Back-to-school season means it’s time to get back to the business of learning. This year you can ace your back-to-school shopping excursion with these time- and money-saving steps that can make getting the whole family ready for a new school year a breeze.Earn an A+10 back-to-school tips that save time and money![]() (Family Features) Back-to-school season means it’s time to get back to the business of learning. This year you can ace your back-to-school shopping excursion with these time- and money-saving steps that can make getting the whole family ready for a new school year a breeze. Start with a list. Set a budget. Explore your inventory. Cut extra stops. ![]() Try online shopping. Buy in bulk. Research specials and promotions. Weigh quality vs. quantity. Make dollars do double duty. Take more notes on smart back-to-school shopping ideas and deals at officedepot.com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Office Depot
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Each year an estimated 4 million children enter kindergarten. To help pre-K kids improve core learning skills and get them excited about school, it's important to find fun, age-appropriate ways to help them learn. Consider these expert ideas for preparing kids ages 3–6 for kindergarten. (BPT) - When you think back to your own kindergarten experience, it probably involved a half-day program and plenty of fun activities — finger painting, sand play and nap time. Likely the hardest parts were learning the alphabet and counting to 100. Fast forward to today. While kindergarten still offers a fun learning environment, it's certainly more focused on academic achievement. Kindergartners often know the alphabet and have solid counting skills prior to the first day of school. If students aren't reading at the beginning of the school year, they're certainly expected to be doing so by the end. "Kindergarten is the new first grade" isn't just an anecdote, it's a fact. New research from the University of Virginia compares kindergarten and first-grade classrooms between 1998 and 2010, finding that kindergarten classes have become increasingly like first grade, with more time spent on academic instruction and, ultimately, higher educational expectations. Each year an estimated 4 million children enter kindergarten. To help pre-K kids improve core learning skills and get them excited about school, it's important to find fun, age-appropriate ways to help them learn. Consider these expert ideas for preparing kids ages 3–6 for kindergarten. Educational apps Children today have a natural knack for technology. While it's important to monitor and balance screen time, the right technology can help educate kids. Preschool Academy by IntellectoKids is an ideal example. With over 50 educational activities in one app, kids will learn the alphabet and develop important skills like counting, sorting, logic and critical thinking — the foundations for math and reading. Best yet, the learning is rooted in amusing animated puzzles about musical instruments, fun train adventures or whimsical letter/number games. This educational app allows parents to customize for multiple children and select between three levels, increasing in difficulty as they play and learn. Like Preschool Academy, the best learning games are constantly adding fresh new learning activities and are always free of ads or hidden in-app purchases. Fine motor skills Fine motor skills, also known as dexterity, involve the coordination and control of muscles to create small movements. This usually requires hand-eye coordination as well. Being prepared for kindergarten means having a basic ability to complete fine motor actions like holding a pencil correctly, tying shoes and sorting small objects. One of the easiest ways to support your child's fine motor development is by providing lots of opportunities to color and write. Make crayons and paper readily available and let kids' imaginations take off. As they try to draw a bird, write a story or create patterns, they are really preparing themselves for the classroom. Reading and conversation Language is a heavy focus throughout the kindergarten curriculum. One way to prepare your child is to make reading a daily activity, including classics like "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," "Harold & the Purple Crayon" or "Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." Fostering a love of books can set the stage for learning important reading skills. Visit your local library, stock your bookshelf and download digital books. Additionally, make time for genuine conversation with your child. Both reading and speaking help children expand their knowledge of the English language. They'll also learn important social skills, and you'll also find yourself developing a deeper bond with your little one. Preschool Want kids to be prepared for kindergarten? Enroll in preschool a few days a week. This experience gives children the perfect foundation to prepare them for their educational journey. Preschools provide introductory education in writing and math, but it's a lot of fun, too. Students have plenty of time to play and learn about the world around them. What's more, kids learn proper social etiquette and how to follow classroom rules. Being able to sit still, listen to the teacher, raise a hand to ask a question and interact respectably among peers are all important skills that kids will need in order to thrive in an academic environment. If preschool isn't possible, consider joining a playgroup or visiting the library for story time, and encourage social interaction with new kids at the playground. Knowing that kindergarten is more challenging than ever, smart parents are taking charge by introducing age-appropriate educational activities now. From smart apps like IntellectoKids Preschool Academy to reading every day, you're helping build the brain power that leads to success in kindergarten and beyond.
The leisurely days of summer are over and it's time to re-establish healthy habits and back-to-school routines. In addition to dental checkups and annual physicals, pediatric medical specialists recommend adding a scoliosis screening to back-to-school checklists.Back-to-School Health CheckBefore school is the perfect time to screen for scoliosis![]() (Family Features) The leisurely days of summer are over and it's time to re-establish healthy habits and back-to-school routines. In addition to dental checkups and annual physicals, pediatric medical specialists recommend adding a scoliosis screening to back-to-school checklists. Scoliosis, a musculoskeletal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine or backbone (sometimes resembling an "S" or "C"), is the most common deformity of the spine, affecting an estimated 6-9 million people in the United States. Certain conditions can cause scoliosis, including muscle diseases, birth defects or injuries, but the most common scoliosis is idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown. Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed between 10-15 years of age, during periods of rapid growth. Although 10 percent of adolescents may have the condition, not all will need care. "Because most causes are unknown, early detection through routine screenings is key to providing the best possible outcome," said Amer Samdani, M.D., chief of surgery for Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Philadelphia. Signs of scoliosis Children and teens with scoliosis rarely exhibit symptoms and sometimes the condition is not obvious until the curvature of the spine becomes severe. In some cases, your child's spine may appear crooked or his or her ribs may protrude. Some other markers to watch for in a child who has scoliosis are: • Clothes not fitting correctly or hems not hanging evenly
Treatment of scoliosis "Some cases will just need to be watched; others will need physical therapy, bracing or surgical procedures to stop the curve from progressing," he said. "At Shriners Hospitals, we offer the whole spectrum of treatments under one roof, all working together to get the best possible outcome for each child. We also treat children regardless of the families' ability to pay, so that often provides a huge relief to parents." For more information on scoliosis screenings, care and treatment, visit straighttalkonscoliosis.org.
Within a week of being diagnosed, Katie traveled to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Greenville, where she began treatment for an "S" curvature of her spine and was given a 98 percent chance of needing surgery. She was fitted for a brace, which she wore 20 hours a day and only took off for swim practice and bathing. Now on her fourth brace, she has been removed from the surgical list and hopes to continue to avoid surgery as she goes through her adolescent growth spurts; which for many scoliosis patients, can send their curves into fast-forward. Early detection gave Katie a wider range of options for the treatment of her scoliosis. The strength of her core and daily stretching from swimming has helped manage and lower her double curves. App Helps Parents Detect Signs of Scoliosis To be used as an initial at-home check, the app can detect abnormal curves when the phone is moved along a child's spine and determine if a follow-up visit with a doctor is necessary to confirm a potential diagnosis. If your child has scoliosis or any other orthopaedic condition, Shriners Hospitals for Children has 20 locations in the United States, Mexico and Canada that provide expert care. Photos courtesy of Getty Images (School bus and doctor check-up) SOURCE:Shriners Hospitals for Children When those first school bells ring and class is back in session for kids of all ages, make sure you and your student have everything in hand to help ensure success. Whether it’s tools for the classroom, supplies for a nutritious lunch, stylish clothes or helpful items for home, you’ll need to gear up for the school year ahead.Better Back-to-School Buys![]() (Family Features) When those first school bells ring and class is back in session for kids of all ages, make sure you and your student have everything in hand to help ensure success. Whether it’s tools for the classroom, supplies for a nutritious lunch, stylish clothes or helpful items for home, you’ll need to gear up for the school year ahead. Find more back-to-school solutions at eLivingToday.com. Give GratitudeTeachers’ hard work and planning begin long before the school year starts and classes are back in session. Show your gratitude to your children’s teachers with merci Chocolates, a thoughtful collection of fine, European chocolates. Each slim, stylish box contains eight unique, individually wrapped flavors, making it the perfect token of appreciation to teachers for opening minds and touching hearts. Find more information at merci.us. A Helping of HummusFind the hummus you love in individual, portable containers with Sabra Singles, which are easy to add to a lunchbox when you’re on the move. Each 2-ounce cup of Sabra hummus is non-GMO and contains 4 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber with no added sugar. Serve with carrots for an easy and tasty way to increase the veggies in your child’s diet every day. Visit sabra.com for more information. Simply Super Storage for KidsGood organizational habits are important to a child’s success in school. That’s why ClosetMaid created KidSpace, a collection of kid-tested and kid-approved juvenile storage furniture ranging from toy chests to storage shelves. This robust line, which was designed with safety and storage in mind, helps parents avoid clutter and create more space for imagination, magic and giggles in bedrooms, playrooms, living rooms and more. For more information, visit closetmaid.com/kidspace. Sporty SneakersSend your student to school in style with shoes that fit this season’s “athleisure” trend and kick it up a notch with a hint of sparkle. These retro-inspired Arizona Sparkling Sneakers can add a relaxed, sporty feeling to a wardrobe without compromising on appearance. Help your child stand out from the crowd by finding these and more at JCPenney with styles that are priced to buy and guaranteed to love. Find more back-to-school styles at JCPenney.com. Tech Tools for StudentsTeach students to code with the TI-Innovator Hub from Texas Instruments, which plugs into the TI-84 Plus CE or TI-Nspire CX graphing calculator many students already have. The hub is a palm-sized board with a microcontroller that turns a graphing calculator into a STEM tool for back to school. Students can light up LEDs or write a program to play a song using their calculators. Learn more at education.ti.com. Lunchtime UpgradeGive your old-school lunchbox a technology upgrade this school year. The Freezable Classic Lunch Box from PackIt is the only horizontal lunch box that chills healthy food for hours with built-in freezable gel that eliminates the need for ice packs. The lunchbox’s top-load design makes it easy to pack flat containers like bento boxes, and a buckle handle clips onto totes, backpacks or sports bags for convenient travel to and from school, day care and extracurricular activities. Find more lunchtime solutions at packit.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Children at school) SOURCE:merci Chocolates Sabra ClosetMaid JCPenney Texas Instruments PackIt Studies show participating in science, technology, engineering and math-themed summer camps can help kids keep learning throughout summer. In fact, one study of a math camp in Connecticut found that 79 percent of the kids who participated improved their math scores by an average of 31 percent after four weeks. What’s more, research (and parental experience) show kids learn and retain information better when they enjoy the lessons. If you’re looking for a fun, STEM-oriented summer camp for your children, here are six options to consider.(BPT) - Summer camp season is on the horizon. Are you and your children in agreement on what you want from their summer camp this year? Chances are, you’re hoping for a camp that will keep your kids occupied, active and learning throughout the summer. And your kids ... your kids probably just want to have fun!
“The good news is summer fun and learning don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” says Michelle Cote, president and founder of the Bricks 4 Kidz educational program. “Over the past decade, educational summer camp options have significantly expanded. Now, parents can find camps that foster important STEM skills while delivering the fun kids crave.” Studies show participating in science, technology, engineering and math-themed summer camps can help kids keep learning throughout summer. In fact, one study of a math camp in Connecticut found that 79 percent of the kids who participated improved their math scores by an average of 31 percent after four weeks. What’s more, research (and parental experience) show kids learn and retain information better when they enjoy the lessons. If you’re looking for a fun, STEM-oriented summer camp for your children, here are six options to consider: * Robotics — Automation has transformed manufacturing, and the field of robotics continues to innovate. Kids who participate in robotics-themed camps like Bricks 4 Kidz’s WeDo Jr. Robotics learn creative thinking skills, teamwork and collaboration, computer programming and problem-solving. The popular program, which uses special LEGO Bricks and components, is geared for children 5-9. An advanced program that uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 software is available for children 9 and older. To find a Jr. Robotics or Advanced Robotics program near you, visit www.bricks4kidz.com. * Stop-motion animation — Before there was CGI, animators worked wonders using stop-motion animation. Today, summer camps that incorporate stop-motion animation allow children to work with movie-making software, and learn how to plan, script, stage, shoot and produce their own stop-motion animations. Kids 9 and older are sure to relate to stop-motion animation lessons that also incorporate familiar building elements like LEGO Bricks. * Space adventures — With private companies working toward a new wave of space exploration, a space-themed summer camp can capture kids’ imaginations and inspire interest in a future career. Camps that mix model-building into lessons about space can also teach math and engineering skills. * Remote Control Mania — Remote-controlled cars have been around for a long time, and they’re just as exciting today. Bricks 4 Kidz Remote Control Mania camp uses LEGO wireless remote controls to engage campers in the fun of designing, inventing and building their own remote-controlled machines. The camp teaches children the basic working principles of many of the automated devices they encounter in their everyday lives. * Coding — Coding makes computer software, apps and websites possible. Coders help write the programs that power everything from email servers to automated drawbridge gates. They can even stop criminals from harming computer networks and systems with malicious code! In coding-themed camps, such as our Robotics programs, children learn the basics of how to write computer code, as well as engineering skills. “Summer camp should be about more than just keeping kids busy or even just preventing summer brain drain,” Cote says. “Camp can be an opportunity for children to learn — and fall in love with — STEM subjects that can be the foundation of their future careers.” With summer in full force, kids are busy with physical activities and whether it’s little league baseball games, swim team or summer camp, they’re more active than ever. Moms can keep up by making sure kids fuel their bodies with proper nutrition and stay hydrated at the same time with nutritional recipes like these Home Run Pancakes.What Moms Need to Know About Summer Nutrition for KidsHit a home run with essential nutrients for active kids![]() (Family Features) With summer in full force, kids are busy with physical activities and whether it’s little league baseball games, swim team or summer camp, they’re more active than ever. Moms, nutritionists and pediatricians alike know active kids and developing bones and muscles need essential nutrients to grow strong, but The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say most Americans, including children, actually aren’t getting enough fiber, calcium, vitamin D and potassium in their diets. Moms can keep up by making sure kids fuel their bodies with proper nutrition and stay hydrated at the same time. As a drink kids already love the taste of, milk is a great choice when moms want to serve delicious and natural, high-quality protein for kids before sending them off on summer adventures. Many are also surprised to learn that milk can help hydrate after exercise due to its natural electrolytes and fluids. Milk plays an important role for kids’ meals and snacks, providing three of the four nutrients most Americans, including kids, aren’t getting enough of (calcium, vitamin D and potassium), and it’s the top food source of these nutrients, to boot.¹ Plus, with 8 grams of protein per every 8-ounce glass, the farm-fresh beverage is a great way to help the whole family kick start the day. One way to hit a home run for your kids is by stepping up to the breakfast plate with delicious baseball pancakes. Served with an 8-ounce glass of milk, this breakfast is the perfect combo to help kids fuel up with protein in the morning. Find more nutritious recipes to pair with milk at milklife.com. Home Run PancakesServings: 4
Nutritional information per serving: 240 calories; 1.5 g fat; 55 mg cholesterol; 15 g protein; 40 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 420 mg sodium; 454 mg calcium (45% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk, and include an 8-ounce glass of milk. ¹Fulgoni VL, Keast DR, Quann EE, Auestad N. Food sources of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and potassium in the U.S. The FASEB Journal. 2010;24:325.1. SOURCE:MilkPEP (BPT) - You don’t have to grow crops or raise livestock in order to understand the vital role both play within society, nor do you have to reside in rural America to understand the value of the farmers and ranchers that do. From the food we eat to the health of the local environment, the importance of agriculture is boundless.
But for agriculture to continue to advance, it’s essential to educate and inspire young minds, invest in the next generation, and turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. That’s where youth agricultural organizations come in. According to Phil Reiter, vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company, the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer and a longtime supporter of AG-centric programs like 4-H and FFA, members of these organizations are not only learning invaluable life skills but they’re also having a great time while doing it. “These programs were designed to be a fun and effective way for students to explore a critically important industry,” said Reiter. “Aside from learning about responsibility and leadership, members also have the ability to form strong, long-lasting relationships with peers that share similar interests and passions.” Through involvement in youth agricultural programs, students can look forward to the following: Good Friends Agricultural organizations give students the opportunity to be actively engaged in projects and events that involve socializing with friends and meeting new people from across the country. From attending local fairs to competing in contests and career development events, members have the opportunity to travel and work alongside classmates that have similar interests as them. Growing Confidence Group meetings provide a fun setting for members to interact with both peers and adults. Throughout the year and during fair season, members are often required to address large crowds. Whether it’s presenting animals to a panel of judges or giving a speech, high-pressure situations like these teach students about preparation, poise and public speaking. Leadership Opportunities Both 4-H and FFA focus on empowering young people to take on leadership positions within their respective organizations. While in FFA, members elect their own officers and are responsible for planning and conducting activities throughout the year. Civic Responsibility Giving back is a primary component of 4-H and FFA, and throughout the year members spend ample time coordinating various fundraising campaigns to benefit their communities. Recognition Participating in youth agricultural organizations means being surrounded by a variety of adult role models. Throughout the year, members attend events and meet executives from some of the country’s top corporations, through which many members form connections and receive recognition for their hard work. Tractor Supply frequently recognizes individuals who have displayed exemplary service and commitment to their community. Last year, the retailer presented dozens of hardworking 4-H and FFA members with commemorative certificates during special ceremonies at state and county fairs. From June 8 to October 22, the company will send its Mobile Fair Tour to 19 fairs across the country where they will continue to acknowledge members of both organizations. This year, honorees have been selected as winners of Tractor Supply’s first ever “Great Neighbor” Essay Contest, which encouraged 4-H and FFA youth to submit a short essay detailing how their participation in these organizations has empowered them to be a better neighbor. Tractor Supply’s Mobile Fair Tour will offer visitors the “Out Here” experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to lasso a “runaway pig,” test their strength on the high striker bell-ringing game, and attend the special recognition ceremonies. To stay up to date on the tour or learn more about the interactive experience, follow Tractor Supply Company on Facebook and visit www.TractorSupply.com/FairTour. Summer is perfect for staying active and spending time outdoors with loved ones, but the frantic pace of the season and overload of activities can take a toll on the entire family. With these care and pampering tips, you can enjoy summer to the fullest while still keeping your family rejuvenated.5 Tips for Active Summer Families![]() (Family Features) Summer is perfect for staying active and spending time outdoors with loved ones, but the frantic pace of the season and overload of activities can take a toll on the entire family. With a little care and pampering, you can enjoy summer to the fullest while still keeping your family rejuvenated. Eat Well. Food is fuel, and it’s necessary to keep the entire family energized. During warmer weather, cravings often lean toward lighter foods, making it the perfect time to add extra servings of seasonal fruits or vegetables to the family table each night. Also remember to ensure family members are drinking plenty of water as extended time in the sun can lead to dehydration and dry skin if fluids aren’t frequently replenished. Make Sleep A Priority. Sleep is as important to your body as nutrition and exercise, and making it a priority can be beneficial, especially when your family’s calendar is packed with events. Sufficient, high-quality sleep contributes to a healthy immune system and helps repair damage done throughout the day. It also positively impacts metabolism and overall function while contributing to emotional and mental well-being. Most doctors recommend 6-8 hours per night for adults, and kids of all ages typically require even more, so work on getting into a nightly routine to ensure all members of the family are getting the rest they need. Pamper Yourself at Home. Once you’ve completed chores in the heat or spent time enjoying family activities in the sun, some simple pampering can be done at home to rejuvenate skin. Start with your hands, which are at the center of everything you do and often the first point of contact with an activity, whether it’s cooking, gardening, crafting or aiding friends and family. The unique formula of Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion liquid hand soap is made with a touch of lotion to lock in moisture for clean, soft hands. Available in Shea & Cocoa Butter, Aloe Water & Lime and Orchid & Coconut Milk fragrances, this innovative formula can make your hands irresistibly smooth, so your touch is always a soft touch. Take Time to Exercise. Even a little activity can have a huge impact. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least five days a week. Taking time out of your family’s busy summer schedule to go for a walk, ride bikes around the park or neighborhood, or play a game outside together can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and feeling more energized. Slow Down. It’s easy to spread yourself too thin, especially in the summer when there are often more activities requiring your attention and attendance. When you get caught up in trying to make the most out of every second of every day, it can take a toll on both your family’s physical and emotional well-being. Slow down and take that well-deserved personal time – even just an hour a day – to do something you enjoy with the ones you love. Remember to take small breaks during activities to stretch or take a short walk to help relieve potential stress on your body. Find more tips to make your family’s summer a happy, healthy and stress-free one at softsoap.com SOURCE:Softsoap |
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