9 Back to School Products That Are Not On The Supply List

It is that time of year again. The kids are heading back to school and you are preparing your shopping list. From school supplies to clothes, you want to make sure your children have everything that they need for their first day of school. Keep reading to discover some amazing back-to-school items that may not be on your shopping list.

 Summer seems to go by so fast. Just as you are getting used to having the kids home, the new school season is here. Now it is time to get your kids ready for their first day of school. It is time for back-to-school shopping.

 From pencils to paper to new shoes, you have a lot of shopping to do. Now is the time to make a shopping list, so you won't forget anything. While you are making your list for school items, check out some amazing items that may not be on a typical school shopping list. These are items that you need to add to your list as they are items that kids need for school. 

This post may contain affiliate links

Back to School Products That Are Not On The Supply List

1. BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils

 Kids need pencils for school and these mechanical pencils from BIC were a 2024 Product of the Year Winner. These pencils have some unique features that are going to help your child with all their school work. 

BIC Break-Resistant mechanical pencils provide the perfect combination of innovative features and appealing design for a smooth, uninterrupted writing experience. Each BIC Break-Resistant mechanical pencil comes with a specially formulated extra strong lead, as well as an easy-to-use twist-up jumbo-size eraser for clean corrections. The 4 pack of mechanical pencils also comes with erasers, 4 eraser refills, and one lead refill. These unique pencils make great teacher gifts. 

Buy BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils ~ https://amzn.to/3LUdJ8U

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2. Head Lightz Headband 

 If you have kids who walk to school or ride their bikes to school, then you need to check out this headband with an LED light. This unique product will keep your kids safe. The Head Lightz headband will help your child see and be seen on those early mornings. It is perfect for dark or foggy mornings.

The headband is simple and easy to use. The one-size-fits-most headband is also comfortable to wear. With this headband, there is no need to carry a flashlight, so kids can focus on their journey. The lighted headband is also perfect for sports and camping. It comes in an assortment of colors and is machine washable.

Buy Head Lightz Headband ~ https://lvnta.com/lv_BmDd5QqlfhhYHD8NyW

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3. Yipes! Wipes 

 Kids seem to always have dirty hands and these wipes are perfect for cleaning hands when one is not near a sink. Yipes! Wipes are the perfect product for kids and school. These kid-friendly wipes are perfect for school lunches and more. 

 Yipes! wipes are ready for all the messy moments. The hand wipes are individually wrapped and perfect for quick clean-ups. They are easy to open and fun to use, so kids can have clean hands before they eat lunch. Make sure to pack the wipes in their lunch bag. 

 The wet wipes are also made for sensitive skin and can be used on their hands or face. The wipes are 99% plant-based, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, 98% water, and contain no parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum. Yipes! wipes are also plastic-free wipes, vegan, not tested on animals, and made in the USA.

Buy Yipes! Wipes ~ https://amzn.to/4ddMGl2

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4. UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box

No one likes eating cold food that is meant to be warm. This Self Heating Lunch Box is the solution for enjoying hot and healthy meals on the go. The UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box features a plug-in design with a powerful heat source that can heat refrigerated food in 25 minutes. 

The lunch box also has a detachable cord so you can store your food in the fridge. The insulated liner keeps food hot for up to 2 hours without power. Plus it has an integrated UV light that kills up to 99% of bacteria. I featured this lunch container on my recent travel must-have product list and I will be bringing it to Hawaii as my hotel does not have a microwave. This lunch box comes in three different colors.

Buy UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box ~ https://uvilunchbox.com/

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5. Dr. Moritz Wellness Supplements

Back to school means back to cold and flu time. So stock up on these wellness supplements and strengthen your child's immune system. Dr. Moritz supplements are delicious-tasting gummies, so getting kids to take them will be simple. Dr. Moritz's supplements are made with natural ingredients that they grow on their farms, so they are safe for the whole family.

My back-to-school supplement routine for my kids includes elderberry, magnesium, and B6 B12. 

~ Elderberry is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system year-round.

~ Magnesium helps kids relax and fall asleep easily. It is also great for mood support.

~ B6 B12 stimulates a healthy immune system, improves brain & nervous system health, and is great for energy support.  

Buy Dr. Moritz Wellness Supplements ~ https://amzn.to/4cdlUrJ

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6. Regular Girl Probiotic Fiber Supplement 

 Everyone needs to add this fiber supplement to their shopping list. This easy-to-use fiber powder has no taste and it will help everyone avoid digestive problems like constipation. Regular Girl mixes into any liquid or soft food and keeps one regular in the bathroom. It makes going number 2 quick and easy.

 I love using Regular Girl as it helps me go #2 before I go running in the morning. This fiber supplement is also great for traveling. This supplement is also gentle so it will not cause gas. People who try Regular Girl love it and add it to their supplement routine. Use code MOMKNOBEST10 to save 10% 

Buy Regular Girl ~ https://www.regulargirl.com/?rfsn=977462.eafead

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7. Nugo Nutrition Bars

 Healthy snacks are always a must for back-to-school. Nugo Nutrition Bars are loaded with protein and are low in sugar. These delicious dark chocolate bars are also plant-based and gluten-free. Kids will love the many different flavors of these protein bars, like Dark Chocolate Pretzel and Dark Cherry Chocolate. 

These delicious nutrition bars can also be enjoyed for a healthy breakfast. So stock up on them for those days when there is no time to make breakfast. Kids can grab their favorite flavor as they head out the door to school. I enjoy Nugo Bars after I go to the gym and my teen boys always have them in their backpacks to eat before sports practice time. Nugo Nutrition Bars is offering a 50% discount on a variety box of their most popular flavors. If you click the below link you can get 12 Nugo Bars for $15 plus free shipping.

Buy Nugo Bars ~ https://nugonutrition.com/momknowsbest

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8. Just Meats

We all know how busy and crazy the school season can be. With all the after-school activities, who has time to make dinner. It can be easier to just pick up something from the drive-thru lane but that can be expensive and unhealthy. Just Meats makes it so easy to get dinner on the table and the best part is no prep needed.

 If you have five minutes, you can have a delicious meal. Just Meats are ready-to-eat meat entrees that take 2 minutes to cook. My family likes to enjoy their pulled pork in buns along with some type of veggie. The Just Meats diced chicken is perfect for taco night. Just Meats has a huge selection of meats to choose from that come delivered to your home in a cooler. 

Place the meat in your fridge and it is ready for quick and easy meals. Use my code JUSTTARAP and save $35 on your Just Meats order. 

Buy Just Meats ~ https://get.aspr.app/SHg6h

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9. Kitchen Mama Orbit One Electric Can Opener

Back-to-school time means less time for meals. This rechargeable can opener will help you in the kitchen. The remarkable can opener is so easy to use and it is hands-free. Just place the Kitchen Mama can opener on a can and press the button. The gadget then opens up your can of food.\

The can opener will open up any size can and leaves a smooth edge on the can. This can opener is so easy and safe to use, that even a child can use it. It needs no batteries as it is rechargeable by a type-c charging cord. It even comes with a spare blade. This can opener will make your life so much easier.

Buy Kitchen Mama Orbit One Electric Can Opener ~ https://amzn.to/3Zj5dIJ

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Thanks for stopping by and checking out all the awesome back-to-school products. If you want to buy any of the above products, just click on the links near each product. Make sure to take advantage of my discount codes. 

When you shop through my links, the prices are the same or lower than those offered on the product's website. I may also earn a small percentage of the sale but that does not affect your price. These sales help me run my website and allow me to offer you these discounts. 

Here is to a great school year for our kids. My youngest boys will be a junior and senior in high school this year. While my grandchildren will be in 1st grade and pre-k. What grade will your child or grandchild be in this year?

10 Tips To Help Kids With Online School

Are you frustrated with virtual school? These 10 tips will help.

   I received samples from Fluidstance to facilitate this post.

 The kids are back in school and their classroom is quite different this year. Even the school supply list is different, as who would have thought that we would be buying face masks and an abundance of hand sanitizer. I have been doing this mom thing for 30 years and I have seen the school supply list change over the years with the additions of soap and plastic bags. I used to joke with my husband that soon the teachers would be asking for toilet paper. I never would have guessed that my kids would be wearing a face mask or staying home doing school on a computer.


 Whether your kids will be returning to a physical school, settling in to learn at home, or a combination of both, school will be a challenge this year if not downright stressful for parents. The pandemic has turned out lives upside down and we need to make the best of our situations. We need to also create a healthy environment so our kids can be successful with learning at home. As parents, we want the best for our kids and while I want my kids to head back to their school building, I also want to keep my kids safe. So I have some tips that I have been using with my boys to help them succeed with doing school at home.

1. Eat a healthy breakfast

  A healthy breakfast is always the best thing to help kids do well in school. So have kids start the school day with a breakfast that provides their bodies with nourishing food. A breakfast that includes protein, carbohydrates, and fruit is what I recommend for growing kids. The protein is good for strong muscles and the carbs will give the kids the energy they need to learn while the fruit will boost their immunity. My boys have been making smoothies every morning but other breakfast ideas that they enjoy are peanut butter sandwiches with sliced fruit, oatmeal, homemade breakfast bars, and even leftover pizza. Even chocolate pancakes can be part of a healthy breakfast when they are loaded with protein. Stay clear of food that is high in sugar like sugary cereals, pop tarts, and donuts, unless they are healthier donuts made with zero-calorie sweeteners like Swerve, as sugar gives quick energy that leads to an energy crash that will leave kids falling asleep during their Zoom meeting.

2. Start the day with exercise



 Starting the day with exercise can help teens wake up and help younger kids be able to focus better in online classes. I have found that morning exercise is great for the body and does wonder for my brain and I am more productive when I go running in the morning. While you may not have the time or patience to get your kids out for a morning walk before school, even five minutes of movement will help the kids be ready for online learning. So put on some fast music and have the kids dance for two or more songs. Make sure to join in on the fun as we stay at home moms need exercise too.


3. Create a learning space

 To help kids learn better at home, create a learning space for them. This space does not have to be fancy but it should be a space, like a desk, that they can associate with learning time. I am not telling you to run out and buy your kid a desk but rather provide a space in the house without any distractions and a clutter-free space for their Chromebook and school supplies. So a bedroom or the living room couch is not ideal learning spaces. This is a time to clean off the kitchen table or even use a walk-in closet for a learning space like my friend did. In my house, there are four people working and doing school so I am upstairs in my college kid's bedroom while my husband is in the living room. My older son is at a table in my photo studio and my younger son is working at the dining room table.

4. Provide useful school supplies

  A clean and clutter-free workspace will help kids learn better. Too much clutter will distract the kids and make it hard for them to focus on the online classroom meeting. While kids are doing most of their learning online, having somewhere to take notes is always a good thing. FluidStance's Slope, a personal desktop whiteboard keeps their workspace clutter-free and helps save the environment. This unique whiteboard is also great for doodling.


  I really like that it is raised off the table and on an angle. While the intended purpose of the Slope is designed to fit perfectly in the space between your keyboard and the monitor, which means that you can slide your keyboard under it for storage, freeing up extra space on your desk, it does not work with the school-issued Chromebooks. For older kids, the Slope can be used to the side of their computer for a great place to take notes or make a to-do list. While for younger kids, the Slope can be placed over the keyboard of their computer while they are watching an online classroom Zoom Meet. That way kids can not touch the keyboard and accidentally log out of their Zoom Meeting. The younger kids can keep their hands busy with doodling on the Slope while listening to their teacher.

5. Keep them moving

 Kids have a hard time sitting still for long and having to sit at a computer all day is hard. Even my teen said to me that he is tired of sitting all day. So get the kids off their chairs and let them wiggle on a FluidStance Balance Board. This fun balance board is for kids who need to keep moving when they're doing their homework, gaming, reading, and more. So it is perfect for computer instructional learning as it enables non-distracting motion while also giving kids some healthy exercise. Standing to work is better than sitting.

 Research by The Mayo Clinic showed a 15% increase in heart rate and 19.2% increase in energy expenditure when users were on the Balance boards. The balance board keeps you moving and healthy by combating the negative health issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle, so they are great for adults too. The Balance board is just plain fun to stand on.

 The minute you step on to the Balance Board and start moving, you’ll notice a difference in how you work. Your mind will focus, while your body will respond with natural micro-movements that will soothe stiff joints, burn calories, keep you awake and alert. This unique board will also strengthen and stabilize your body.

6. Provide healthy snacks

 To help kids learn better, kids need snack breaks. So stock up the fridge or pantry with grab and go healthy snacks that kids can grab between classes. I like to make a batch of healthy vegan peanut butter cookies for my boys to snack on as they are loaded with healthy peanut butter. My boys also like snacking on Plant-Based Healthy No Bake Salted Chocolate Brownies. For more healthy snack ideas for kids check out this article on healthy after school snacks. Snacking is good for kids.


7. Keep them hydrated

 Kids need encouragement to drink water throughout the day. I know from experience that I get busy and I don't make time for drinking water. 75% of Americans suffering from chronic dehydration and mistake hunger for thirst. Dehydration can make you feel tired and make it difficult for kids to pay attention to their online classroom.

 So make drinking water easy for kids with a 70 oz Fillup water station. Fillup is your very own Water Tower, that keeps a personal supply of water right at your fingertips. The 70-oz. size holds a full day's supply, and a double-walled tank keeps water cold for 24 hours. So place this unique water station in a place where kids can grab a glass of water quickly. The Fillup will remind kids to quench their thirst throughout the day.

 Fillup can be used anywhere: on your desk—whether at home or in the office, on your bedside table, in your kitchen, on your back patio, and more. Like all of the FluidStance products, Fillup's minimalist design and premium construction use BPA-free, eco-friendly materials. Plus, did you know that by using Fillup, you can save 4 plastic water bottles per day?

8. Provide fun learning materials

When kids are not engaged in online classes, make learning fun with STEM activity kits. At home school and learning do not have have to be like traditional school lessons and I have realized that my kids are still learning even without me having to make lesson plans. I have learned to utilize fun STEM Science Experiment Kits that make learning fun. I have discovered some science kids that engaged my boys in educational fun so the school learning. These STEM kits make learning math and science fun for kids.

9. Non-traditional ways to learn 

 Learning does not always have to take place in a book or online. Think outside the classroom and teach kids math and science with baking. Making a loaf of frog bread teaches kids math through measuring and mixing. Watching yeast turn water into foam is a science lesson too. So kids will love a learning lesson that involves eating.


 You can also teach kids art when you use food ingredients to turn bread dough into a work of art. This Focaccia Bread Flowers recipe is so fun to make. Another way to teach kids through fun is with fun educational learning games that stimulate the brain. Kids will learn how to solve problems and even reading with games that are so much fun.

10. Have patience 

 This online learning thing is new for most everyone. So try not to stress over it. Stress makes the learning environment and home a bad place. Give yourself as a parent some grace and don't try to be the perfect teacher for your kids. Kids need you as a parent more than a teacher. Also, have patience with the teachers and the school system as everyone is learning how to best teach the kids through a virus pandemic. Kids may not have their best learning this year but they will be ok. When things are safe again and kids can go back to school, the kids will catch up on learning. Instead of trying to have the perfect homeschool for your kids, instead, focus on having a healthy loving home for your kids. Even when you think kids are not learning, they really are. This year the learning may not be in a traditional school but it is going to be ok.

Teaching Science With An Appropriate Homeschool Science Curriculum

 Using an Appropriate Homeschool Science Curriculum for “Non-Science” Students
What I’ve Learned from Teaching Thousands of Students

This post is sponsored by College Prep Science. Copyright 2020 by Greg Landry

  Over the past 20+ years, I’ve learned a lot from teaching thousands of homeschooled students (and university students who were homeschooled). One thing I’ve learned is that it’s a huge mistake to teach “college-prep” science to “non-science” students! And, in my experience, about 70% of homeschooled students are “non-science” students.

 The depth, breadth, and pedagogy of many college-prep biology, chemistry, and physics classes, and a homeschool science curriculum in those subjects, leaves many "non-science" students frustrated, uninterested, and ultimately learning very little. I find that students in this situation often don't have an overall understanding of the subject matter that is so critical in these sciences. They can't see the forest because they're lost in the trees.


  So, how do we define “non-science” students? I think the simplest and broadest definition is that “non-science” students are unlikely to be college science majors or they may not be planning to attend college. They should not be taught biology, chemistry, and physics as if they are going to be college science majors. I believe that’s a disservice to them and ultimately deprives them of fully grasping the big picture and magnificence of God’s Creation.

 So, I developed “life prep” versions of my biology, chemistry, and physics online classes and wrote the textbooks specifically for “non-science” students – students who may be “artsy,” “techie,” “handy,” or just may not particularly care for science. Equivalent in-depth and breadth to a standard public or private high school class but specifically designed to be interesting and appealing to "non-science" students, and with minimal math.

 Many of students' assignments and assessments are done in their choice of format, including, but not limited to: artwork, video, graphics, sketches/drawings, hand-crafted models, graphic novels, audio, wiki pages, game creation, graphic organizers, podcasts, e-portfolio, or just the simple written word. Much of students' work in these classes are geared toward helping them to learn via their particular bent - their God-given talents and interests.

- Life Prep Biology (8th-12th) - Two Semester Class
- Life Prep Chemistry (9th-12th) - Two Semester Class
- Life Prep Physics (9th-12th) - Two Semester Class
- We also offer self-paced recorded classes for 3rd -6th-grade students
In the words of a homeschool parent…

"Greg, ...what you did for our daughter will have far-reaching effects. You showed her that learning can be enjoyable..."

Thankful in Indiana
Jim H.

 These “life prep” online homeschool science curriculum classes also include lab experiments in our very cool virtual homeschool science laboratory and graded lab reports. Students attend class once weekly (either live or by recording), turn-in homework, and are tested on a regular basis. These classes are all-inclusive and provide students with an enjoyable, comprehensive science experience.

​Homeschool dad, scientist, and former college professor, Greg Landry, offers live, online homeschool science classes, Homeschool ACT Prep Bootcamp, the Homeschool Mom’s Science Podcast, in-person two-day science lab intensives nationwide, freebies for homeschool moms, and student-produced homeschool print publications.

Make Learning Fun With Free Online Math Games

Are you homeschooling your kids? 

Sponsored post

Things have drastically changed for many families in the past month. Most people are having to stay at home to help flatten the curve of a respiratory virus, and for so many, that means kids are not going to school. That means parents are now left with the job of teaching their children, and that can be adding to the stress of this pandemic virus outbreak.


 Many parents are also working from home, so teaching their kids may be hard while they are trying to do their own work. While some parents are able to figure out how to best homeschool their children, many like myself are struggling with teaching their kids things like math. For the past couple of weeks, I have let my children just play on the computer and outside, as I just am not able to work and homeschool at the same time. Even if I had time on my hands, I just don't feel like I am able to teach my kids, and that has been leaving me with mom guilt. 

 Sure, I have been searching online for math programs and encouraging my kids to read more. I even suggested that they write about their daily life, but they were not happy about that. My kids just don't want their mom to be their teacher. So I put the idea of homeschooling my kids out of my mind, as I did not want to add any additional stress to our house. I am ok with not teaching my kids, but I knew that my kids needed things to do, and my allowing them way too much screen time was not the answer. I knew that their computer time needed some learning time. So I am glad that I discovered a website that has free online math games.

Make learning time fun with free online math games

 My boys are tweens and are independent learners. They were succeeding in school thanks to these school learning tips, and I wanted to keep them learning while they are at home for the rest of the school year. So while I did allow my boys to be on the computer more, I also made sure that some of the computer time was allocated for learning time. One website that my boys are enjoying has plenty of fun math games that are teaching them math and refreshing their math skills. The best part for me is that these math equation games are free, and the games do not require email sign-ups or logins. Nor are the math games monetized with ads. These are the best educational games for kids.

Math games for all ages

 I love that the website that has math games has games that teach all ages. So my boys spent their screen time learning addition, division, multiplication, and subtraction at a level for their grade. There were plenty of games to keep my boys engaged in math learning. Each of the different games had a star difficulty rating, so my boys could select the game that matched their middle school learning level. There were even math games for preschoolers.


Math and puzzle games to train the brain

 The math games went beyond basic math skills and included logic-based math games. My older son enjoyed a math game called CalcuDoku that combined math and Sudoku for a challenging math game. My younger son enjoyed playing the Grocery Cashier that taught him math life skills. My boys were having so much fun playing the math games that they forgot that they were learning. I was happy that my boys were learning math with fun computer games. 

The list of math games even included some crossword puzzles, word searches, and other word-related games, so my boys were even enhancing their language arts skills. There is also significant benefit from games like solitaire. It's the simplicity of this game's logic and structure which made it so compelling. It's good for teaching things like strategy, order, and patterns. 

Math games for homeschool teaching

 The online math games are not only free to play but can be useful for homeschool teaching and for teachers. These educational games are great for teachers and parents who are looking for ways to teach kids math on the computer. So kids will have fun learning math while they are at home. The math games are colorful and interactive, so they will keep kids entertained. 

The games that teach math kept my boys busy, and they even played some of the games together, which is good due to the fact that they have to share a computer. While my boys were stimulating their brains on the computer, this mom saw them smiling and laughing together. My mom's guilt about not being able to homeschool went away as I was finally figuring out a way to homeschool my boys in a way that they liked. My boys were again learning while at home. So if you are looking for a way to teach your children math, you need to check out these free online math games that will make your job as a parent/teacher a bit easier.

The Best Back To School Deals With Office Depot & Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Savings.com. All opinions about the 10¢ notebook back-to-school sale at OfficeDepot.com is 100% my own. 

 The kids are not happy but mom is excited that school starts in 2 and a half weeks! Yes, it is time for back to school shopping and this mom is looking for the best deals on school supplies. The kids will meet their teachers next week and we will get the final back to school shopping list. This year the boys will both be in middle school so they will be at the same school. Having raised three other children, I have an idea of some of the school supplies that they will need and I have the school supply list that I printed from the school website. So I am ready to start the back to school shopping.



 I think once my boys get brand new school supplies and new clothes, they might be excited to head back to school. My oldest of the two younger boys is already discussing which shoes he wants for school and for his sports teams. While the youngest boy is wanting one of those fancy binders. I do know that the boys will need new backpacks for school.

The best place for back to school supplies

 The place for the best back to school supplies this year is Office Depot and Office Max. Right now they are having an awesome sale on school supplies that includes a 10¢ notebook sale! Notebooks are always on the school supply list and I usually buy at least ten for each kid. So I will be heading to the nearest Office Depot/Office Max and will be purchasing plenty of the 10¢ notebooks along with the standard pencils, folders, pens, binders, and other school supplies. I like that I can get all my boys' school supplies at one store. That makes shopping so easy. My boys like that the 10¢ notebooks come in many colors. That way they can get the colors they like. The best part for busy parents is you can also get these great deals online on the Office Max/Office Depot website. With prices this good, you can even purchase some extra school supplies for the teachers and your kid's classroom. I always like to buy extra boxes of tissues as those are always much-needed items along with computer paper.

Giveaway


#BTSwithOfficeDepot

$500 Office Depot & Office Max Gift Card Giveaway

• When: Monday, July 22nd at 12:00 AM PT to Friday, August 2nd at 11:59 PM PT.
• Prize: Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 gift card from Office Depot & Office Max.
• How: Enter the giveaway by heading to the Office Depot & Office Max page on Savings.com and submit your email address on the form at the top of the page.

Winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Monday (8/5) via the email address you used to enter. See complete Official Rules for entry instructions, full prize descriptions, restrictions, and other important details.

So, enter this awesome giveaway and head to Office Depot for some great savings on back to school items.

Doorbuster Deal: 10¢ Notebooks at Office Depot & Office Max

• Sale Dates: 7/21/19 – 7/27/19
• While supplies last!

Happy back-to-school shopping!

When do your kids head back to school?

Summer Learning With The Electric Motors Catalyst

The ultimate kit for young tinkerers to think outside the box

              I received a STEM learning kit to facilitate this post.

 School may be out for the summer but that does not have to be the end of learning. They say that when kids take a long break from school it can hurt their learning as they forget what they learned in school. So I like to keep my kids learning during the summer break. I want my kids to succeed in school and that to me means providing my kids with opportunities to keep learning. Summer learning does not have to be boring for kids with books and worksheets. There are many ways to make learning fun for kids with activities and STEM learning kits. I make learning fun for boys so they will want to engage with the materials that I provide them. My boys love robotics and creating things. My youngest has a knack for building things and wants to invent things. He was to be an inventor or engineer when he grows up.

Check out some of the ways I help my child succeed in school

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2018/08/helping-your-child-succeed-in-school.html

 One of the fun summer learning activity that I have for my boys this summer is a fun hands-on-STEM kit. The Electric Motor Catalyst kit from Tinkering Labs will teach my boys science, technology, engineering, and math. This exciting learning kit has over 50 parts in it and allows my boys to use their creativity to create over 16 inventions. The best part is the inventions don't take long to build everything is included in the box, even batteries. The STEM kit has examples that show kids what to build but it also allows for kids to build beyond those inventions.

Ten Challenges to get minds moving

 The STEM kit includes ten challenge cards with ideas to help kids think outside the box and take the include parts to make something like a machine to scramble an egg. I love that the challenges take 30-60 minutes to create as any longer seems to frustrate my boys. The ideas do not require kids to have any tinkering experience and are designed to get their hands and minds moving. 

A box of fun that teaches

 My boys were super excited to start creating with the Electric Motors Catalyst kit. The instructions were super easy for them and they did not need my help. I loved that they were able to work together and have fun. My boys stay busy for a long time and I loved that they were not on electric devices all morning. I was able to get work done while they created some cool machines that did everything from scrambling an egg to drawing a picture. Their gifted teacher would be proud to know that they were enriching their minds with learning during their summer break. This kit is just one of the many activities that my boys will do this summer to enrich their learning. We will also be visiting the children's Explora museum several times as we have a family membership. 

Storage bag included

 I loved that the learning kit came with a cloth storage bag so clean-up was easy. All the parts were available for my boy's next invention. The bag of parts then was easy to store in the box with the instruction books. The bag of parts was just the beginning of my boy's creation as they used their creative minds beyond the box and started adding other things to their inventions. Every time that my boys played with the Electric Motors Catalyst they came up with different ideas on how to build with the 50+ parts. 

What learning activities do your kids do in the summer?

Extend The Learning Outside The Classroom With VTech and LeapFrog

Summer is over & it’s time to start thinking about school!

       I received some toys from VTech and LeapFrog to check out for my new granddaughter.

  My boys are all back in school. The youngest two are now in 5th and 6th grade and the older two are in college. So now it is time to shift the focus from all day fun to learning along with fun. I believe that kids learn best when there is some fun involved. My children have always been good students as I developed the love for learning at an early age. When my kids were young they enjoyed using interactive learning toys when they were not in school. These toys along with mom interaction helped my children learn things like ABCs, Math, reading, and so much more. Then when they started school the interactive toys helped them increase the things that their teacher taught them. The fun toys that played music and had bright lights along with buttons to press were also great for long car trips. My boys had fun and learned at the same time.

Check out these tips for helping your child succeed in school 

  Now that my boys are older, they prefer learning games on the computer instead of the handheld interactive learning toys. My daughter just had a baby so as a first-time grandma, I am now looking at some fun learning toys that VTech and LeapFrog have that introduce important skills. My grandbaby is still too young for these type of toys as all those flashing lights and sounds are too stimulating for her growing brain. I believe that these types of toys are great ages 2 and up. I also believe that electronic toys should not replace interaction between a parent and a child. Parents should still read and sing to their children. I am one that uses the trip to the store with my child as quality time and I will use this opportunity for learning by having my kids help me look for items in the store. It cringes me when I see young kids in a shopping cart watching a movie on a device and a parent talking on the phone. I once even saw a young child watching a movie on a phone while walking behind their parents in a store. We parents need to slow down and spend time with our kids even if it means talking to them while at the grocery store.

Interactive toys can enhance learning

  Notice that I said these toys can enhance one on one learning that kids get from parents or teachers and should not be a substitute for learning. These type of toys can help the parent teach their child as the sounds and bright lights stimulate senses and encourage fine learning. They can also help build important skills. My boys would play with these toys and I would have fun with them. I just loved singing the ABCs with my boys. I love the learning toys that have a digital writing pen as it saves paper as they are learning to write.

Check out my favorites for my new grandbaby!

VTECH® Touch & Discover Sensory Turtle™ 
           Ages 3+ months

   I like this cute turtle as it can be enjoyed without the electronic part, making it a perfect toy for younger kids. My grandbaby can get some great fine motor skills and sensory play as she touches the different textures on the turtle. I love that this cute colorful turtle is also soft so little ones will not be hurt when they drop it. The turtle also has a mirror as babies love looking at themselves. When my granddaughter gets older, her mom can turn the turtle on so the baby can press the buttons to learn her colors. This cute plush will be great for long car ride entertainment.

 When the Touch & Discover Sensory Turtle™ comes out of his shell, he's sure to entertain your little one! This cuddly plush turtle features a variety of textures, colors, and patterns to stimulate your baby's senses and encourage fine motor skills. Play peek-a-boo with the cute and cuddly turtle by tucking in his head and legs to change him into a soft, wobbly ball for 2-in-1 play. The chunky button on the top of the shell is easy for little ones to press and lights up in a variety of colors as it responds with sounds, music, and cute phrases. The shell includes a baby-safe mirror, rattle, and ring. There's plenty to see, touch and explore with this textured tortoise!

LEAPFROG® Go-with-Me ABC Backpack™     Age 3+ years

 When my daughter starts teaching the baby her ABCs, this Backpack will help my granddaughter recognize the letters and help her to write the letters. I like that everything stores inside the case so nothing gets lost. I can see little ones having fun carrying the interactive toy on their back and pretending to go to school. The toy will help my daughter to help the baby associate the letters with sounds and words as they place the letters into the spaces. I remember the fun that my boys use to have pressing buttons on their ABC toy and the repeating the letter and the word that the toy would say. This would be a perfect toy to take along for doctor appointments to help pass the time while waiting for the doctor in the boring examination room. I never understood why all the fun toys were in the waiting room and there was never anything to play with once we got back to the exam room, except for a couple books that we read through quickly. This mom could only do so much singing or I Spy while waiting forever for the doctor.

Embark on a learning adventure with Mr. Pencil and the Go-with-Me ABC Backpack™. This one of a kind toy lets toddlers interact with the alphabet in awesome ways. Using the write and erase board, kids can practice letter writing and draw with Mr. Pencil. The screen shows how to write each letter step-by-step and then shows how to turn each letter into animals. Inserting the 26 letter pieces into the letter spaces teaches the letter name, letter sound, an animal that begins with that letter and more. Little learners can play seven different activities and when they’re done, the plastic backpack holds all the pieces inside. Clip the backpack closed and wear like a real backpack for learning on the go. Draw, learn and get going!

LEAPFROG® Storytime Buddy™
      Age 2+ years

 This cute puppy will be great for long car trips and helping my grandbaby fall asleep. I always read a story to my boys at bedtime but there were some nights that they had trouble falling asleep after the story and they wanted to stay up all night. So I would turn on some music or play a book on a tape to help them fall asleep. This cute puppy is soft so it can stay in bed with them and maybe when the baby wakes up she will play with the toy for a bit so mom can get that much-needed sleep. This toy can encourage a love for reading in young kids while helping them learn numbers, shapes, and other items. It is never to early to start reading to babies, my daughter who is also a teacher even brought a children's book to the hospital when the baby was born. I am not sure if she got a chance to read to the baby as the baby was having trouble learning to eat. My grandbaby is going to be smart as I know that my daughter will read to her plenty as my daughter read to her younger brothers. I remember the first time I brought one of the youngest boys, who was 18 months at the time, to the library and how he got so excited about seeing all the books.

Encourage a love of reading with the plush Storytime Buddy™! Choose from five books about Buddy and his friends Bella, Cooper, Mona, and Pepper and Buddy will read each one. Beginner readers can read along while learning about emotions, shapes, numbers, colors, and opposites. Kids can also interact with Buddy by answering reading comprehension questions and singing along to happy learning songs. When it's time for bed, they can snuggle up and drift off to sleep as Buddy quietly reads bedtime stories or plays Brahms' Lullaby while his tag becomes a color-changing nightlight.

Which LeapFrog or VTech toy is your favorite?

Helping Your Child Succeed In School

           Are my children smart because of genetics?

       I received samples from Hugaroo and Superfood Crumble to facilitate this post.

  I have five kids and all them are above average students. Two of the three older children were high school valedictorians and the two youngest are in the gifted program. I also have a child attending the Merchant Marine Academy, this child got a 96% on his first physics test!  I was smart as a child so some may say my children are smart because of genetics. I think genetics may have a small part to play in kids succeeding in school but I really think it all has to do with how a parent helps them. This not only means starting early with teaching kids through play and reading to them but it also means things you can do throughout each school year. Here are some things that I do to help my child succeed in school.

1. Start the day with a healthy breakfast

 Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. If your child is hungry they cannot think or learn as they are focusing on their hunger. Think about when you may have been on a diet and all you could think of was food. Give your child a breakfast of healthy food like whole grains and protein. I wanted to be a nutritionist when I was younger, but a bike accident in college took that dream away. So I am the mom who serves healthy meals. My boys usually have fruit, milk and a peanut butter sandwich or oatmeal for breakfast. They may also have a yogurt parfait or chocolate protein pancakes. My boys love SuperFood Crumble on their yogurt. This gluten-free granola like crumble is loaded omegas and fuels their body with plenty of healthy energy. I love eating the chocolate dairy free crumble straight from the bag!

2. Get plenty of sleep

 Sleep is so important to learning. I know when I don't get enough sleep because of my allergies, my mind just can't concentrate. My boys get 10 hours a sleep a night but younger kids may need more and older kids less. My teen who is in the academy used to tell his girlfriend he could not stay up talking on the phone because he knew he needed his sleep.

3. Start homework right away

 We have a rule about homework in this house. When you get home from school, have a snack and then start your homework. My boys are still in learning mode so I know it helps them to concentrate better on homework. They also know once they get the homework done, they can then play. I think when homework is done later, like before bed, kids are too tired to think. My youngest has a hard time concentrating so he uses a cute soft weighted lap pad to help him focus on his homework. The Huggaroo Plush Puppy Weighted Lap Pad is weighted so it lowers anxiety and induces a sense of calm. This furry dog is so snuggly so it also makes a great friend for bedtime.



4. Read at bedtime

 My boys still love bedtime stories so we always make time before bed to read a couple of chapters from a book. I do the reading and I know this is great for their learning. Sometimes when this mom is too tired, we may read a book with pictures. My boys love reading and still read on their own after school for homework. Reading is great for kids and they are never too young for books. I started reading to my children when they were babies.


5. Give your kids quality time

  I know that me choosing to be a stay at home mom has something to do with my boys being so smart. Kids need/want time with their parents. That quality time could be as simple as just talking to them at dinner or going for a walk. I know staying at home is not a choice for everyone so if you are a working parent, cut back on outside activities and use that time with your child instead. My boys also have plenty of free play time as I believe it is great for their creativity. They don't do organized sports until middle school. They do participate in Cub Scouts with their dad as again it is great quality time.

6. Exercise

  Exercise is great for the brain and so is fresh air. So after homework is done, my boys go out to play. If I have not had a chance to run that day, they hop on their bikes and I get some running in. Going to the park is also another great way to get some exercise. When winter comes, my boys love running around the house and having Nerf gun fights.

7. Visit the library

  My boys love reading and are awesome readers. They both read above 2-grade levels. I know that visiting the library at least once a month has helped them learn. Books are always a good choice for learning. My boys check out chapter books, comic books, and books that teach them how to make things. The point is they are reading.

8. Limit video games and TV

 Have you ever watched your kid as they are watching TV? Mine look like zombies. TV is great for relaxing but too much is not good for anyone. I limit my boys to one hour of TV as they need to be using their time for play and school work. You won't find a video game system in my house as I feel they can be addicting for kids and I don't want to have those arguments about turning it off. On occasion, my boys do play on the computer but that is after homework, chores, and free play time. Then they each get 30 minutes on the computer. I feel that free play and reading are better options for learning.


9. Do math while shopping

 I am always teaching my children and look for opportunities for learning. When we are at the store, I have my boys figure out the lowest price of products. When things are on sale, I make them figure out the cost of the product after the sale. My boys love weighing the produce and I will have them figure out the cost. Cooking is also great for learning fractions and science. Let them make messes, outside of course, or in the bathroom. My boys love combining baking soda and vinegar when I clean the bathroom drains. They also love making slime and playdough. My youngest learns math when he helps me make his homemade toothpaste. Learning can be through fun.

10. Use big words

   I remember my mom always saying words that I did not understand or she would talk in bits of Spanish or German. I would always want to know what the words meant so my mom would explain them to me. So I am thankful for the internet so I can use big words around my boys and then turn to the internet to explain the word to them. These big words increase my boy's vocabulary and knowledge. When my boys need help with their homework, I never give them the answer. I make them look up the words or help them solve math programs. My son tried to use a calculator for a math problem the other day and I would not let him. I instead showed him how to set up the math problem so he was able to figure out the answer.

Do you have any tips to share with me about helping children learn?

I would love to hear them as I am always looking for new ways to teach my boys.