ML Interest Tag: fourth-grade

Distance Learning Works for My 3 Kids & I Can’t Imagine Going Back

by Kate Loweth

Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

I’m Surprised How Well My Family Has Adapted to Distance Learning. Here’s Why We Prefer It.

 

Name and occupation: Kate Loweth, Bay Area Editor & Content and Calendar Manager at Red Tricycle
My partner’s occupation: attorney
City: Campbell, CA
Grades my kids are in: daughter in 7th, son in 6th and son in 4th. They all go to the same private school.
School set-up in 2020: Our school started everyone with distance learning as our county is still on the COVID watch list. Our family will be doing distance learning at least through the first trimester even if the school is approved for in-person learning. When in-person learning is approved for our school, the middle schoolers would go two days a week, home for three, and the elementary school kids would be there full time. We just felt that having three kids on two different schedules (plus the in-school mask-wearing and COVID precautions) made the distance learning option better for our family.

Well, the 2020-2021 school year is underway without the usual fanfare. I didn’t get my annual excited-mom-dropping-kids-off-on-the-first-day photo this year because there was no drop off. Thanks, COVID. We’re back to distance learning again and I’ve definitely learned a lot from last year. Honestly, distance learning wasn’t that bad for us last school year so I didn’t dread it like many parents do. Yes, I consider myself very lucky in that regard. Our school did a great job pulling everything together quickly and with older kids I don’t have to spend my days teaching and entertaining them while also trying to hold down my full-time job. Yes, again I know I’m lucky that my kids are older and more self-sufficient.

My three kids are in fourth grade (elementary school), sixth and seventh grades (middle school) and this is how our days typically play out (unless we lose power because, California).

Morning: My husband does the morning routine & I’m more than fine with it

Alarm goes off at 6:15 a.m. and I shut it off while my husband gets up to make coffee (yay!) and shower. Most likely our two boys are already up as they’ve always been early risers. My seventh grader is almost 13 and she can sleep until noon if we don’t wake her. Middle son makes himself breakfast (almost always involving Nutella) while the youngest watches a show on his Kindle Fire.

My husband usually makes breakfast for the youngest as we try and get as much protein as possible into him in the morning (to help with focus) or he will make one of these Just Crack an Egg cups for himself. We wake up the oldest around 7:15 a.m. and I usually get up then as well, after checking my email from my bed. Coffee for me, breakfast for my daughter and during this time my husband usually heads off to work after loading the breakfast dishes in the dish washer.

Morning School & Work: Everyone’s in their own room & we stick to our rigid schedules

Kids need to be online at 8 a.m. This school year they have to wear their uniform shirts any time they have a class meeting (they go to a private school). This means we usually have a lovely combo of fleece PJ pants with that red polo shirt but it’s better than constantly asking them to change out of their jammies like last year.

We live in a tiny-ish rental house in the Bay Area and just before COVID hit we swapped the kids’ rooms so that the boys were no longer sharing. I gave up my home office (which was becoming just a dumping ground anyway) and now each kids has his/her own room. This has worked out well for us with everyone doing distance learning as they can be on group class meetings without bothering each other.

We got desks for the kids (this one for the youngest and two hand-me-downs for the other two) and shelves/bins to organize their school gear. The school sent home iPads for each student in grades 2-8 which is great. My daughter uses hers with a Bluetooth keyboard and the boys have old laptops of mine that they prefer (bigger screen). My daughter will be getting a new laptop for her upcoming birthday. The older two use headphones with mics for their meetings. The youngest doesn’t like to wear headphones all the time so he skips them. Over the summer I had my kids learn to type using Type to Learn. While they are anything but proficient, it definitely put them in a better place to start this school year.

The older two are totally on their own for the school day. I only have to provide technical assistance on occasion or help them to find the colored pencils or notebook that they need.

The school day is set up by period. Using Google Classroom they are able to log into their classes throughout the day. The distance learning school day goes until 1:30 p.m. for the middle schoolers with recess and lunch breaks. They all have independent work time until 2:45 p.m. when they meet back up with their classes for check out. They’ve continued all the same classes they would have had in-person including PE and Art. I can always tell when one kid has PE as the jumping jacks shake the house!

Mid-morning: I love seeing my youngest son thrive with distance learning. I feel a huge sense of relief

For my youngest, he needs a little more help and direction throughout the school day. He’s in fourth grade and has some learning differences that make focus a struggle for him. We’ve actually felt that distance learning has worked well for him because he doesn’t have the distractions from other kids like he did in the classroom. He finds that the Google Classroom learning is great as he can set his screen to only show the speaker (usually the teacher) and that way he isn’t bothered by what other kids are doing. When he was doing in-person learning, he had a hard time with other kids intruding on his space. He also felt a lot of pressure to get his work completed quickly when others were done. Because his brain works differently, it often takes him longer to get to the answer and he felt a lot of pressure when in the classroom. At home he can work at his own pace.

The distance learning schedule has him in classes until lunchtime but usually it’s just a short class meeting (15 minutes or so) where the teacher teaches the lesson and then the class (about 20 kids) has time to work on an assignment on their own before the class meets up again. I have his weekly class schedule posted in my office (a.k.a. my bedroom) as well as his bedroom so that I can keep him on track throughout the day. For the elementary school kids, the distance learning schedule is set up with 30-minute blocks for each class, and two 15-minute recess breaks. They are done for the day at 12:15 p.m. and then meet back up again at 2:45 p.m. to correct the work they’ve done during the interim independent work time. He’s mostly able to do the work on his own, but he does like to come into my “office” to work alongside me sometime (as pictured above).

One thing that has helped us tremendously is that he has a FitBit that we charge every night. He uses this to keep on schedule. When he’s excused from a class he will set the FitBit to alert him just before he has to be back online. It has totally helped us and I am not constantly screaming at him to get back online.

Mid-morning: I lock myself in my bedroom (aka the office) to try and work

While the kids are in school, I’m working from home. We had to bump up our internet service when COVID kicked into gear (at an extra $40/month) because it just couldn’t handle three kids plus me home all day on google meets and Zoom meetings. I have always worked from home full time which definitely meant something different six months ago (hello, new office mates)!

Before distance learning began, I was pretty much working from different spots in the house like the kitchen, TV room and my bed (ugh, it’s true). But when the kids came home I really needed to be in a room with a door. With a small house the only option was our bedroom. Even though it’s only about 12 x 12, I swapped out my husband’s nightstand for this desk (that I love) and that’s where I work. I think this helps my kids to see that I am actually working (and not just watching reality TV on my phone) since it’s more of an official work space.

I keep my door closed (“close the door!” is shouted at least a dozen times a day when people come in to ask a question. Can someone please invent a button I can push to close the door from across the room? I would love you forever). We have a HEPA air filter running outside the door that provides a nice white noise and also helps with the poor air quality we’ve been having due to nearby wildfires. If I’m in a meeting and don’t want to be disturbed, I’ll put an “IN A MEETING” post-it on my door and lock the door. Locking the door is KEY because apparently my kids cannot read.

For the most part this arrangement works for me. I do have quite a few video meetings throughout the day (why, why do they have to be on video??) but since my job is in the parenting sphere and almost everyone I work with is a mom with kids at home, they get it if kids come in during a meeting. If there’s something that I really need to focus on, I usually tackle it when the school day is over as I’m more likely to have fewer interruptions then.

Afternoon: It’s independent work time for all of us

Lunch is usually DIY unless I have a frozen pizza or mini tacos that I can throw in the oven. My middle son can eat the microwavable mac n’ cheese cups every day of the week but I do require a fruit (it’s almost always a banana). The other two kids prefer more of a charcuterie-style lunch with salami, almonds, Wheat Thins and strawberries taking center stage. They all have lunch around the same time but the middle schoolers have to go back to class after lunch as they have a longer school day.

The afternoon is independent work time for all the kids (starting at 1:00 p.m. for elementary schooler and 1:30 p.m. for the middle schoolers) and then the classes reconvene at 2:45 p.m. to check the day’s work and sign off for the day. Usually my youngest still has some work to do after the official school day ends so I either carve out some time during my work day to sit with him and help, or I save it for when my husband comes home from work and he does it.

If my work schedule allows, we try and get out for a late afternoon hike. Luckily where we live is super close to lots of options for getting close to nature.

The Evening Hours: We’re now a family that eats at 5:30 p.m. and I’m okay with that

TBH, everyone’s kind of on their own in the evening. I’m not great about restricting devices after the school day so often you’ll see one of the kids out in the backyard hanging out on my favorite pandemic purchase, the backyard hammock. I eat dinner with my kids at the early bird hour of 5:30 p.m. (the natives get hungry so I’ve given in to this early dinner time). My husband is home by 6:30 p.m. and eats on his own. If the kids are up to it, sometimes there’s a bike ride around the neighborhood.

I’m able to look at all my kids’ work online to make sure they’ve turned everything in for the week. I am pretty hands-off with the middle schoolers but I do like to check in to make sure they aren’t having any issues. They turn in assigned work to the teachers by uploading photos of the work to Google Classroom or by using shared docs and sometimes there are tech issues when submitting docs.

Not every day is sunshine and roses: Here’s what’s made it all easier

I’ve definitely turned to outsourcing grocery shopping a lot more during this time at home. While I used to go to the grocery store almost every day to pick up this or that on my way to school pickup, I’ve gotten a lot more organized about groceries. I’ve been ordering fruits and veggies from Daylight Foods, a local restaurant and school food delivery service that pivoted to offer home deliveries when their other business dried up. I hope this service never goes away because their produce is the best. I’ve also been using Amazon Fresh a lot more lately since same-day delivery is always available.

When the week looks like it’s going to be a little more crazy than usual, I’ll order some meals from Good Eggs or Sun Basket.

While distance learning does have some additional challenges, we’ve been able to make it work for our family for the most part. We are all just doing our best to cope with the situation as it is!

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

—story and photos by Kate Loweth

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Distance Learning Works for My Family & I Like the Upsides

by Allison Sutcliffe

Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

I’m Surprised by the Unexpected Benefits of Distance Learning. Here’s Why It’s Working for My Kids.

 

Name and occupation: Allison Sutcliffe, Seattle Editor at Red Tricycle
My partner’s occupation: sales
City: Gig Harbor, WA
Grades my kids are in: son in 7th and my daughter is in 4th. I’ve also got a two-year-old.
School set-up in 2020: In June our district had plans to start the school year in-person, but our county COVID numbers were on the rise in August, so they had to change course. My two oldest started with full-time distance learning after Labor Day. There’s a plan to bring kids back using a staggered approach, and to be honest I’m not sure what my family will do when it’s our turn to return. Guess we will cross that bridge when we get there, as we’ve been doing with all things coronavirus so far.

Like most things in 2020, our school year started off differently than it usually does. We didn’t make our annual first-day pilgrimage for donuts with our neighborhood friends, and I genuinely missed the bus stop fanfare and parent gab sesh that marks the day the kids finally go back to school. But we’re doing the distance learning thing, for better or for worse, and I took what I learned last year to be better prepared this year. So far it seems to be working. My two oldest are in fourth grade (elementary school) and seventh grade (middle school), and I’ve still got a toddler at home. This is what our typical (if there is such a thing) school day looks like, pandemic, wildfires and all.

Morning: My husband and I run zone defense to get everybody fed and ready

We’re not big into alarms at our house because toddler. Like clockwork she crows “mama” around 7 a.m. each morning and that’s our call to start the day. My husband’s not a morning person and I’ve learned to be one, so he usually stays in bed with the baby while I get up and check my email before waking the big kids.

Since my elementary-aged kiddo and my middle schooler are on different schedules, I run two breakfast shifts (TBH this is a total distance learning bonus). I rouse my son 30 minutes before class starts so he has enough time to down a plate of scrambled eggs and strawberries (that’s what he’s into these days), get dressed and brush all the things before logging on to his first class at 8:15 a.m. Once he’s successfully Zooming, I move my fourth grade daughter through the morning paces so she’s ready to log on and start school by 9 a.m. While all of this is going on, my husband and the baby are getting breakfasted and dressed just in time for him to head to work around 9 a.m., but not before I’ve had a shower. There’s no denying his flexible work schedule makes everything easier.

By 9 a.m. both kids are in class, so I head out to get my morning coffee with baby in tow. I do it everyday. I’m nothing without my latté and a bit of downtime to listen to a podcast (shout out to all the Murderinos) before the day’s juggling act begins.

Morning School: Each kid has their own space & it helps them focus on learning

Here’s where the lessons we learned from last spring’s emergency schooling come in to play. At that time, I had the kids working side-by-side at the dining room table, while the baby played nearby in the living room. I kept my laptop on in the dining room, trying to get work done, while bouncing between the three kids. (What was I thinking, I know.) I knew we needed a change for the 2020 school year.

Now, the oldest two work at desks in their rooms, and we made a big deal about getting them set up for success before school started. Although the school district provided Chromebooks to all students in the district (kindergarteners got iPads), we bought new computers, powerful enough to handle simultaneous Zooms, for each kid. A new WiFi range extender was part of our strategy too, and so far both kids (and mom) can be online without getting kicked off or dealing with seriously laggy load times that were a problem last spring. The final piece of the being-prepared puzzle was getting each kid a gaming headset. They were stoked and I was fine with it because wearing them lets the kids hear better and blocks out noise from the house (What can I say? Toddlers are totally noisy.).

Since the kids are at two different schools, we’re on two different schedules, but both use Schoology to access their materials and classes, and I’m thankful for that. My middle schooler is pretty independent, and can generally get where he needs to go (virtually) without prompting. He has three periods each day in addition to pack (think: homeroom), lunch and study time. In between classes he’s usually in a Google Hangout with his friends (I think I’m okay with that) or working on the assignments that are due the next day.

My fourth grader needs reminders as she toggles between live Zooms and independent work multiple times a day. Her daily schedule is on the white board above her desk, but I peek in often to make sure she’s where she needs to be. Our district is flexible with attendance and that helps. So even if one of my two misses a Zoom, they can still complete the classwork and be counted as “present” for the day.

Wednesdays are the anomaly, and the day we all look forward to. Normally a late start day for my kids, the district now has it set aside for independent work and one-on-one time with teachers. What this translates to is no Zoom time for my middle schooler and a brief morning meeting at 10:25 a.m. for my middle. The day is ours to do with as we please, and I have big plans for hikes, museum visits and general around-the-town adventuring as the year goes on. So far, the wildfires are slowing down our plans.

Morning: I Pl-ork (that’s WFHM-speak for “play + work”)

I spend most of the morning hanging with the two-year-old reading books, building marble runs and keeping her out of the kids’ rooms while they’re in class (she’s notorious for Zoom bombing in our family). Normally, she and I would spend mornings at story time or tumbling class, but even if there were classes, the two of us are tethered to the house because of the big kids. Theoretically this is also when I keep up with the laundry, dishes and general house cleaning, but I’d be lying if I said I was consistent with these tasks.

Morning is also when I try to get some work done. I’m lucky to have a part-time job that was work-from-home before it became the mandated norm. I’m also lucky that a lot of my work can be done in short bursts and from my phone. Since I work for Red Tricycle and most of my colleagues are parents, folks aren’t surprised (or bothered) when they hear my toddler being a toddler in the background. So while my two-year-old jumps on her trampoline (we’ve been spending a lot of time doing outdoor activities inside because of the wildfires), I return emails or make quick calls that need to happen during business hours. I definitely take advantage of the big kids, who briefly reappear downstairs during recess, passing period or work time, asking them to hang with the baby if I need to write a longer email or make a quiet call in the office. Although this work style may seem chaotic, I prefer to think of it as organic.

Mid-Morning: My shy daughter is thriving & I have distance learning to thank

My fourth grader spends the better part of each morning live Zooming with her class in 45-minute blocks with breaks in between. The afternoon is self-managed (that means I’m on duty), until the end-of-day check-in around 3 p.m. I was skeptical about this format early on (it seemed like a lot of screen time), but now that I’ve watched it in action, I feel reassured. It’s surprising, but it’s helped my daughter, who’s usually shy, stand out and be heard. The extra time she has to process and reflect on her learning is making a big difference. She feels more confident in class and enthusiastically interacts with her classmates, in a way that’s different than it is IRL. Distance learning also means more personal attention from her teachers. The thought and attention she puts into her schoolwork is getting noticed in a different way.

While I’ve seen distance learning benefit my oldest daughter the most, it’s definitely giving my son the independence he’s been craving for a while now. It’s his chance to prove that he’s responsible and can make it through the day without mom there to guide him. Only time will tell, but for now, I’m (reluctantly) letting go, breathing deep and reminding myself that college will be here before I know it, and then he’ll truly be independent (ready or not).

Afternoon: It’s quiet work time for the big kids & naptime for baby

Both kids break at noon, so we regroup at the kitchen island for lunch. My youngest daughter happily joins us from one of my favorite pandemic purchases, her perch on the Learning Tower. She’s always glad to be reunited with her sibs. My son is a peanut butter purist so his lunch is easy, albeit a bit boring. The girls usually have something quick and simple like quesadillas or hummus with a piece of fruit and a veg, and always a pouch of applesauce for the baby.

Soon after lunch the baby naps, so I have just enough time to check in with my fourth grader and get her moving in the right direction. Once the kids are settled in, I head to the office to work for about 90 minutes. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have interruptions, but for the most part, the kids stay busy working on assignments (and in the case of my seventh grader, practicing his saxophone in the garage) in their rooms until their end of day check-in (2:30 p.m. for middle school and 3 p.m. for grade school). Depending on how long the baby naps, I sit down with the big kids to read (another big perk). We’re working through the Fun Jungle series.

In a perfect world, the kids play outside ‘70s-style when the day is over, riding bikes around the neighborhood or challenging each other to a game of H-O-R-S-E in the driveway, but the wildfires have made that nearly impossible these first two weeks.

Evening: Dad takes over & that works for me

My husband gets home from work anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. and no matter where we are in the day, we make the kid hand-off. I take another quick hour in the office to work without interruption—and thanks to my husband’s child wrangling prowess, it’s usually pretty quiet.

We’ve never been a family that sits down together for dinner, so the kids are used to eating a “light meal” before dad gets home, with the choice of eating later if they’re still hungry. My husband’s all about the sous vide (he swears by this container too). He starts it remotely (with an app) and I throw the meat in when the timer goes off so it’s ready-ish for him to finish when he gets home. There are just as many days where we don’t have a coordinated plan so we throw together a quick salad plus protein.

While he runs the bath and bedtime routine (at least for the younger two), I log on to the kids’ Schoology accounts to see what (and how) they did for the day. While I try to be as hands-off as possible, I like being dialed in to their daily routine (a big distance learning plus). There have been some glitches submitting assignments or uploading videos, but they’re easily fixed.

Distance learning is what it is: Here’s what I’m focusing on

Like so many things associated with this pandemic, it’s the way you approach it that makes the difference. Distance learning definitely isn’t ideal (my kids miss their friends and I miss my space), but we’re finding silver linings every day.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

—story and photos by Allison Sutcliffe

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Books for Kids to Help Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

By Keira Pride

Photo: istock

With Father’s Day just around the corner and the days getting longer, reading to our children at bedtime is one of the best ways to wind down after a busy summer day. The time a parent spends reading with his child is one of the most consistent links to that child achieving positive literacy scores throughout his or her schooling. It’s a period that not only helps children academically but strengthens the bond you have with them and creates memories to last a lifetime. Children will always remember bedtime stories and the lessons that these stories bring.

These books are perfect to foster the bond between dads and children on Father’s Day.

Preschool and Kindergarten

My Cat Looks Like My Dad Written and Illustrated by Thao Lam: Bright paper-collage illustrations create comparisons in which the narrator talks about their family—especially the striking similarities between Dad and the cat. Both have orange hair, love milk, start their days with stretches, appreciate a good nap, and are brave (some of the time). A surprising twist at the end reveals the narrator’s unexpected identity, also hinted at with clues in the art throughout the book. Warmth and whimsy in the illustrations add a playful balance to the story’s deeper message about the love that makes a family a unit, no matter how unusual it may look from the outside.

Hike by Pete Oswald: This beautifully illustrated picture book highlights the joy that can be found in spending time with family and nature. A father wakes his son one morning and they pack up and head out of the city for the day. As they make their way up the trail, they stop to enjoy the beauty around them including the wildlife and the snow. The father helps his son cross a log bridge and admire a waterfall. Ultimately, at the end of the trail, they plant a tree seedling before making their way back down. Words aren’t needed in this homage to the power of taking time to enjoy the natural world. On top of that is the importance of the father/son bond exhibited as the father and son spend the day together, helping each other as needed.

You and Me, Me and You by Miguel Tanco: A father and son walk together, discuss life among a busy city, play, and spend time with each other in this book that honors the special bond between a father and his son. The story illustrates how dads can be present and are always there for their sons. It not only makes a great Father’s Day present, but it can be read over and over again.

First and Second Grade

Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko, Illustrated by Dan Santat: A boy keeps a toy dinosaur in his pocket to help him be brave like his dad, but when the dinosaur goes missing, dad knows just what to do. This story warms hearts and teaches kids how to be brave and face their fears. Choldenko reminds us all of the awesomeness of dads to come through, and Santat brings both the fear and bravery that this book underlines to life.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison: A little girl has her daddy help her find the perfect hairstyle that will show off her beautiful, natural self. It’s a special occasion, so she wants to look her best. Tender and empowering, this book is an ode to loving your natural hair—and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

Third and Fourth Grade

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary, Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers: Romona’s father has just lost his job and things are tense in the Quimby house. Romona decides to help as much as she can, even by reducing her Christmas wish list. But the bills are piling up, and Romona wonders if life will ever go back to normal. An excellent choice to share during homeschooling.

Dog Diaries Book: A Middle School Story by James Patterson, Illustrated by Richard Watson: A story told from the perspective of Junior the dog, this book tells the story of how Junior was adopted from the pound and came to meet his new pet human, Rafe. Rafe and Junior are immediately best friends, and the two of them find themselves in a big predicament after a little, teensy mishap at the dog park. It is up to the two of them to prove they aren’t the mess everyone thinks they are by winning the local dog show. The only problem is…they have both miserably failed their obedience school class. A fun read for both dads and kids, this book is full of humor and illustrations. 

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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Books to Help Combat Summer Slide

By Keira Pride

Photo: Stratford School

When you hear the words “summer slide,” what pictures come to mind? A water slide at the pool? A park slide on a hot day? Sunshine and summer fun?  Summer Slide is a term often used to describe the tendency for students to decline in achievement gains during the summer months when school is not in session. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent the summer slide, including reading.

At Stratford School, we believe that reading plays a critical role in warding off summer learning loss by prompting critical thinking, building language skills, introducing new vocabulary and more. When children keep reading, they keep learning. We have curated a list of books by grade that will keep your kids turning the pages in between their playtimes. Enjoy!

Kindergarten

The Last Peach by Gordon Gus: The story of two indecisive bugs contemplating eating the last peach of the summer in a hilarious picture book about anticipation and expectation. Summer’s almost over, and there’s one peach left. There’s also one big question in the air: Should someone eat it? What if it’s rotten inside? But what if it’s juicy? Should the bug who saw it first get to eat it? Should both bugs share it with their friends? Will anyone eat the peach?! EVER?!? A fun book to read together and the ending will surprise everyone.

First Grade

Scribble Stones by Diane Alber: A heartwarming story about a little stone who was able to spread kindness to the world! This story starts off with a little stone who thinks he will become something amazing but then soon realizes he had become a dull paperweight. He’s on a mission to become something greater and in the process meets scribble and splatter and they all come up with a creative way to bring joy to thousands of people.

Second Grade

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst: A comforting story about two siblings who learn that everyone has an invisible string that connects them to everyone they love, anywhere, anytime. You are never alone. The people who love you here and those who have passed away are never far because if you tug on this invisible string they can feel it in their hearts. This is a remarkable message for children who feel lonely, scared, anxious, worried, etc. and this reassuring feeling could help a child cope with a variety of issues from everyday things, like a storm, to serious issues, like the death of a friend or parent. The illustrations are done in soothing watercolors and the simple lines highlight the facial expressions and feelings of the characters.

Third Grade

One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko: A funny story about a lovable family and the best dog ever from the Newbery Honor-winning author of Al Capone Does My Shirts and the Tales from Alcatraz series. Fifth grade is not for amateurs, according to Liam. Liam lives in the Bay area near San Francisco with his mom and two younger sisters. Dakota is fascinated by science and has a big personality but struggles to make friends; Izzy, a child with Down syndrome, makes friends easily, and notices things that go past everyone else. And then there’s Cupcake, their lovable German shepherd, who guards their basement apartment. Recently, Cupcake has a problem—she’s peeing in the house. The kids need to make enough money to take her to the vet before their landlord upstairs finds out. And Mom and Dad have said if Cupcake doesn’t stop, they will find her a new home. But the kids will never let Cupcake go. Can they save her?

Fourth Grade

The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta (series): On the morning of her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala is just a regular sixth grader living in Parsippany, New Jersey until her parents mysteriously vanish and a drooling rakkhosh demon slams through her kitchen, determined to eat her alive. Suddenly, Kiran is swept into another dimension full of magic, winged horses, moving maps, and annoying, talking birds. There she must solve riddles and battle demons all while avoiding the Serpent King of the underworld and the Rakkhoshi Queen in order to find her parents and basically save New Jersey, her entire world, and everything beyond it. There are two more books in this fun series, so get ready to spend a lot of time reading!

Fifth Grade

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone: Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with this New York Times bestseller and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn’t always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren’t always what they seem—his G’ma included. Great for kids studying civil rights.

Middle School

War Stories by Gordon Korman: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Restart, a story of telling truth from lies —and finding out what being a hero really means. There are two things Trevor loves more than anything else: playing war-based video games and his great-grandfather Jacob, who is a true-blue, bona fide war hero. At the height of the war, Jacob helped liberate a small French village and was given a hero’s welcome upon his return to America. Now it’s decades later, and Jacob wants to retrace the steps he took during the war—from training to invasion to the village he is said to have saved. Trevor thinks this is the coolest idea ever. But as they get to the village, Trevor discovers there’s more to the story than what he’s heard his whole life, causing him to wonder about his great-grandfather’s heroism, the truth about the battle he fought, and the importance of genuine valor.

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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A Letter to Our Teachers: Thank You for Keeping Us Going

By Melissa Heckscher

Photo: Melissa Heckscher

Dear Teachers,

I just want you to know, there are days when I want to give up on this whole “distance learning” thing.

There are days that I want to close my eyes and surrender—to let my kids plug themselves into Youtube or Xbox or whatever device they’d rather watch instead of doing schoolwork. Because seriously: Getting my 8 and 10-year-old boys to focus on school (while my gleefully unoccupied 5-year-old daughter frolics around the back yard belting out Frozen 2 songs) seems close to impossible.

But I don’t give up. You know why?

Because you don’t.

No, every school day since this whole “Shelter in Place” thing started, you’ve been there. In fact, I’ve mapped out our daily schedule based on what you’ve laid out for us: Zoom meetings in the morning; art in the afternoon; read-alouds at lunch. You give us someplace to “go.” Thank you for that.

I know it can’t be easy. For one, you’ve managed to get whole classes of kids—and their parents—proficient at Zoom. That alone is an accomplishment, but it’s not all you’ve done: Along with knowing how to navigate his Chromebook like a pro and type 54 words per minute, my second-grader can now put together a Powerpoint Presentation better than I can. That’s all you, Teacher. Thank you.

And don’t think we don’t realize how much time you’re spending on us. You’ve shot videos, sent lesson plans, hosted Zoom meetings, given advice, and offered extra help—even while some of you have your own children needing your attention, too (I’ve seen you calmly tending to your kids mid-Zoom, Fourth Grade Teacher, and I just want to say you’re amazing).

You’ve spent your nights reading and reviewing kids’ work—scouring endless pages of Common Core math problems, grammar sentences, essays and tests—even when you have your own families to care for.

You’ve dealt with us parents, answering what must be an onslaught of e-mails, despite the fact you’ve probably already addressed all said concerns in previous e-mails or Google Classroom posts. (Sorry about that. )

You’ve worked hard, even when you were tired. You’ve kept going, even when you were drained. You’ve navigated this strange remote learning world, even when you weren’t sure whether you were doing it right. (You are!)

Most importantly: You’ve shown up for my kids with the same loving-but-“Let’s get down to business” attitude they’ve known all school year—even as the weight (or loneliness) of working from home amid a pandemic has become so big you’ve probably felt like you can’t always carry it.

But you can.

I can.

And the kids certainly can.

So that’s why I keep going. Because how can I tell my kids that I can’t handle this when you’re handling it tenfold (24-fold, to be exact)?

How can I tell my 8-year-old I don’t have the energy to homeschool when you have the energy not only to corral a roomful of Zoomed pre-tweens into silence—but also to ride your bike past the home of EVERY SINGLE CHILD in the class just so you could give them a smile in person? (Seriously, thank you for that.)

How can I tell my 5-year-old I can’t give any more of myself when her preschool teacher just opened up her own back yard for scheduled, unlimited solo visits to her trampoline?

You, teachers, amaze me.

And while you may not be getting the hand-painted “Thank you” signs or live-streamed TV specials that are being given to the pandemic’s “front line” workers, you are just as valuable.

And so I want to take this opportunity to tell you:

You are our anchor.

You give us a routine when everything else is so enormously outside that routine.

You make things feel normal when everything else is so far from normal.

You keep us going.

Thank you, teachers, for everything you do. We love you.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, join us in putting “Thank You Teachers!” signs in your window this week. 

Melissa Heckscher is a writer and mother of three living in Los Angeles. She is a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group and the author of several books, including,The Pregnancy Test: 150 Important, Embarrassing, and Slightly Neurotic Questions (Quirk Books, 2011). 

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Social Distance Story Time Can Help Bridge the Isolation Gap

By Keira Pride

Nothing bridges the isolation gap like reading a good book to someone you love, especially a child. As recent events now mean that we keep our social distance while staying safe at home for an extended period of time, consider this wonderful collection of books featuring meaningful messages and colorful illustrations that are a whole lot of fun to read to children, including books with a few illustrations for older children that are perfect to read one chapter at a time.

Virtual storytime provides a meaningful way to maintain a connection with children. Just find a cozy chair or couch, grab a book and record or live stream yourself reading a story. Children are comforted by repetition and familiarity, and they will treasure this connection and remember this creative reading time for many years to come.

Preschool and Kindergarten

Horrible Bear! by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Zachariah OHora: Bear didn’t mean to break a little girl’s kite, but she’s upset anyway—upset enough to shout “HORRIBLE BEAR!” Bear doesn’t think he’s horrible! Then Bear gets a truly Horrible Bear idea. What will he do next? As Bear prepares to live up to his formerly undeserved reputation, the girl makes a mistake of her own and realizes that maybe, just maybe, Bear isn’t as horrible as she had thought.

First Star: A Bear and Mole Story  (Bear and Mole series) by Will Hillin Brand: Bear and Mole head to the hills to camp for the night and gaze at the stars. When night falls, Mole becomes frightened of the dark so Bear tells him the story of the first star to comfort him. Mole learns of the first bear family and how they made the moon and scattered the stars in the sky to give light. Mole learns of the one constant star in the sky that will always show him the way home.

This is such a wonderful tale about the North Star, and a great way to introduce young children to the concept of constellations. The warm, rich illustrations are expressive and eye-catching, and children will love the friendship between Bear and Mole. There are five books in this series.

First through Third Grade

Mac Undercover (Mac B., Kid Spy, Book 1) by Mac Barnett, Mac, illustrated by Mike Lowery: Before Mac Barnett was an author, he was a kid. While he was a kid, he was a spy. Not just any spy, but a spy…for the Queen of England. The precious Crown Jewels have been stolen, and there’s only one person who can help the Queen of England: her newest secret agent, Mac B. Mac travels around the globe in search of the stolen treasure…but will he find it in time? From secret identities to Karate hijinks, this fast-paced, witty and historically inspired chapter book will keep readers guessing until the very last page. With full-color illustrations and fascinating historical facts masterfully sprinkled throughout, this series offers adventure, intrigue, absurdity, history, and side-splittingly humor. There are four books in this series.

Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein: “There is a place where the sidewalk ends and before the street begins, and the grass grows soft and white, and there the sun burns crimson bright, and there the moon-bird rests from his flight to cool in the peppermint sun.” 

You’ll meet a boy who turns into a TV set, and a girl who eats a whale. The Unicorn and the Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, a place where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist.

Shel Silverstein’s masterful collection of poems and drawings stretches the bounds of the imagination. The black and white illustrations are hilarious. The poems that will make you laugh, cry, wonder, believe, and most importantly, remember.

Fourth Grade through Middle School

One Dead Spy: the Life, Times, and Last Words of Nathan Hale, America’s Most Famous Spy (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, Book 1) by Nathan Hale: New York Times Bestseller Nathan Hale, the author’s historical namesake, was America’s first spy, a Revolutionary War hero who famously said: “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country” before being hanged by the British. In the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series, author Nathan Hale channels his namesake to present history’s roughest, toughest, and craziest stories in the graphic novel format. One Dead Spy tackles the story of Hale himself, who was an officer and spy for the American rebels during the Revolutionary War. Author Hale highlights the unusual, gruesome, and just plain unbelievable truth of historical Nathan Hale –from his early unlucky days at Yale to his later unlucky days as an officer — and America during the Revolutionary War. There are ten books in this series.

The Sword of Summer  (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan: Magnus Chase, a once-homeless teen, is on a death-defying quest across the Norse realms. As a resident of the Hotel Valhalla, this son of the god Frey is now one of Odin’s chosen warriors. Magnus and his friends, Hearthstone the elf, Blitzen the dwarf, Samirah the Valkyrie, and other heroic characters must use all their wits and special talents in order to defeat fearsome giants, lethal creatures, and meddlesome gods in order stave off Ragnarok. This book combines humor with mythology and an amazing cast of diverse characters that will have your audience begging you to read the next chapter. There are four books in this series.

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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8 Tips to Raising Musical Kids: A Parent’s Guide

By Kevin Mitchell

Photo: MMM

As parents, we all want to raise their children with as many advantages as possible. In addition to a myriad of benefits, there have been countless studies that connect music with a child’s intellectual and social growth, which makes it a fun, joyous way to help our kids grow into healthy, happy grown-ups. So let’s commit to raising a musical child!

The Science & Why Music Is Important

Since the 1990s, a multitude of studies has connected music education with a child’s intellectual and social growth. Our top takeaways:

Ÿ  • Kids who study music have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills, as learning music develops the part of the brain that processes language. These kids also tend to score higher on reading and spelling tests.

Ÿ  • Music is closely aligned with math, so even a few years of music-making experience translates into higher math skills.

Ÿ  • Music builds self-esteem as a child sees improvement in their skills – some will enjoy showing off a bit for family and friends!

Ÿ  • Music performance teaches kids to conquer fear and take risks.

Ÿ  • Kids who suffer from anxiety or stress may find that a creative outlet like music is a relaxing, calming activity.

What You Can Do:

1. Create a Musical House. Do babies in the womb benefit from mom listening to music? For sure it helps mom relax! Once out, young minds are better off growing up in a home where music is all around. Young children are naturally drawn to music; this is why apps like Samsung Kids+ (a subscription service featuring safe, educational and entertainment content for kids) use music to teach preschoolers in learning videos, as music is the best way to engage young minds. And the more variety in the music your kids hear, the better.

2. Join Baby/Toddler Music Programs. Two well-known options are Kindermusik and Gymboree, who incorporate music and movement into play. Local city programs, daycare facilities, and learning centers will often have music-based programs.  There are also many apps available that expose preschoolers to music learning. 

3. Be a Role Model. If you ever played an instrument as a kid, share your experiences with your child, or get that old guitar out of its case! Singing and dancing at home are also musical expressions that will rub off on your kids in a great way. Show them how much fun you can have with music!

4. Explore Your Local Community. Seek out live music of all types. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a local symphony, see if they have programs for young children. Local theater groups will stage musicals for kids, or check out those free Sunday afternoon concerts with musicians playing in the park. Live music can be a big influence on how children learn to think about music.

5. When Should I Get Music Lessons? Of course, while listening to and enjoying music is a great start, actually learning to play an instrument is the goal for your child, which is how they can reap those benefits mentioned above. It’s most common to start kids at age five or six. For younger children, there are Suzuki method teachers who offer string lessons to kids as young as three. Some think that’s too young, but like many things, it depends on the child. Some instruments (like the violin or piano) are better suited for small hands than others but talk to a music teacher for their advice. Next, you might ask…

6. Where Do I Find a Music Teacher? Your local music store will have music teachers available for a variety of instruments, and most music stores rent instruments so you don’t have to go all-in to purchase one. You can also contact local chapters of organizations like the Music Teachers National Association or The Royal Conservatory of Music, both of which have online tools that let you search their database for a teacher near you. Or check with the music department at your local community college, the band director at your local high school, or even the music director at your church. You’ll find that musicians form a tight community and are eager advocates for music education.

7. Check Out School Music Programs. Typically these start in third or fourth grade and have the added benefit of letting your child play with a group from the start. School band programs enhance music learning by creating a community of kids who perform together, go on trips together, and form a unique bond through music. While playing an instrument is still a great experience alone, there’s nothing like making music with others.

8. What About Practicing? We all know the joke: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! Our advice is this: Music is a journey, not a destination. Successful children come from a home where you don’t quit in the middle of something, and music is no different. But you also need to weigh the costs with the benefits. If it’s a battle and you can only get a few minutes of practice a day, it’s the long haul that will pay off, and a few minutes is better than none at all. You’ve never heard anyone say they wish they had never taken a piano lesson, but many adults wish they had never quit.

This isn’t about making professional musicians. It’s about many things—opening a door to self-expression, bringing opportunities for joy, letting your child be part of a larger community, and allowing kids to get their brain working in a way that will give them an advantage in school. Bonus? You’ll be that proud parent during family gatherings when your child gets to show off their interruption of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

Kevin Mitchell is a stay-at-home/freelance writer and author and dad in St. Louis.

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Austin’s Best Museums for Kids & Families

by Kate Loweth

Whether you are looking for an indoor spot on a hot day or want to inject a bit of culture into your routine, this is the list for you. We found a slew of Austin, Texas museums that are perfect for kids as they offer hands-on learning, special exhibits and even kid-only art-making sessions. Get ready to explore!

Thinkery

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. For over three decades this spot has been offering hands-on learning opportunities for kids and parents and today the space includes over 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. When the weather is good, the Backyard is every kid's favorite spot with tons of climbing and exploring opportunities. 

1830 Simond Ave
Austin, TX
Online: thinkeryaustin.org

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Keith A. via yelp

Opened in 2001 as the official history museum of the State of Texas, the Bullock Museum tells the story of Texas through hundreds of artifacts, family-centered programs and community events. Check out the museum for free on H-E-B Free First Sundays and enjoy special toddler programming on the second Thursday of the month. 

1800 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX
Online: thestoryoftexas.com

Austin Nature and Science Center

Susan B. via yelp

Established in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center's (ANSC) mission is to provide hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Centrally located on the western edge of Zilker Park in the Zilker Nature Preserve, the ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin. Best of all, it's totally free! 

2389 Stratford Drive
Austin, TX 
Online: austintexas.gov

Texas Memorial Museum

Little dinosaur lovers, this spot is for you! Located on the UT campus, this museum houses over 500 dinosaur and fossil specimens including the Onion Creek Mosasaur, a 30 foot aquatic reptile that swam in the shallow seas of Texas during the Cretaceous Period. Check out their events page for community events, preschool programs and more. 

2400 Trinity Street
Austin, TX
Online: tmm.utexas.edu

The Contemporary Austin

Showcasing two renowned and architecturally unique locations, The Contemporary Austin brings multidisciplinary exhibitions, engaging programs and enticing special events to the city's visual arts landscape. Families will enjoy the monthly art-making workshop on the second Saturday of the month and kids can spend hours exploring the sculpture garden at the Laguna Gloria campus.

Jones Center: 700 Congress Ave.
Laguna Gloria: 3809 W. 35th St.
Austin, TX
Online: thecontemporaryaustin.org

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

This museum is dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of the cultural arts of Mexican Americans and Latino cultures. They offer special community events and activities for families including a special program for fourth grade students.

600 River St.
Austin, TX
Online: austintexas.gov

—Kate Loweth

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Last-Minute Books to Gift That Are Kid-Tested, Teacher Approved

By Keira Pride

Around this time of year, we often take a step back and think about all of the things and experiences for which we are grateful. At Stratford School, we are incredibly grateful to the amazing authors who visit our schools and share their books with our students. An author visit is a rich experience that students not only learn from but remember for a long time. Each visit provides the entire school community with a common learning experience and lends authenticity and credibility to the reading and writing process. We are grateful to the diverse group of authors who have shared their stories with our students over the years. So, if you are looking for a great book to give this season, below is a featured list of some of the best books authors have recently shared with Stratford:

Preschool to First Grade

The Tales From the Chinese Zodiac by Oliver Chin

A rainbow of animals inhabits the popular annual series, The Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. This is the only series in English that features each of the animals of the Lunar New Year. There are twelve unique adventures that have been revised with a bilingual translation in simplified Chinese. Children love to read the book about the zodiac animal from their birth year.

The Cazuela That The Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha Vamos

With the help of her animal friends, a farm maiden begins to cook. The goat lends some butter; the cow, fresh milk; the chicken, a few eggs-all for a pot of rice pudding. Inspired by “The House that Jack Built,” Vamos offers a fresh, new twist, playfully introducing Spanish into this cumulative tale. The illustrations are acrylics-on-wood paintings and have a burnished copper glow that is exquisite.

Second, Third and Fourth Grade

The Code Busters Club (series) by Penny Warner

Four code-loving fanatics join forces to crack mind-boggling mysteries involving spies, rare Egyptian artifacts, haunted lighthouses, and much more!  Finding the missing key isn’t the only thing solving these puzzles. The code busters discover that friends are the most valuable key and can be as different as the symbols they solve. These exciting interactive adventures will bring out the true code buster in any young reader eager to learn and decipher more than fifteen codes.

I’m Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups by Chris Harris

Lovers of Shel Silverstein will laugh until they cry. This book is so cleverly written that kids and adults alike will quickly become obsessed with finding their new favorite poem to read. Paired with perfectly matched illustrations by Lane Smith, the book’s collection of poems are hilariously silly and quirky, with topics that your children/students will find relatable, for example. “Sometimes I don’t want to Share,” a poem that expresses the anguish of having to share a delicious cookie.

Fifth Grade and Middle School

Aruh Shah and the End of Time (series) written by Roshani Chokshi

Best-selling author Rick Riordan introduces this adventure by Roshani Chokshi about twelve-year-old Aru Shah, who has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur? Witty humor and fast paced fun keep readers content through the Kingdom of Death in this fantasy rooted in Hindu mythology.

Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye

Are your kids looking for something to read after Harry Potter? This series is perfect! Fourteen-year-old Ozzy is desperate for help because his scientist-parents have been kidnapped after discovering a formula that enables mind control. Their work was so top secret Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he’ll never find his parents. Then he stumbles across a classified ad in the local newspaper that says “Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL.”  What follows is an adventure full of humor, danger, grief, and acceptance.

 

 

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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This 9-Year-Old Wore a Hot Dog Costume for His School Picture & Here’s Why

by Erica Loop

When nine-year-old Jake Arsenault’s parents dared the fourth grader to wear a hot dog costume to school for his student ID pic, he accepted—and the result was absolute awesomeness.

The fourth grade student at Biddeford Intermediate in Maine may have the best ID card in school (or world for that matter) history. Case in point: when Jake’s dad, Craig Arsenault, posted a photo of the identification card on Facebook, it quickly went viral.

Arsenault wrote on Facebook, “My wife and I dared our son to wear a hotdog costume for school pictures. The school let him do it, and I couldn’t be happier.” The dad told ABC News, “He was wondering what he should wear for school picture day when my wife jokingly suggested the hot dog costume.”

Along with the hot dog costume, the Arsenaults also sent Jake to school with a permission slip and the hope that the school would allow the genius idea. Arsenault explained to ABC News, “[We] told him we were excited to see what came back and then he came home one day with it, my wife sent me a picture and then I posted it on Facebook and it blew up from there.”

Even though the school did take a second, non-hot dog photo the next day, they will use the costumed version as Jake’s yearbook pic.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Craig Arsenault

 

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