacher a couple days before, and she gave him this little bag that had glitter stars and other such things. She said, "I know you will be a star at the school, so put this under your pillow the night before your first day and all your wishes will come true." –Amber G.

Celebrating the First Day

"On the first day of school, I always pack a fun shareable dessert in my kids’ lunchboxes. Something I wouldn’t normally pack like a tube of mini M&Ms, a small package of cookies or a box of Red Vines. The dessert acts like an “icebreaker” of sorts … my kids can share it with old friends and new friends, and it makes their new lunch routine a lot easier. –Kristina M.

Start a fun back to school tradition, like the First Day Fairy. –Red Tricycle

––Karly Wood

25 Easy First Day of School Picture Ideas

21 Back-to-School Traditions to Try This Year

Tips for Navigating the Return to School

By Amber Kemp-Gerstel

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 13, 2021

Photo: Amber Kemp-Gerstel via Damask Love

Every new school year brings its fair share of jitters, excitement, and everything in between, but the span of emotions leading into this year are greater than ever. After a year (or more) of balancing virtual or hybrid school, many parents are dusting off lunchboxes and backpacks to send their kids back to school in-person for the first time in over a year. It’s a big deal. But, at least for me, with each new school supply purchased and each lunchbox packed, the nerves slip away and eagerness kicks in.

A new survey from Juicy Juice found that a staggering 95% of parents say they are excited to return to a sense of normalcy this school year after balancing remote school last year. And I’m one of them! So to celebrate the “yay” moments as I like to call them, I’m sharing some tips to help families stoke the positivity and set themselves up to conquer the school year ahead.

1. Be There for Your Littles
Heading back to school after a year of virtual or hybrid schooling can be a little intimidating for kids. Combat those back-to-school jitters with a little lunchbox note. It’s a great way for parents to inject some encouragement, confidence, and joy into the school day. It’s also a great way to stay connected and let them know you’re thinking of them during the day.

2. Go Easy on Yourself
Daily to-do’s don’t need to weigh you down. For example, don’t try to be the best chef when making school lunches. Lunchboxes can be easy and predictable! Stick with staples like a sandwich, some fruit and veggies, something salty and a maybe a sweet treat. Within these categories you can get creative. Maybe one day it’s turkey and cheese and the next day it’s almond butter with jelly. I give my son Juicy Juice 100% juice boxes because there are so many flavors to choose, it keeps his lunchbox interesting! The more you can simplify the tasks that you have to do multiple times a week, the lighter your to-do list will feel.

3. Leverage Your Resources
With so many children returning to school after a year or more of virtual education, you may notice some emotional difficulties with your child including some anxiety, social troubles, and attention problems. Your child’s school likely has a counselor or psychologist, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. But don’t forget to get yourself some help too. Lean on the other parents in your class for support. Even create a parent group chat! As parents, we may feel out of the loop when it comes to the day-to-day activities and events that happen at school, so help each other stay in the know and connected.

4. Play Goes a Long Way
Now that kids are heading back to school, we’re spending less time together, so make your family time count by setting aside a special time where you really connect with each other and just play! Play is the natural language of young children. By playing with your kids without the distraction of your phone or mobile device, you’ll have meaningful conversations, learn what’s on their mind and maybe uncover any difficulties they may be experiencing. This can be just 10 minutes after school before homework, it doesn’t have to be a lot of time to make a big difference!

5. Connect with Others
Take advantage of that parent group chat and schedule some play dates. Connecting with other classroom parents and planning an outdoor play date with other kids who will be in your child’s classroom will help build (or rebuild) that sense of community for parents. For kids who’ve been in virtual school all year, this is a great way to familiarize them with their new classmates and practice some socialization skills.

Amber Kemp-Gerstel

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Amber Kemp-Gerstel is the host of Disney Family Sundays on Disney+ and founder of Damask Love, a creative blog all about DIY. Amber received her Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology from Vanderbilt University and practiced as a pediatric psychologist for many years before shifting careers to pursue her passion for creativity.

4 Tips for a Better IEP Meeting

By Amanda DeLuca

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 12, 2021

Photo: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

As a special needs parent I think we can all agree the panic we have felt before heading into these meetings. Even though I’ve sat through plenty for my own child, and many for clients as well these meetings always bring up nerves and jitters for parents. Here are some of my top tips for helping parents head into their next IEP meeting feeling less anxious and more confident.

1. Request your draft copy of the IEP in writing. Not all states require a draft copy of the IEP be sent to parents, but it is common practice to do so. I always remind my clients to request a draft copy of the proposed IEP in writing, most commonly in e-mail form one to two weeks ahead of the meeting. Receiving a draft copy ahead of time allows you time to look over the document and you can begin to take notes and write down your questions before your meeting.

2. Work on asking questions at the table instead of just disagreeing with the team. As you are reviewing your draft copy of your document, word your notes into question form, over a bullet-pointed list. By asking questions it opens up the conversation for collaboration as opposed to quick close-ended statements that turn the conversation to quiet dead ends. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking the “why” and “how” to get ideas flowing at the table towards a more collaborative solution.

3. Write a clear parent input letter. Writing a clear parent input letter after you’ve reviewed your draft IEP, or even before you request one from the team can help the team recognize your top concerns for your child. This statement should be the driving force for the team about what you want long-term and where you want to see your child go. This statement should also talk about what supports they need to be successful and can include suggestions from outside providers. Parent input statements should be submitted to the team ahead of the meeting so that this information can be added to the IEP document.

4. Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the IEP. The IEP or Individualized Education Program is laid out to prepare students for further education, independent living, and employment. Understanding that the IEP should be individualized to meet your child’s unique needs and is not a one size fits all document can really help shape out-of-the-box thinking strategies from parents, therapists, and teachers at the table during your meetings. I know first-hand sitting at the table can sometimes feel very “us vs. them” and as a master IEP coach, I work very hard to help make teams and parents work collaboratively.

Ultimately, we need to remember everyone at that table wants your child to succeed. Using the tips outlined above is a great place to start building your confidence at the IEP table.

This post originally appeared on Jackson's Journey, Jackson's Voice.

Amanda DeLuca

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Amanda is a mom of two and lives in Ohio. Her son is on the autism spectrum and is who inspired her to begin her journey through advocacy. In her free time she enjoys teaching dance , hosting the MommingAutism podcast, and writing for her page Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice.

How to Choose a Child Care Facility When You Can’t Tour

By Joy Turner

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 18, 2021

Photo: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

While there have been many downsides to the global pandemic, one convenience that has been born is the growing availability of virtual experiences and services. In the child care industry, many have started offering virtual tours in lieu of bringing parents and children into the facility in person. Whether you’re unable to personally visit a child care facility due to coronavirus precautions or another reason, I recently asked Sharon Lytwynec, Senior Vice President of Operations at Kiddie Academy® Education Child Care, to provide some suggestions on how to get the most out of a virtual tour and she says, “It is absolutely possible to research, tour, and select a child care option for your children without going in person. It’s a little unconventional, but as with many things we’ve experienced and had to pivot during the pandemic, it’s becoming more sophisticated and seamless. Right now, it’s the new normal at most of our Academies.”

What to Look for during a Virtual Tour

Is there a personalized connection? Does the person hosting the virtual tour make an effort to engage with you and customize the tour to address you and your family’s unique needs? Does the tour feel like a stock tour that could be given to anyone? The answers may help you get a feel for what your overall experience as a customer will be like.

The person hosting your virtual tour should try to make a personal connection with and learn what’s most important to you and what your expectations are so that they can speak to that during the tour.
The child care center’s representative shouldn’t simply list off all of the features of their school. Instead, they should find out what’s most important to you and focus on that.
They should use your name and your child’s name throughout the tour.
The director or owner of the center should follow up with you after the tour concludes to ensure all your questions were addresses and answer any lingering questions you may have after the fact.

Important Points to Remember

It’s important to pay attention to the professional appearance of anyone that is introduced during the tour. Does it look like they made an effort to impress you?
Did everyone that was speaking during the virtual tour make eye contact? Even though it’s virtual doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be looking into the camera when speaking.
Were they on time? Ideally, someone from the center would be logged on before anyone else joins so they can greet new-comers.
Were you introduced to your child(ren)’s potential teacher during the virtual tour?
Are they receptive to your child(ren) joining the virtual meeting? You can tell a lot about someone by how they interact with your child(ren). This is also a good opportunity for your child(ren) to meet their teacher(s) for the first time, which can help with the possible first-day jitters.

Virtual Tour Tips

Try to schedule a virtual tour during normal business hours and ask to take a sneak peek in the classroom(s) your child(ren) would be in. It’s much easier to get an idea of whether the children are actively engaged in learning or not. Even better—try to schedule a virtual tour during mealtimes and transition periods such as drop-off and pick up. Even though these times tend to be more chaotic, it’s a great way to see how the school is implementing enhanced safety protocols around COVID-19.

It’s also crucial to ask what type of training and operational changes were made around COVID-19 and make sure you and your family are comfortable with these changes. Look for evidence during the tour that those enhanced health and safety protocols are happening and effective.

At Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care, we made our COVID-19 recommendations available to the public for full transparency and to encourage other providers to borrow and practice what we know to be the best operating procedures during this time.

As with all video calls, it’s important to do a dry run on the platform and ensure there are no snags in the process and internet connection is strong. This will avoid precious time being spent on troubleshooting and instead focus on the tour.

Finally, ask for current customer references. Incorporating a fellow parent’s opinions and answers to your questions may help you make the best decision for your family.

This post originally appeared on Kiddie Academy Family Essentials.

Joy Turner

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.

What Your First-Time Babysitter Needs to Know

by Meghan Yudes MeyersOctober 24, 2020

You’ve done your research, interviewed babysitters and cross-checked their references. But entrusting a new sitter with your sweet baby can still be an emotional task. Preparing a detailed list of information and going over it with your sitter before you head out the door empowers your babysitter—and will help ease your jitters about handing off your babe to a stranger. Here’s the 411 on the most important info to share with your sitter.

The Basics

Leaving your phone number is a given. Providing the address and phone number of the location you plan to be at is also helpful, in case your phone dies or you're away from it. You should also make sure that your home address (and cross streets) are prominently displayed on your list, in case your sitter needs them. This list is also a good place to note relatives' names and phone numbers, the number for Poison Control (800-222-1222) and your family doctor. If you have a landline, make sure the sitter knows that number in case his/her phone dies.

Health & Wellness

If your child requires daily medications, label each clearly along with a checklist of the dosages and times to give each one. In fact, preparing syringes for your babysitter guarantees that your child will receive the proper dosage. Setting alarms can help, as well, for timely administrations. Also, inform your sitter when to contact you during a medical event (such as in the case of vomiting, a minor injury or a mild fever) and when they should contact your child's physician or 911. Consider leaving your insurance information in case of emergency and also a list of your child's medical conditions.

Your Baby's Routine

Structure and routine create a sense of predictability and calmness for children, especially babies. Making sure your babysitter knows the ins and outs of your daily routine will help make a new face a little less scary. Leave a detailed schedule that includes mealtimes, naptimes, bedtimes and what the routine might look like for each: Does your infant have a preferred baby bottle? Do you sing a specific song before putting them in bed? Which direction do they face in the crib? Do they get a book and bath before bedtime?

The Lay of the Land

Your home is new territory for your babysitter, so give a quick tour before you leave. Make sure they know where all the essentials are: diapers, clothes, special toys, bottles, teethers, cleaning products and any other items they might need during their time in your home. You should also let them know where to find emergency items, like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and flashlights (in the event of a power outage). Even if you've shown your sitter these things, leave a list of where to find them should they forget once you've left. Your sitter will also appreciate tips on how to use remote controls for the family TV and any other appliances with quirky controls. If you have house rules, like no shoes in the baby's room, make them aware of these as well.

Keep It Simple

When preparing your written instructions, keep it simple. You will be handing your new sitter a wealth of information, so checklists, numbered or bulleted lists and short, clear sentences will make the information easier to read and follow. Not sure how to organize your info? There are some great templates you can use to organize your notes for the sitter, like these or these.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured image: iStock

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It’s Autumn! Time to Fall in Love with Reading!

By Keira Pride

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 14, 2020

Photo: Stratford School

As the days begin to grow shorter and our children are staying inside more, now is the perfect time to fall in love with reading books! For as little as 20 minutes a day, children can take a break from their “virtual school day” and spend downtime reading. To help establish the reading habit, parents can model making the choice to read instead of being online. Let your child see you choose to spend time reading a book, magazine, or newspaper. By showing how much you value and thoroughly enjoy the quiet time reading brings, children will see firsthand that being off-line with a good book is time well spent.

It can’t be said often enough, reading to children while they are young helps lay a foundation upon which they will be much more likely to develop the habit of reading as they grow up. So, try to make reading a part of your families’ everyday routine to instill a love of reading at an early age!

Albert Einstein put it best: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

Here’s our go-to list of books to spark any child’s love of reading:

Grades Kinder to 2nd grade:

School’s First Day of School written by Adam Rex and Illustrated by Christian Robinson.
The first day of school brings a mixture of nervousness and excitement to everyone who is about to start the year; students wonder if they will make any friends, teachers hope they will start the year right, and parents hope their children will have fun learning. Perhaps there is someone else whom we have forgotten about—the school! School’s First Day of School gives us a very different perspective on those first day jitters, and by observing through the school’s eyes we get to see what makes it such a special place in our lives.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going : the True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon written by Simran Jeet Singh, Illustrated by Baljinder Kaur
After a life in India where he always strived to be stronger and better, Fauja Singh at the age of 81 moved to be with his family. It was in England that he discovered marathon running and began training. After some challenges, Singh became the oldest person (100!) to run a marathon. This is an inspiring story of an extraordinary man who has never stopped trying to become a better person. The illustrations are lovely—digitally created using drawings and collage pieces. These are exquisitely intricate and provide wonderful images of life in another culture. The book provides information on Singh, a wonderful photograph of him, and a list of his records. There is also a forward written by Singh to young readers.

Grades 3-4

Bo’s Magical New Friend – Unicorn Diaries Book One by Rebecca Elliott
This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. It tells the delightful tale of how Bo (short for Rainbow), makes friends with a new unicorn Sunny. A well-crafted book—each page is full of bright colorful pictures. Since this is a diary, it makes sense stylistically that the words are on lined pages, but it also makes it easier to read. The story is solid, with a little adventure and some light friend drama. This series is a companion to the very popular Owl Diaries by the same author.

The School is Alive! Eerie Elementary Series written by Jack Chabert and Illustrated by Sam Ricks
Children looking for an exciting and slightly spooky (perfect for Halloween) early chapter book and parent listeners hoping for more than the same old formulaic storyline might want to give this series a try. The plot revolves around the hall monitor, Sam, protecting the students from the evil school. He creates a team of students to help him. In this installment, which takes place during the class play, the stage and props come to life and try to swallow the students. This series keeps the reader’s attention because it has some laughs, some substance, and some thrills.

Grades 5-8

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
This “Rick Riordan Presents” book combines multiple African American tales and fables within an epic adventure. When Tristan Strong visits his grandparent’s house during the summer, his late friend’s journal is stolen from his room. While trying to regain the journal, Tristan accidentally opens a portal to MidPass, a place with burning seas, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters. To survive and make it back home Tristan must work together with characters who are part of African American Myths and legends, such as John Henry and Brer Rabbit. This book introduces African American folklore to a new generation all while the main character copes with the unexpected death of his best friend, and his most prized possession, the journal. This book is quite long (482 pages) and will keep readers on the edge of their seats, waiting for the sequel.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia Williams
This Newbery Honor book tells the story of thirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson. With smooth and engrossing prose, debut novelist Alicia Williams takes readers through an emotional, painful, yet still hopeful adolescent journey. Along the way, she references accomplished black activists, athletes, artists, and, notably, musicians such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James, all in a way that feels natural and appropriate. This book may bring readers to tears as they root for Genesis to finally have the acceptance she desires—but from herself rather than anyone else. This is a beautifully written novel about discovering who you are through those around you.

Keira Pride

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

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.

Totally Candid Distance Learning Advice from LA Teachers

by Shannan RoussAugust 30, 2020

Normally it’s just kids who get back-to-school jitters. But this year, with LA schools going virtual, parents are feeling plenty of their own anxiety. To help prepare you for all the at-home learning, we talked to a few Los Angeles teachers, who revealed their insider tips. Keep calm and read on!

Stick to Traditions

"Parents should be treating this as the beginning of any other school year," says third grade teacher Katherine Stott. "Take first day of school pictures, get some new school supplies/outfits and get excited!" Making school feel as normal and familiar as possible will help young kids acclimate to the change.

Maximize Your Mornings

Kiddos should show up for virtual learning just as they would for a regular day of in-person learning, says third grade teacher Gabrielle Radonsky. She recommends waking up at least a half hour before school starts, so kids have plenty of time to eat breakfast, get dressed, comb their hair and brush teeth, and come prepared to their meeting.

If there's time, Ms. Stott suggests trying get out and take a walk around the neighborhood before the distance learning begins. "This will make school feel more like school," she says.

Get into the Zone

It's important for kids to have a designated school zone for online learning. Kindergarten teacher Jocelyn Bresnick says that a child's workspace should be "away from distractions, other people, food and toys."

One spot to avoid? "The bed," says fifth grade teacher Anastasia Theo. "You would be surprised how many students join lessons form there!" You want your child to be sitting up, alert and engaged.

A final piece of advice from Ms. Radonsky: "Keep the space consistent even if it's the dining room table."

Listen Up

If there are multiple children, plus mom and dad all working at home, it can be hard for kids to tune out distractions. Ms. Theo recommends getting kid-friendly headphones to "reduce background noise and help students focus."

Give Some Space

While it may be tempting to hover over kids during their virtual lessons, it's better to take a step back. "Parents should not be part of the lesson; they should check in with their child after the lesson just like they would when their child gets home from school," says Ms. Theo. She suggests asking your child to show you their work for the day, or start a discussion about what they learned.

Say Yes, But...

When it comes to sidestepping schoolwork, kids are mini masterminds. As Ms. Bresnick tells us, she lives by this strategy: Say yes, but on your terms. For example, she explains, if your child asks, Can I have a snack?, reply with, Yes! After you finish this last page.

Stay Positive

A grade-school boy receives a kiss of encouragement from his mom before school — Garrett Jackson via Unsplash

"Remember that this is new for everyone and try to be positive," encourages Ms. Theo. "Kids are more likely to look at this negatively if they are constantly hearing their parents complain about it."

featured photo: Julia Cameron via Pexels

–Shannan Rouss

The Best Learning Toys Games and Gear for Kids

5 Ways that Job Hunting & Dating are the Same

By Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 3, 2020

Dear Confessional,

I have been a complete disaster for the last week. Finally, the tides have changed because I boldly took the leap to change my professional direction and chase my dreams. My philosophy is “go big or go home,” so when I created my own door of opportunity and it actually opened, my life flashed before me. No, I wasn’t dying—I was reflecting, projecting, inspired, overwhelmed, thankful, and so truly happy. I really relish that feeling because it doesn’t surface often in life. Then I tried to remember when I felt like I was riding on this rollercoaster last, and that’s when it dawned on me—landing your dream job feels exactly like landing a date with your dream guy.

Even though I’ve been out of the dating pool for a really long time, I must admit, once the butterflies, jitters, and excitement to the point of nausea takes over, it’s pretty hard to forget. You just know it when you feel it.

1. Taking the leap: So you got the guts to get on the playing field and put yourself out there. It’s so exciting and makes you feel so vulnerable, doesn’t it? What if you get a “no”? What if it’s a “yes”? Ok, what do I say first? What if I sound stupid? Should I just go for it or practice what I’m going to say with a friend first? Wait, what the heck am I doing? Who do I think I am? Ugh, just stop over-thinking and just go for it already! Stop questioning yourself and don’t let this opportunity slip away! Ok, I’m doing this. I can do this. What’s the worst thing that can happen, right?

2. Crazy phone checks: OMG, I did it. I think I’m going to be sick. Let me check my phone now. Did he call? Nope. Ok, need to check my e-mail. Nothing yet. Maybe it went to Spam mail. Twitter? Ok stop right now, no cyber-stalking, what’s wrong with you? Chill out! Maybe there’s something wrong with my phone. Yeah, maybe I should power down and reboot? Ok, no, I’ll wait a minute first. No maybe I’ll check e-mail again before I do that.

3. Butterflies galore: Oooh, so excited I could throw up. Constant jittery jumping beans, I feel like I could jump out of my skin with anticipation! The shakey tummy is nonstop. Holy crap, will something please just happen?! But wait, not yet, there’s so much to do! What do I do in the meantime to get my mind off of it?

4. Meeting greeting: What do I wear? What should I say? What if I sound like a rambling idiot? I need to prepare. What if it gets awkward? Do I have anything in my teeth? I hope we hit it off. Do I look ok? Oh geez, I’m a mess. My hands are sweaty and my knee won’t stop shaking. Chill out, woman! Do I have anything in my teeth?

5. Call back: Wow, that was awesome. Do you think it went well? You think I came across ok? I really hope it works out. Let me check my phone and see if I got a message. Do you think I’ll get asked back?

After having four kids, spending the last decade either being pregnant or taking care of a tiny tot, and mostly working as a writer and editor for a trade magazine, taking a leap of faith and changing directions can seem a bit exhilarating, daunting, refreshing, and just right. What’s even better is when that defining moment occurs at the right place and at the right time. Just like in a relationship, sometimes you just know. The best part is grasping the life-changing enormity of it all.

Even though these last few days have felt like I’m going to be sick with overwhelming excitement and happiness about my new direction, I hope this feeling stays so vibrant and fresh. After my fourth child began school, and it was just myself for the first time since I was in my 20’s, I made the conscious decision to figure out who I truly am and what I want—and then to relentlessly and passionately chase my dreams.

I made a firm decision that during this time, I would wholeheartedly carry out my vision, do it in digestible doses, learn from it, grow with it… and most importantly, love it every step of the way. I feel most blessed to have landed my dream guy and enjoy my full family. Thankfully, I can now also relish in landing my dream direction that I have always wanted.

If you’re truly passionate about your vision, then work for it and live it. That’s how dreams become your reality.

The only way to reach the top of that professional mountain is with one small step at a time. Don’t look up and get overwhelmed— just focus on the simple path and each simple step that guides you there.

This is it—time to shine.

with Love,

Ruthi

Photo: Ruthi Davis Photography

Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

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