5 Things Teachers Should Know About Parents

Teachers and parents have a unique and important relationship when it comes to educating children. Both parties have a shared goal – to help children succeed academically, emotionally and socially. However, misunderstandings and communication gaps can occur between teachers and parents, which can often be detrimental to the child’s learning experience. As a result, it is essential for teachers to recognize what parents need and expect from them. Here are 5 things teachers should know about parents.

1. Parents Want To Be Involved In Their Child’s Education

Most parents want to be involved in their child’s education, regardless of whether or not they are able to come into the school. They want to know what their child is learning, how they are progressing, and areas where their child could use improvement. Teachers should keep parents informed through emails, newsletters, and other forms of communication. Teachers could also organize parent-teacher conferences to discuss the student’s academic and social progress.

2. Parents Trust Teachers

Parents trust teachers with their child’s education. As such, teachers need to be transparent with parents and ensure they provide insight into the child’s progress, both good and bad. If a student is struggling, teachers should offer support and suggestions to help the student overcome their difficulties. Equally, if a student is excelling, teachers should offer praise to reinforce their positive behavior.

3. Parents Are Busy

Just like teachers, parents are busy with their lives. They have work commitments, family obligations, and other activities that take up their time. As such, teachers should consider using creative ways to keep parents engaged and informed. For example, teachers could post updates on social media, send weekly reports by email, or offer appointments outside normal working hours.

4. Parents Want Their Child To Succeed

No matter what the circumstances of the child or their background, parents want and hope for their child to succeed. Teachers who commit to delivering high-quality education will have the full support of parents. It is essential that teachers encourage and recognize students who are working hard to achieve their goals and provide the necessary support to students who need extra help.

5. Parents May Have Different Beliefs

Parents come from varying backgrounds and have different beliefs and values. Teachers must show respect for these individual differences. Teachers should invite parents to offer their unique viewpoint, discuss their concerns, and provide solutions. By working together, teachers and parents can develop a plan that serves the best interests of the student while respecting the values and beliefs of the parents.

In conclusion, teachers and parents must work together to provide the best learning experience for students. Teachers who understand the needs and expectations of parents are more likely to build strong relationships that foster the academic, social, and emotional growth of students. By embracing these five things, teachers can establish a bond of trust and mutual respect with parents that can lead to a brighter future for all involved.     

Social Emotional Learning and Addressing Trauma

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become increasingly popular in schools and communities in recent years. It involves the process of developing skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making, among others. One significant advantage of SEL is that it enables students to understand and manage their emotions better, allowing them to lead healthier, happier, and more successful lives.

However, SEL should not just be about learning how to manage emotions; it should extend further to include addressing trauma. Trauma is a pervasive problem affecting millions of people, with research indicating that over 21% of children in the U.S. have experienced two or more traumatic events, which impedes their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Helping students overcome the damaging effects of trauma should, therefore, be a critical component of SEL programs.

Addressing Trauma through SEL

SEL programs often incorporate several strategies to address trauma. They include the following:

1. Creating a safe and welcoming environment

Many traumatized students do not feel safe or welcome in their surroundings, which significantly affects their ability to learn. Therefore, SEL programs need to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their learning environments.

2. Encouraging open communication

Trauma can be isolating, and many students may struggle to communicate their emotions and experiences. Therefore, SEL programs must foster open communication by creating an accepting environment that encourages students to share their feelings and experiences freely.

3. Fostering supportive relationships

Research has shown that supportive relationships can help children overcome traumatic experiences. Through social and emotional learning, students can learn how to form healthy relationships with their peers, teachers, and other adults, enhancing their ability to overcome the effects of their trauma.

4. Teaching coping skills

Trauma can trigger overwhelming emotions that some children may struggle to handle. Therefore, teaching coping skills is crucial to the success of SEL programs. Students should learn how to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and maintain their well-being.

5. Encouraging resilience

Trauma can affect a child’s resilience, impacting their ability to bounce back from adversity. SEL programs should, therefore, encourage students to develop their resilience, giving them the tools to overcome the aftermath of traumatic events.

Conclusion

Social Emotional Learning is an effective way to help students improve their emotional intelligence, but it needs to address trauma effectively. Trauma can significantly impact students’ ability to learn, so it’s crucial for SEL programs to include strategies that support students who have experienced trauma. By creating safe and welcoming environments, encouraging open communication, fostering supportive relationships, teaching coping skills, and encouraging resilience, SEL programs can help students overcome the damaging effects of trauma, providing them with the tools they need for success in school and life. 

Supporting Relationships with Puppets, Books, and Self-Care

Healthy relationships are the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. Whether it’s with friends, family or a romantic partner, it’s important to build and maintain strong relationships for our emotional well-being. Supporting relationships with puppets, books and self-care can be effective strategies for nurturing these relationships and fostering a positive environment.

Puppets can be a great tool for supporting relationships, especially when it comes to children. Children often struggle to communicate their emotions and thoughts effectively, but puppets provide a safe and playful way for children to express themselves. Puppets can also help children practice social skills such as empathy, communication and problem-solving. By using a puppet to represent their thoughts and feelings, children can explore different perspectives and learn to understand the viewpoints of others.

Books can also aid in supporting relationships. Literature can offer insights and advice about relationships, empathy and compassion. Reading together and engaging in discussions about the stories can lead to meaningful conversations that help build a deeper understanding of ourselves and our loved ones. Reading a range of books that reflect different experiences and cultural backgrounds can also inspire empathy and compassion towards people from different walks of life.

Self-care is another crucial element of supporting relationships. When we prioritize our own well-being, we can better attend to the needs of our loved ones. Taking time to care for ourselves can help reduce stress, improve mental health and increase our capacity to be present with others. Engaging in activities such as exercise, meditation, or taking a walk can benefit both our physical and emotional selves, making us more available and attentive to our relationships.

Overall, supporting relationships with puppets, books and self-care can help to lay a strong foundation for positive relationships. By providing a safe and playful outlet for communication, exploring new perspectives, and prioritizing our own well-being, we can build and foster healthy, happy relationships that last. Whether we’re working with children or engaging with our partner, these tools can help us to better connect with ourselves and others.   

Using Technology to Support Early Science Teaching and Learning

Technology has revolutionized every sphere of human life, and education is no exception. Science education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our children. With the advent of technology, teaching and learning have been transformed and made more accessible and engaging, particularly in early science education.

Early science education is critical because it sets the foundation for understanding the world around us. It is essential to equip children with the right skills, knowledge, and attitudes that enable them to explore and make sense of the natural world.

Teachers can incorporate technology into their lessons using interactive tools like digital simulations and animations. These tools can help students explore complex scientific concepts by bringing them to life. For example, instead of physically showing children the growth process of plants, teachers could use digital simulations. This method makes learning more interactive and engaging, and children are more likely to remember what they have learned.

Technology can also create a more inclusive learning environment by catering to the diverse needs of students. Digital tools allow teachers to customize their lessons by accommodating different learning styles and abilities. For instance, children with visual impairment can access the same class material as their peers using digital materials and audio recordings.

The use of technology in early science education broadens the scope and depth of learning. This is particularly beneficial in subjects like astronomy, earth science, and climate change. With tools like virtual reality, children can explore the universe, visit different terrains, and interact with living organisms. This immersive experience makes learning more exciting while fostering an attitude of curiosity, exploration, and inquiry.

Furthermore, technology can enhance collaboration and communication skills. In today’s world, effective communication and collaboration are essential skills, and early science education is the perfect platform to develop them. Students can work together on projects, share information, and participate in discussions through online platforms, such as video conferences and online collaborative documents.

In conclusion, technology provides a wealth of resources that can aid early science education. Its integration into the classroom can improve engagement, inclusivity, and personalization. Moreover, digital tools can make learning more interactive, immersive, and collaborative. As such, technology can help create a more effective, efficient, and enjoyable early science education experience for all learners. 

The Power of Language in Creating Spaces of Belonging

Language is one of the most powerful tools that human beings have at their disposal. It has the ability to unite people, bring them together and create spaces of belonging. In today’s world, filled with all sorts of divisions and polarizations, language has never been more important.

Language is the means by which we communicate our thoughts and feelings. When used correctly, it has the power to transform the way people perceive things. It can shape the opinions we hold, and influence the way we behave towards one another. Language has the power to create inclusive and accepting spaces or exclusive and intolerant ones.

When language is used to create spaces of belonging, people feel a sense of validation and acceptance. They feel like they have a place where they belong, where their identities are recognized and appreciated. When people feel that they belong, they are more likely to participate in activities, engage in conversation, and make connections with others. This, in turn, creates a sense of community and solidarity.

On the other hand, language that creates exclusion and intolerance has the opposite effect. People feel rejected, isolated and demoralized. It leads to feelings of anger, resentment, and isolation – setting the stage for conflict and division.

In today’s world, language has taken on even greater significance – with social media playing a significant role. Social media platforms are often used to reinforce pre-existing beliefs, prejudices and stereotypes. With the rise of “cancel culture” and “call-out” culture, there is a sense of fear that individuals may inadvertently use language that is deemed offensive – leading to public shaming and ostracization. This creates an environment where individuals are afraid to speak authentically and honestly for fear of being labelled as “politically incorrect”.

The power of language is not just about using the right words – but also about creating spaces where people feel safe to speak and express themselves. It means recognizing that people come from different backgrounds and have experiences that differ from our own. It means actively listening to others, and trying to understand their perspectives.

Creating spaces of belonging requires language that is inclusive and respectful. It means using language that acknowledges and celebrates diversity, while remaining mindful of the impact of our words on others. It means recognizing our own biases and working to overcome them.

In conclusion, language is a powerful tool that can create spaces of belonging or exclusion. The way we communicate with one another has an impact on our sense of identity, community and interconnectedness. By being mindful of the language we use, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and where differences are celebrated. Given the divisiveness that characterizes today’s social and political climate, finding ways to use language to create spaces of belonging is a critical step towards healing and creating more harmonious and inclusive societies.   

Eight Ways to Encourage Math Learning During Risky Outdoor Play

As parents and educators, we all know the importance of math learning in the early years. However, sometimes it can be challenging to encourage young children to focus on math during risky outdoor play. Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate math concepts into outdoor play that will help children develop their cognitive skills while having fun. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Counting: Use outdoor objects such as leaves, stones, sticks, or rocks to help children count and identify numbers. You can make it into a game and ask the child to find specific objects and count them.

2. Sorting: Collect natural objects such as leaves, flowers, or rocks, and ask the child to sort them based on size, shape, or color. Sorting helps children develop their ability to recognize patterns, a fundamental math concept.

3. Measuring: Use measuring tools such as rulers or tape measures to help children understand length, height, and depth. You can ask the child to measure objects such as trees, rocks, or sticks, and compare their lengths.

4. Geometry: Identify the shapes of objects found outdoors to teach geometry. You can ask the child to identify shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles in trees, rocks, or leaves.

5. Addition and Subtraction: Use objects such as rocks or sticks to teach addition and subtraction. For example, ask the child to add three sticks to four sticks and count them to reach seven.

6. Problem-solving: Encourage problem-solving by introducing challenging scenarios outdoors. For instance, you can set up an obstacle course, and the child needs to move from one point to another in the shortest possible time.

7. Estimation: Encourage children to estimate the number of objects they see while outdoors. For instance, you can ask the child to estimate the number of leaves on a tree or the number of stones in a pile.

8. Graphing: Help children learn how to create and interpret graphs by using natural objects. For example, you can ask the child to count and graph the number of leaves, flowers, or rocks found.

In conclusion, math learning can be incorporated into outdoor play, making the process more enjoyable for children. Parents and educators can use the above tips to encourage children to develop their math skills during risky outdoor play. By creating playful and engaging learning environments, children will be motivated and more receptive to learning math concepts.   

10 Ways to Make Name Writing Practice Fun for Kids

Are you looking for ways to make name-writing practice fun for kids? We have you covered. Check out our tips.

1. Make it multisensory: Allow kids to practice writing their names with tactile materials such as playdough or sand.

2. Use technology: Let children practice writing their names using digital tools like touchscreen devices or interactive whiteboards.

3. Create a nametag: Encourage kids to create and decorate their own name tags or badges, which they can wear around and show off.

4. Play with letter blocks: Use wooden or foam blocks with letters to spell out names and help children learn the shapes of the letters.

5. Decorate with stickers: Kids can have fun decorating their names with colorful stickers or stamps.

6. Write in different colors: Use a range of colored pens, pencils, or markers to allow children to write their names in fun and creative ways.

7. Make it a game: Incorporate games such as name bingo, name puzzles, or writing races to make learning more engaging for kids.

8. Use music: Play a song that incorporates children’s names, such as “The Name Game,” to make the learning more enjoyable.

9. Personalize writing tools: Allow children to decorate their own pencils or pens with stickers or markers, making the writing experience more personal.

10. Make it a challenge: Set goals for children to practice writing their names as quickly and accurately as possible, creating a sense of challenge and engagement in the process.   

Teacher-Approved Kindergarten Workbooks

Who says that workbooks need to be monotonous? We can tell you about some fantastic workbooks available to aid children in honing crucial reading and math abilities. To help you understand why they are effective, we’ve compiled the greatest workbooks for children in kindergarten for each subject and added teacher reviews.

Best Math Kindergarten Workbooks

Kindergarten Math Workbook

Introduce kindergarteners to the fundamentals of mathematics, such as number recognition, calculation, number telling, etc. The enjoyable and colorful “Color and Trace the Numbers” activity transforms math into an incredible journey!

Math for Kindergarten

This top-rated preschool workbook is ideal for children learning fundamental math basics in a classroom or at home.

My Kindergarten Math Workbook

This workbook is educational and fun for youngsters ages 5-6 and has more than 100 games and activities. The tasks get more complex as they go along, keeping kindergarteners focused the entire time!

Addition Subtraction Practice Workbook

With the aid of several activities that encourage preschoolers used to home and classroom learning, utilize this addition and subtraction practice workbook to assist your child in learning the fundamentals of math and getting ready for their first grade. 

Kindergarten Math Workbook: Addition And Subtraction

This handy workbook offers a wide range of tasks to assist your preschoolers in studying math in school, at home, or keeping their minds fresh during breaks. This workbook is a fantastic tool for kindergarten preparation and education!

Star Wars Workbook: Kindergarten Math Skills

This workbook, which teaches kindergarten mathematic fundamentals with lightsabers, clone warriors, wookies, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and more, will be a hit with Star Wars enthusiasts. Workbook content follows Common Core standards and helps in reinforcing the new concepts learned in the classroom. May the force be with you!

Kindergarten Jumbo Math Success Workbook

This workbook combines three books into one, has more than 320 vivid pages, and covers all of the material from Sylvan Learning’s Kindergarten Basic Math, Kindergarten Math Games & Puzzles, and Kindergarten Shapes & Geometry. Learning math will be easy. 

Math Readiness Workbook

Children learn through clear examples, directions, and objectives that follow NCTM and Common Core standards, thanks to these activity pages that concentrate on counting money, addition, subtraction, telling time, and a few other concepts. Also, don’t forget to take your award certificate at the end of the activity pages. 

Spectrum Math Workbook

The five distinct chapters in this remarkable workbook employ progressive practice, math in real-world situations, and tests to track children’s progress. Learners will work through exercises in this fantastic resource,  created with state standards, ranging from learning to counting through geometry and other math basics.  

Best Reading Kindergarten Workbooks

A Magical Sight Words and Phonics Activity Workbook

This workbook has more than 40 sight words that help kids to learn to read. Many games and fun activities in the workbook include fantastical characters like unicorns, dinosaurs, and mermaids that assist children in learning new words.

180 Days of Reading: Grade K

Want 180 days full of practice exercises to develop and test children’s reading comprehension, word skills, and ability? This workbook has a Teacher Resource CD, diagnostic-based activities, and data-driven assessment advice on approximately 250 pages.

100 Write-and-Learn Sight Word Practice Pages

Encourage children to memorize 100 commonly recognized core of the Dolch Word List’s sight words. Kids will soon be able to read more smoothly, write more quickly, and spell more accurately! Drawing, copying, cutting, pasting, and writing are a few exercises and games in the workbook. 

My Sight Words Workbook

Help children remember 101 of the most frequent sight words to boost their reading comprehension and speed. Kids will have puzzles and games to play after pronouncing every word, writing it, drawing it, and using it in a phrase as part of their exercises.

Learn to Read Activity Book

It’s essential to keep kids excited while learning to read, and this activity book will do just that with 101 games and activities designed by a competent primary school teacher. Drawing, coloring, word searches, labyrinths, and other activities that bring joy are all included in the lessons.

Kindergarten Reading Readiness Workbook

The Kindergarten Reading Readiness Workbook is a 128-page tool for helping kindergartners form a basis for the excellent reading skills needed for future success. It’s indeed full of vibrant, colorful pages with games and puzzles. By highlighting letters, vowels and consonants, starting and ending word sounds, sight words, rhyming sounds, and more, activities can help beginner readers recognize and comprehend fundamental words and text.

Spectrum Paperback Reading Workbook, Grade K

This workbook from respected brand Spectrum is for kindergarten teachers to educate pupils and practice word recognition, letters and sounds, story structure, theme, summarizing, and main concepts. Each lesson deal with an illustrated story and comprehension exercises. Through non-fiction and fiction reading sections based on learning standards, these educational materials will support the learning and success of your youngsters. There’s also an answer key given.

DK Workbooks: Language Arts, Kindergarten: Learn and Explore

Uppercase and lowercase letters, vowels, simple punctuation, plurals, and other language arts elements are part of these exercises that are appropriate for five to six-year-olds. This workbook was created in conjunction with leading educational authorities to maximize learning and help children understand linguistics.  In the instructors’ section, at the end of the workbook, you have answers, guidance, and a completion certificate.

Best Handwriting & Writing Kindergarten Workbooks

The Print Handwriting Workbook for Kids

Students may learn to print with the aid of the excellent activities in the Print Handwriting Workbook for Kids. It’s simple to listen to the instructions since they include numerical indicators showing the direction and order of the strokes. Besides that, the workbook has joke-filled illustrations on the pages, which makes learning fun! 

Trace Letters Of The Alphabet and Sight Words

This workbook will assist kids in early reading as they explore the letters and develop their handwriting abilities. It includes several crucial letter exercises. This drawing book is required because it includes activities that help practice the sounds of letters and sight words.

Kindergarten Letters, Words & Sentences Writing Workbook

With the help of this workbook, your kids will progress through 3 separate sections: letters, writing sight words, and entire sentences. Over 100 pages of writing skill exercises are included in Kindergarten Letters, Words & Sentences to aid youngsters in developing both their writing abilities and confidence.

Star Wars Workbook: Kindergarten Writing and ABCs

This writing and ABCs workbook from the Brain Quest series’ editors will enthuse your pupils about practicing their handwriting because children like the fantastical Star Wars world. This workbook will ensure that the force is strong in you while learning to write. With a variety of Star Wars characters writing will be easier. 

180 Days of Writing for Kindergarten

Preparing classes for kindergarteners is made simple with the help of this tool. Young children may improve their grammar and language by exercising writing opinions, narratives, and informative/explanatory essays over the course of six months. 

Write-On Wipe-Off Let’s Write Words

In order to assist pupils in learning words and spark their interest in writing, this kindergarten workbook combines drawing and writing exercises with a range of puzzles and riddles. With the help of this book, children may start learning popular sight words in a simple, reusable write-erase format that allows you to use them many times.

Science & Social Studies

DK Workbooks: Science, Kindergarten: Learn and Explore

This workbook is an excellent option for kindergarten students since it has educational tasks centered on the basics of science in a style that will attract young children. This workbook was created in collaboration with curriculum experts and involves chapters about climate, comparing objects, the life cycles of animals and plants, and more. It’s a perfect option for science teaching in the school.

Human Body Activity Book for Kids

Children will like learning about the human body with The Human Body Activity Book for Kids since it is so intriguing.

180 Days of Science: Grade K – Daily Science Workbook

This helpful kindergarten workbook will explore a different topic from biological science, astronomy, and earth science every week and is related to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state standards.

DK Workbooks: Geography, Kindergarten: Learn and Explore

This geography workbook has many tasks and exercises encouraging persistence and progressive learning. Map reading, continents, compass directions,  countries, borders, states, rivers, seas, and other geographical themes are covered.

Skill Sharpeners Science Grade K

This workbook concentrates on significant physical, biological, and Earth science ideas and focuses on the Next Generation Science Standards and state guidelines. With melodies, poems, practical exercises, gorgeous photographs, and fun drawings, Skill Sharpeners Science Grade K vividly brings scientific ideas to life for young readers.

180 Days of Social Studies: Grade K – Daily Geography Workbook

What could be superior to a week of fun lessons? Everyday geography studies for 180 days! This workbook will aid with spatial and map skills and is also committed to state and national geography requirements.

Best Kindergarten Workbooks for Summer

Kindergarten Big Fun Workbook

The 250+ pages of exercises and instruction in this book,  created in collaboration with education professionals and following school standards, will help your kids stay prepared for first grade by bridging the summertime learning gap after preschool.

Summer Brain Quest: Between Grades K & 1

Mathematics, reading, map skills, seasons, and other topics are covered in this Common Core-aligned workbook. Students can monitor their development by placing stickers on a map after every completed exercise. 

Summer Bridge Activities – Grades K – 1

This kindergarten workbook is plentiful with content and has awards that should convince you that it is a good choice for you.  Children will be ready for their upcoming school year in just fifteen minutes per day.

Summer Express (Between Grades K & 1)

This workbook contains over 100 pages organized in a systematic, ten-week structure, along with fun activities. The topics covered in this appealing kindergarten workbook include arithmetic, phonics, grammar, writing, reading, and vocabulary.

Kindergarten Thinking and Reasoning

This workbook mixes puzzles and other games with maturity-appropriate tasks such as writing and drawing.

School Zone – Kindergarten Super Scholar Workbook

This compilation of exercises, which includes more than 100 activity sheets, improves young children’s language arts, arithmetic, scientific, and humanities abilities. Alphabet, numerals, narrative sequence, matching, and rhyming are some more subjects.

10 CARD GAMES EVERY KID SHOULD KNOW

A regular 52-card deck is a lovely thing. There are many activities for youngsters and families to enjoy in one portable set of cards. Yet youngsters get trapped in the endless cycle of Go Fish and War. There’s nothing wrong with playing the same game again if you love it, but how many parents genuinely like Go Fish? Here are 10 cards games for kids that are simple to learn and enjoyable for all ages.

What’s best? All you need to play any of our simple card games is a single deck of cards, much as our dice games, where all you need is a few common dice. Nothing must be purchased!

10 MUST-PLAY CARD GAMES FOR KIDS

  • Crazy Eights
  • Go Boom
  • Golf
  • Solitaire
  • Egyptian Rat Screw
  • Garbage
  • Kings in the Corner
  • Rummy
  • Hearts

CRAZY EIGHTS

Crazy Eights is easy to learn for anybody who has played Uno before. Although it may be played with more people, it works best with 2 to 6 players.

Unless there are only two players, deal 5 cards to each player; in that case, deal 7 cards to each player. One card should be placed face up as the “starting pile.” (If it’s an 8, put it back in the deck, then deal another card.) The draw pile is made up of the remaining cards.

A card is placed on the beginning pile by the first player. He may play only cards that match the value or the suit. If the starting card is an ace of hearts, for instance, the player may place an ace of any suit or a heart of any value on the table. When a player is unable or unwilling to play, he must continue drawing from the stock pile until he either draws a playable card or the stock pile runs out. The game keeps going clockwise.

The winner is the first person to discard every card from his hand.

The 8s, what about them? 8s are crazy. Anytime might be a good moment to play an 8 of any suit. The person who places an 8 declares what suit is currently active. A player could play an 8 of hearts while declaring that the new suit is spades. The next player must then play either an 8 or a spade in either denomination.

GO BOOM

Go Boom is a great option for youngsters and families looking to branch out from the more well-known card games. It is a card game that is best played with two to six people. Including this card game in our regular rotation has been a lot of fun.

Here are the complete instructions: Rules for the card game Go Boom.

If you use a deck of playing cards featuring a dragon, this game is considerably more enjoyable.

GOLF

Kids may pick up the card game of golf extremely quickly. The goal of “Rat a Tat Cat” is to replace mystery cards you already have in your hand with cards from the draw pile to get the lowest score possible.

With two or more people, golf may be played. Play 9-Hole Golf if there are 2 to 3 people; if there are 4 or more, start with 6-Hole Golf.

Here are the complete instructions: Instructions for the Golf Card Game

SOLITAIRE

Most people are acquainted with classic solitaire; if not, see Bicycle’s solitaire tutorial video. To mix things up a little, teach your kids how to play Clock Solitaire, which is played in a 12-point arrangement.

Get all the directions here: Playing Clock Solitaire

EGYPTIAN RAT SCREW

Although I loathe the game’s name, every youngster I know enjoys playing it. It’s comparable to War for two or more players. There is a twist, however. In some situations, players may smack playing cards, and the first person keeps the cards to smack them. Being the last person standing with any cards remaining is the goal.

Watch the following video to get the complete steps.

GARBAGE

Another bizarrely named card game! Amazingly, garbage is also amusing for grownups! Garbage is a great book for families with young children who are beginning to learn how to count. Being the first player to transform their starting 10-card hand of arbitrary cards into a hand of cards from aces to ten is the game’s goal. But be careful—if you get a card you don’t need, it’s “trash,” so be careful!

Find the whole regulations here: How to Play Junk

KINGS IN THE CORNER

We often play Kings in the Corner. Although 2-4 people work best, we usually play a fast game with just the two of us.

Deal each player seven cards to begin. The remaining cards should be arranged face down in a stack in the middle of the table. Four cards are dealt face up and placed around the stack in the directions of north, south, east, and west. If a king appears, put it back into the pile and select a different card.

Being the first player to place all of their cards on the table’s initial stacks is the game’s goal. Red and black cards are dealt in pairs, adding up while you play solo.

The first player pulls a card from the center stack, then plays as many cards from their hand as they can. The game continues clockwise with the following player drawing a card and playing any available cards.

Kings: Each time a player draws a king, they must put it in one of the four corners, which adds another starting stack to the playing field.

This game’s intriguing feature is that it almost always continues until the last card in the deck is used. Rarely, but sometimes, a player may leave the game early.

Watch this instructional video if you need help.

RUMMY

There are several games linked to rummy, which is one reason it’s a wonderful idea to educate your children on how to play. The game’s goal is to gather sequences of three or more cards of the same suit and matching sets of three or four cards (such as three queens, four nines, etc.). (e.g. 3, 4, 5 of spades). Here is a fantastic Rummy tutorial video.

HEARTS

Hearts is a trick-taking game, much as Go Boom, and the rules are more intricate, making them a better option for tweens and adolescents. Learn how to play Hearts once you’ve mastered all the other card games on our list of kid-friendly card games.

It’s not hard once you get the feel of it. To learn how to play, see the video.

NATIVE AMERICAN PICTURE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

If you frequent my book lists, you are aware of my strong belief in the ability of children’s literature to affect social change. 1) By exposing kids to perspectives outside of their own, and 2) By reflecting encouraging tales about oneself and others. Unfortunately, not all children are properly and appropriately depicted in picture books, nor are they featured often. Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples have historically been underrepresented in children’s literature. Usually, that depiction is racist, either via stereotyping (such as the use of the “noble savage” or other purportedly “good” images) or by using overtly derogatory imagery.

I purposefully selected books by Native writers while compiling this collection of Native American children’s picture books, and it is by no means an exhaustive list. Still, I think it will serve as a useful beginning point for parents and educators who have not yet made it a priority to look for picture books with positive depictions of Indigenous Peoples. I urge you to use particular Nation names, such as “Diné,” “Cree,” or “Lenape,” wherever feasible while talking to your kids about these books.

I heartily suggest the blog American Indians in Children’s Literature to anybody who wants to learn more about how American Indians are portrayed in children’s literature. Ms. Reese delivers her thorough evaluations of both recent and classic literature.

Note that this article includes affiliate links that might result in earnings.

Little You by Richard Van Camp is a sweet board book that tells the baby’s parents’ love story in rhyming verse.

My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith is an adorable board book that’s ideal for your baby or toddler. Additionally, it’s one of the rare board books with a Native American lead character. The poem, illustrated in bright, happy colors, promotes finding satisfaction in routine activities.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett. In the woods, a youngster and his grandma go picking blueberries. They see fauna along the road, including ants, elk, and birds. The deceptive simplicity of the drawings contributes to the overall sense of peaceful focus. The sparse text is written in English. However, some words are translated into Cree. There is also a glossary and pronunciation guide.

NATIVE AMERICAN PICTURE BOOKS, AGES 3 AND UP

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. A celebration of fry bread and its significance in Native American family tradition, this book is simply wonderful and upbeat. The upbeat, rhythmic stanza describes the origins of fry bread, its significance in Native American culture, how it is consumed, what it tastes like, and what it stands for. The background is further explained in the end note. Highly recommended!

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie is entertaining and stimulating. Thunder Boy Jr. wishes he had his sister’s preference for a common name. Additionally, he dislikes the name “Little Thunder,” which he claims “sounds like a burp or a fart.” He chooses a new name, maybe one that honors one of his greatest accomplishments. He finally decides on the ideal name—one that is both uniquely his own and yet connects him with his father.

Thanks to the Animals by Allen Sockabasin, illustrated by Rebekah Raye. Little Zoo Sap tumbles from the sled as his Passamaquoddy family travels to their winter residence in what is rural Maine. The neighborhood animals give the scared kid warmth and care. When his son Joo Tum goes missing, his father Joo Tum searches fervently for him. He takes the time to express gratitude to each animal for providing safety when he discovers Little Zoo Sap. The fact that the father was thoughtful and appreciative of the animals rather than just picking up his child and leaving was maybe my favorite part.

When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messinger and Susan Katz, illustrated by David Kanietakeron Fadden. A Lenape girl thinks back on how her ancestors’ seasonal experiences were similar to what she was going through back then. The drawings depict this mirroring. For instance, on one page, a traditional Lenape tribe catches fish from their canoes, whereas on the next page, a modern Lenape family uses fishing poles to catch fish. This book’s ability to show how the Lenape traditions may remain in both the past and the present is what I find so appealing about it. The book’s end notes include useful information on Lenape culture and word meanings.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell. Otsaliheliga means thanks in Cherokee. The Cherokee author Sorell takes readers on a trip through the seasons while sharing experiences to be thankful for. The drawings portray modern Cherokee life, and the voyage is both enjoyable and calm. Occasional words written in Cherokee syllabary with a phonetic spelling are included alongside the English text. The end notes consist of a dictionary and a comprehensive Cherokee syllabary. Don’t miss this unique celebration of appreciation and community; this book is the ideal November read-aloud.

In My Anaana’s Amautik by Nadia Sammurtok, illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko. A little Inuit child describes the beautiful and soothing feeling of being wrapped in an amautik. The narrative explains the encounter using sensory language, describing things like how the amautik feels and smells. A little sprinkle of Inuktitut words throughout the text contributes to the experience rather than detracts from it (glossary included). Your youngster may never see the northern landscape as freezing and lonely again.

NATIVE AMERICAN PICTURE BOOKS, AGES 5 AND UP

The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson. Native American cultures were the first to notice the damage people were causing to the environment, and they have always been instrumental in promoting environmental awareness. A grateful Ojibwe grandmother welcomes nibi (water) each morning. She and a group of ladies began to trek around the Great Lakes to raise awareness about the value of clean water since they were aware that it would soon become scarce. They persevere even though it takes them seven years to trek around the lakes. This significant tale is made sweetly comedic by the words and the graphics.

Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Ying-Hwa Hu and Cornelius Van Wright. Jenna enjoys practicing her dance moves as she sees recordings of her grandma dancing and hears the jingles clinking together. She is excited to finally be able to participate in the jingle dance at the powwow, but she is concerned that she won’t have enough jingles for her skirt. This is a touching tale that honors tradition and family.

Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Karen Clarkson, is based on the author’s own experience migrating to Pasadena, Texas, from Choctaw county in Oklahoma. The narrator recalls his reaction when he discovered his grandma was blind when he was six years old. Along with the narrator’s portrayal of Choctaw life and the obvious acknowledgment in the narration of the reality of Indigenous living in contrast to stereotypes, I like the intergenerational tale of a close, loving family. Additionally, I love how the phrase “salty pie” came to be!

Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges, is an emotional tale of friendship and family independence that takes place in pre-Civil War Mississippi and centers on a Chocktaw girl who befriends an enslaved boy. The characters in this book had a great sense of humanity; as I read, I had a strong impression that they were all fully realized people, which is unusual when reading picture books.

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. As I read this novel, I found myself becoming a bit teary. (That occurs to me more often than you may believe!) A joyful little girl asks her grandpa to teach her the Cree word for “grandfather” as they stroll around. Her grandpa expresses sadness and admits that he is unsure before telling her about how, as a youngster, he was sent to a white school where he was forbidden from using his Cree language. The daughter provides her grandpa with an introduction to Cree’s book the next day, and he begins to recall the words taken. Despite the relatively happy conclusion, I believe it is crucial to educate kids that the crimes committed by the boarding school against the grandpa still stand.