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Think back to your earliest childhood memories; how did you spend your time? Unlike today’s kids, your memories likely don’t include playing for hours on your parent’s smartphones. By contrast, modern children are considered digital “natives”, meaning that from the moment of birth they live in an environment where the use of mobile devices and the Internet is the norm.

This new normality poses new questions and challenges to parents and teachers. The former may be wondering how to make the most of their kids’ screen time to ensure that they have the best balance of online and offscreen activities. While for the latter it’s natural to be wary of incorporating screen devices into the classroom, especially with the already limited time within a school day.   

Luckily, high-quality digital learning tools can help both parents and teachers make the best out of their kids’ and students’ time with screens. Thanks to highly engaging elements, such as interactive apps, games, and videos, online content enhances the learning process by making it playful and fun. Whether at home or in the classroom, screen time offers a dynamic and engaging educational experience that prepares kids for navigating today’s technology-driven world. 

Black History Month is a dedicated time span to remember, celebrate and learn about African American history in the US. Originally established in 1970, Black History Month coincides with the birthday month of the infamous Abraham Lincoln, who was the American president who abolished slavery, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who campaigned for the ending of slavery. 

Ever heard of a real-life superhero for the African community named Nelson Mandela? Well, every year on July 18th, we celebrate Mandela Day, honoring this amazing man and his extraordinary life. Nelson Mandela was a fighter for human rights who stood up against apartheid, a system of severe racial segregation in South Africa. In this article, we will dive into the story of Nelson Mandela.

“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful country will once more suffer the tyranny of one over another!” Nelson Mandela proclaimed these words in 1994 during his first speech as President of South Africa. He became a shining beacon for those fighting for fairness and freedom around the world.

But what did he actually do?

As soon as kids can play outside, parents teach them to stay away from the street, and when older to look both ways before crossing. These common-sense steps are vital for children to learn the bare basics of road safety, but do not go nearly far enough to keep them safe. When playing outside, they are exposed to a plethora of hazards that vary based on the neighborhood and community. Not only is it important for them to look both ways before crossing a road, but it can be lifesaving to know where appropriate places to cross are located.

Sorting and matching activities serve such an integral role in a child’s early learning that parents, caregivers, and early childhood teachers should offer plenty of fun opportunities of varying complexity as kids grow older. But there’s only so many toys parents can buy. Luckily ideas for sorting and matching games don’t have to be bought; they can be created using items you already have around the house and learning can be reinforced and assessed using free matching and sorting resources from Kids Academy! Join us as we explore exciting options to incorporate more sorting and matching fun into your child’s learning.

With kids’ limited resources, how can parents make sure kids are able to give gifts to family and friends in an authentic way that doesn’t break the bank? The answer: DIY Christmas gifts for kids! Keep reading to find five fabulous ideas for homemade gifts that your child will love to make, and your family will be delighted to receive!

In essence, play-based learning serves as a cornerstone in early childhood education, with experts touting its benefits and importance. It is no doubt an essential component of childhood, but as a parent or teacher, you may be wondering about the details of how play can develop your child’s specific academic skills or how to know if the games they play are useful. Join us as we explore answers to the most commonly asked questions about play-based learning to gain deeper insight into this important topic.

Have you ever encountered the term 'neurodivergent' and wondered what it means? Or are you familiar with the term and looking for ways to better support the needs of the neurodivergent children in your care? Well, you're in the right place. We'll go in-depth on the topic of neurodiversity, explaining its nuances and outlining concrete steps for creating an inclusive learning environment.

From Mexico’s Día de Los Muertos to China’s Teng Chieh Lantern Festival, cultures around the world commonly recognize a celebration in honor of the dead. In America, that holiday is best known as Halloween, and while it’s not a federally recognized holiday that results in a day off from school, it is a much-loved celebration that both kids and adults look forward to during the entire month of October.  

Like many holidays, Halloween has evolved from ancient pagan customs, with this one originating in Ireland long ago. Samhain was a Gaelic religious festival that celebrated the end of the harvest season and to mark the beginning of winter.  

Studying and managing their own learning isn’t something that comes naturally to kids. Who could blame them for wanting to spend their time after school watching TV or playing video games? Even so, parents can help nudge their children along and into a new studying routine.

With a new school year just beginning, now is the best time to instill or reinforce healthy study habits with the inspiring study space for your kiddo. Consider the following ideas for designing the perfect study space for your elementary student!