What you think does matter

A Bad Time Is Good for You Nobody likes bad times. They’re uncomfortable, stressful, and often feel unfair. Whether it’s losing a job, struggling with bills, or watching your plans fall apart, bad times can make you want to give up. But what if I told you that bad times aren’t just something to survive—they’re actually good for you? That may sound strange, but it’s true. Every bad time carries lessons, opportunities, and a chance to become stronger. As parents, it’s one of the most powerful things we can teach our kids and teens. Life won’t always go their way, but if they learn how to handle tough seasons, they’ll be ready for success when it comes. Let’s look at three important truths about bad times—and how you can use them to grow and teach your children. First, bad times are necessary if you want to succeed. Nobody wants to go through hard moments, but they often show us what we couldn’t see before. Think of it like this: when everything’s going well, we rarely stop to check what’...

Sometimes the best lessons for kids don’t come from textbooks—they come from stories. In Chapter 3 of Secrets of Whisper Pine: The Missing Moo , Emily is slowly learning that life on the farm isn’t just chores and animals. It’s about belonging, laughing through mistakes, and finding comfort in unexpected places. She still battles the chickens (and usually loses), but she also discovers that the farm is starting to feel like home . Even more, she develops a special bond with Daisy the cow—a reminder that animals often understand us in ways people sometimes don’t. This chapter is a goldmine for teaching kids about adapting to new environments, family connections, and building confidence through challenges. Here’s how parents and teachers can turn Emily’s story into an engaging lesson. ✨ Lesson Theme: Belonging and Finding Joy in Everyday Challenges 📝 Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students will: Identify how Emily’s feelings about farm life are changing. Recognize...

Your Child Doesn’t Love Reading: What To Do  If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably worried at some point about your child’s reading. Maybe your son groans every time you ask him to pick up a book. Maybe your daughter used to love story time but now rolls her eyes when you suggest it. Or maybe you’ve noticed your child isn’t reading at the level you think they should be. These worries are normal. Reading is such a big part of school—and life—that it can feel scary when your child doesn’t seem interested. You may wonder if they’re falling behind or if something is wrong. Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Many parents struggle with the same concerns. And the good news is, with some patience, creativity, and encouragement, you can help your child rediscover the joy of reading. First, let’s talk about why kids lose interest. Sometimes reading feels like hard work. If your child struggles with certain words or has a hard time sitting still, books may feel more like a chore tha...

From City Streets to Country Fields: A Lesson Plan on Change, Courage, and Finding Home When kids pick up a book, they don’t just read words—they step into someone else’s shoes. In this chapter of "Secrets of Whisper Pine: The Missing Moo" , we travel with Emily, a city-loving thirteen-year-old, as she gets dropped off at her aunt and uncle’s farmhouse for the summer. Suddenly, skyscrapers are replaced with silos, sirens are swapped for crickets, and neon lights give way to moonlight. (* Read free chapters @ The Missing Moo ) It’s not just a change of scenery—it’s a lesson in courage, adaptability, and learning how to make the unfamiliar feel like home. So, how can parents and teachers use this chapter to spark meaningful conversations and activities with kids ages 10–14? Let’s break it down. ✨ Lesson Theme: Adjusting to Change and Finding Comfort in New Experiences 📝 Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students should be able to: Identify Emily’s emotions as...

STOP THE BLAME. Is COVID-19 the real reason your child is failing at school? Can you help your children become better readers and learners? It's easy to look back at the past few years and point to the pandemic as the singular cause of all our current educational struggles. Indeed, the disruptions caused by school shutdowns and virtual learning were unprecedented, leaving many students behind academically and socially. But as a society, we often find it convenient to assign blame to a major event rather than to confront the long-standing issues that have been building for years. While Covid-19 certainly exacerbated existing problems, it didn’t create them from scratch. The decline in a love for learning and reading, as well as a waning interest in education itself, has been a trend for decades. As parents and guardians, we must take a hard look in the mirror. We can't simply blame a global health crisis for our children's lack of interest in reading when we've allowed s...

T he academic comeback we’ve all been hoping for since the pandemic is proving to be a long and challenging road, especially for our middle school students. A recent report from NWEA, a well-regarded K12 assessment and research organization, brings this reality into sharp focus. Their findings, which are underscored by recent data from the National Assessment on Educational Progress (NAEP), confirm that the average eighth-grader today requires nearly a full academic year of additional reading instruction to catch up to their pre-pandemic peers. This is a significant gap, and it highlights a critical issue: many students are simply not prepared for the complex reading demands of middle school and beyond. The data from the NAEP, which shows that a mere 30% of eighth-graders are performing at or above proficiency, paints a clear picture of the challenge. According to researchers, this learning gap is not just a side effect of disrupted schooling, but a symptom of a deeper issue: a lack of...

Why Today’s Classrooms Are Changing — and Why That’s a Good Thing for Your Child When you think back to your own school days, you probably remember desks lined up in straight rows. Maybe a chalkboard at the front, a teacher’s desk in the corner, and a room that didn’t change much from year to year. That’s how school “looked,” right? But today, things are starting to look very different—and for good reason. Across the country, schools are redesigning classrooms in ways that are surprising to many parents. The desks don’t always face forward. There are soft spaces where kids can read or work quietly. You might even see flexible chairs that bounce or rock. Some classrooms have big round tables instead of desks, and students often work in groups or move around during the day. At first glance, it may seem unusual. You might even wonder if all that moving around means less learning. But the truth is, this new style of classroom is helping students learn better—together—and even helping their...

Reading Comprehension Could Be Your Biggest Paycheck As an author and blogger, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of words. We live in an age where information is abundant, yet true understanding often feels elusive. There’s a prevailing notion in the content creation world that to reach the broadest audience, you must simplify, distill, and aim for a fifth-grade reading level. The mantra, it seems, is "dumb it down for the masses." While this approach certainly has its place in rapid consumption and casual entertainment, it begs a crucial question: are we inadvertently hindering intellectual growth and, perhaps, even economic prosperity? This brings me to a fascinating and, frankly, sobering insight that challenges our current perceptions. While many might dismiss the idea that advanced reading skills are crucial beyond childhood, experts suggest otherwise. There’s compelling evidence that reading at a higher level—beyond, say, a sixth-gr...

Is there anything more thrilling than diving headfirst into a book that feels less like reading and more like an immersive adventure? Today, I want to chat about a truly special book that has captivated young readers and adults alike for years, a real gem that continues to shine brightly: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett , with enchanting illustrations by Brett Helquist. Now, if you haven’t had the pleasure of stumbling upon this delightful mystery, prepare to be intrigued. Published back in 2005, Chasing Vermeer is more than just a story; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters, piecing together clues, and maybe even a little bit smarter by the time you turn the last page. And trust me, for a book that’s been around for almost two decades, its magic hasn’t faded one bit. In fact, it's part of Scholastic Gold, a line featuring beloved and award-winning novels, and for good reason! The heart of this captivating...

Get Ready to Rumble! Hey there, fellow adventurers and lovers of all things wonderfully weird! As a parent and a huge fan of books that genuinely make kids (and let's be honest, adults!) snort with laughter, I'm here to talk about a fantastic 10 book series – The Last Kids on Earth by the fantastic Max Brallier, brought vividly to life by the awesome illustrations of Douglas Holgate. While many of you might recognize this crew from their super popular Netflix Original series, trust me when I say the books are a whole other level of awesomeness, a must-read adventure for kids (and the young at heart!) aged 8 and up. Treehouses, Zombies, and the Ultimate Apocalyptic Squad! Imagine being a totally average thirteen-year-old named Jack Sullivan when suddenly – BAM! – a monster apocalypse hits your town. Now, instead of worrying about homework or awkward school dances, Jack's new reality involves living in a heavily fortified treehouse, armed to the teeth with ingenious contrapt...

Is your home sometimes a battleground of nagging and frustration? Do you wish your teen was more excited about responsibilities, driven from within instead of needing constant prodding? You're not alone! Daniel Wong, a teen coach with over a decade of experience, offers some incredibly insightful and effective strategies, and I've combined them with some extra tips to help you transform the dynamic. It's More Than Just "Laziness": Understanding the Real Issues It's easy to label a teen as "lazy" or "unmotivated," but that's rarely the whole story. Wong emphasizes that rewards and punishments are often just temporary fixes. To create lasting change, we need to dig deeper and understand what's really going on. 1. Connect with Their Feelings, Not Just Their Actions: Think of your teen's lack of motivation like a phone overheating. Putting it in the fridge (rewards/punishments) only helps for a bit. What's causing the "over...

 5 Super Fun Games for Instant Engagement! Let's face it: getting kids excited about reading can sometimes feel like a challenge. But what if you could transform reading practice into a fun and engaging game? The video "5 Super Fun Reading Games that Create Instant Engagement" offers a fantastic playbook of activities that will have kids begging for more reading time! Forget boring drills – these games are all about making learning an adventure. Here's a breakdown of the top picks from the video, designed to bring some serious fun to your reading sessions: Secret Word Pass: This game is a fantastic way to boost both reading and writing skills. It's simple, engaging, and perfect for a group. One person starts by writing a word on a card and passing it along. The next person reads the word and then adds their own word to the card. This continues until the card makes its way back to the original writer. It's a great way to build vocabulary and practice spelling ...

For those who are new to Amari’s world, imagine the cleverness of Artemis Fowl blended seamlessly with the secret-agent coolness of Men in Black , all wrapped up in a package that’s perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky , the beloved Percy Jackson series, or even the enchanting mysteries of Nevermoor . It’s a truly unique and exhilarating ride that you won't want to miss. So, where do we find our brilliant and brave Amari this time around? Well, after locating her brother and, you know, just saving the entire supernatural world (no biggie!), Amari Peters is pretty confident that her first full summer as a Junior Agent is going to be a walk in the park. A breeze, even! Oh, how wrong she is, and that’s where all the fun begins. Our girl Amari quickly discovers that her plate is overflowing with new challenges. There’s a formidable new Head Minister whose strict anti-magician agenda is causing serious problems, not to mention the fierce rivalries bubbling amon...