At times there may be weakness in the structure, and here you will find the tools to solidify learning.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections  are organized by age level, but the information is not confined to just this age. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.

FULL STEAM AHEAD 
​ (This topic is repeated here as well as in STRUCTURE for parents of this age because STEAM is driving education of your children of all ages.)
Do you know what STEAM stands for in your children's learning? Do you know why this acronym is so important?  Do you know what you can do to help your children succeed in STEAM studies?
Parents can learn ways to help their children learn through STEAM.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.  These subjects are   important because 16% of the jobs in the United States between 2014 and 2024 will need the skills taught through these subject areas (leftbraincraftbrain.com)
STEAM provides an integrated approach to learning that encourages students to think more broadly about real world problems that they will need to solve.  It is an approach involving
two or more academic, scientific or artistic areas of study to help encourage and create innovation--new and original ways to look at problems in our present and future world.
This approach to learning helps students to ask questions, "connect dots," problem solve and think creatively.
 
Art has been added because it helps students create ideas through sketches or designs to
solve problems.  It focuses on a process which helps drive original ideas and teaches the
power of observation of people, their surroundings, and devices used to make something
happen.  It creates a "what if..." mentality.  It helps to sharpen spatial awareness and math concepts like geometry.
 
STEAM Kids: 50+ Science/Technology/Engineering/Art/Math Hands-On Projects for Kids is a paperback book by MIT engineer Anne Carey available through Amazon that provides a year's worth of activities that will fascinate children and hopefully, prevent their boredom with education. It teaches children to "question like a scientist, design like a technologist, build like an engineer, create like an artist, and deduce like a mathematician and, most importantly, play like a kid."  Such projects as color changing play dough, circuit bugs, and candy mazes encourage children ages 4-10 to explore and become enthusiastic about learning as they participate in fascinating activities.  Motivation to want to know more keeps their interest and leads to further exploration.
 
Too often we give children the answers to remember rather than a problem to solve.             Roger Lewin
 https:leftbraincraftbrain.com is a website which provides a list of STEM/STEAM activities that helps to feed  children's senses while they  play and learn.  Pinterest also suggests many areas which challenge kids to learn through experiments, projects, and crafts. Parents can encourage children's curiosity about how things work through such activities. Children just may think up new ways to use ordinary devices and utensils to make gadgets that can be used in other ways. You may find that your child is a genius, a creative genius.  This might be a fascinating discovery for parents!
https://steamklidsbooks.com suggests inexpensive ebooks, coloring books, cards and book bundles for parents to purchase.
The multiple issues that we face in the 21st Century revolve around aspects of STEM.  These issues can only be resolved with a STEM-EDUCATED WORKFORCE.  Oregon State University Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning, 2013.

YOUR EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT,TOO
     Basic education does not change, but emphasis on certain topics and subjects does. Methods for teaching keep improving so that even the teacher with few tips in her bag can learn many more to improve her teaching.  Parents need to be aware of educational terminology changing, too. Do you know what SPA and STEM mean?  SPA is Standards, Performance and Assessments. These terms are used to help educators  know what must be taught, how they are going to teach and how the children’s learning is going to be measured to be sure students have the foundation for future learning.  STEAM is the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics emphasis needed in our current education to prepare students for excelling in these fields.  Students need to be encouraged through more intimate contact with the exciting learning that is available through these areas by encouraging interest, thought, problem-solving and research.  Our current society stresses specialization. However, if children do not know how to read, do basic math, write and converse in more than the symbols they text, they will be hampered in communicating what they are learning.  A basic education still needs to be the foundation upon which later elementary school, middle school and high school take place. You as parents are as responsible as your children’s teachers to see that that foundation stands firm. It takes practice, review, and discipline at home.
     So much learning occurs for our students near, or at the very start of the school year, parents must do more than buy new clothes and school supplies for their children.  Parents, grandparents, and caregivers need to remind children that they are getting ready for the next step in their schooling  by helping them review what they have learned so far in their school years.
     According to a USA WEEKEND essay by Michael Wolff in the July 11-13 issue, three billion hours a week are spent playing video games. If these games are helping your children learn, review or practice, they are valuable.  With only 24 hours in a day, it is not possible to cover daily living necessities and responsibilities while engrossed in addictive entertainment. 
     Limiting technology for entertainment will help give your children time to grow in their learning.  Set a good example for your children by managing your time efficiently and taking breaks from technology. 
      Give yourself time to grow in your learning also.

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING
     Teaching your children how to manage their time is a valuable tool to insure a successful school year.  The time they spend at school is managed for them by the teacher and/or the administration. They have been scheduled through each day for reading, writing and math, lunch and music, library and physical education. The result is that through this school management, your children will advance another year in education.
     If you are home-schooling your children, on most days, you may also have a set schedule in order to advance your children in their learning.
     When children come home from school, they may need a time to unwind or relax, but then, they should have their time scheduled for them.  If they are to do homework assigned for them by their teacher/teachers, they need to have a time and a special place to do that. If they repeatedly tell you, they have no homework, you as a parent, assign some form of necessary practice for them--at a set time.  Working mothers might find the best time for homework is after the family has eaten so you can observe, check and help as you can. Your observation is very important.  Do your children dawdle or put off doing their homework?  Then you must see and ask "Why?" Perhaps they do not understand the work or it is too difficult for them.  It is your responsibility to email or call the teacher alerting her to the problem. Are they too tired to think after a day of figuring things out?  Then you must get them to bed earlier. You must even schedule their activity with Fortnite or video games so they learn to use their this time wisely also.
     Until your children are 18, their activities are your responsibility. Your schedule and guidance are as necessary as school schedules for their advancement and successful educational experience.
      If the children's teachers or principal choose to share your children's days and activities with you via email or the school website, acknowledge their efforts by writing back to them.  Sharing positive happenings now builds trust and credibility so that when you or your children's teacher need to work on negatives, your exchange will be comfortable and understandable. If you are not confident in the English language, ask your children or a neighbor to help you write your thinking. Your communication with the personnel at your children's school is important. It shows your interest and concern about your children and their education. Participating with other parents in your school's PTO or PTA is time well spent for parents. Help this association to be a valuable tool for sharing and learning from each other.
      Putting your Smartphone down and paying attention to each of your children now at the beginning of the school year, listening to them, and observing the way they handle their assignments will help you to get them on the right foot at the right time for a great school year.

TEACH DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
     Parents, you are already aware of the effect that children's devices have on your children's lives as well as your own..  Hopefully, you have already discovered the wonderful tool that the internet can be for your children's education.  It is being used to supplement the learning their children bring home from school. 
     You must also protect your children when using their digital gadgets. You talk and teach digital citizenship.  What is digital citizenship? It is a way of thinking online, being safe and acting responsibly when your children are using their devices. Parents need to supervise their children's use of their devices by checking what sites they are visiting and how much time they are spending on their devices.
     You can type into the search area on your computer to find a wide variety of sources you can use to monitor your children's time on the internet. You can even check remotely on your own phone. If you are really concerned, you can even turn off the WiFi when you are not present to supervise.
     However, the most important thing you can do is talk to your children.  Explain why it is important for you and them to be safe online and why you do not want them using certain websites. 
     http://www.techaddiction.com helps you to judge if you and/or your children are using technology too much and suggests ways to curb your usage.