Tag: education

6 Ways to Keep Learning This Summer

by , posted in Processors, Trending

School’s almost out, and kids are ready to kick back and take a break. Don’t let them lose academic ground – prevent the “summer slide” by keeping their minds active this summer. They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t realize they’re learning!

Read Every Day

Make a special place for kids to read. This could be a corner with a soft rug and lots of pillows, a  cozy bean bag chair or a hideout with a canopy. Outdoors, set up a teepee (look online for DIY  ideas), hammock or create a spot under a shady tree.

Kids can record their progress and earn digital prizes with online summer reading programs like Scholastic and Magic Tree House. Look for more programs at your local bookstore or library.

Create your own summer reading club with incentives for reaching a goal, like reading 30 minutes a day for a week or reading a set number of books. Rewards could include a pizza and movie night, a trip to get ice cream or a small toy.

Learn more about a favorite author; many popular kids’ authors have websites with activities, games, book previews and printables.

Be a Scientist

Have fun in the kitchen! Cook a new dish, bake a treat or blend up a smoothie. Kids can learn about measuring and fractions, following recipe instructions and chemical reactions.

Head outside for some experimenting! Look online for at-home STEM experiment ideas. Find  instructions for making a homemade geyser, a mousetrap car and more at stevespanglerscience.com.

Have fun with a science-themed subscription box – two to check out are creationcrate.com and bitsbox.com. Each has materials for electronic projects, coding activities and more.

Take a Vacation Without Leaving Home

Have kids choose a destination and research its location, landmarks and how to get there. Make a  travel scrapbook with local wildlife, interesting facts and customs. Try a far-off locale like Fiji, New Zealand or Egypt!

Go on a virtual tour of Crater Lake National Park, the National Mall, Yellowstone, the Statue of  Liberty and more at nationalparks.org.

Choose a cuisine and explore it! Try Cuban sandwiches or Indian food at a local restaurant. Choose a different country each week and plan an international dinner night with themed food and decorations.

Get Creative

Encourage kids to do something artistic – paint a self-portrait, make a collage or sculpt with clay. Look for online tutorials or book-and-craft kits to learn knitting, sewing or making LEGO robots.

Make puppets using items you have around the house, like socks, paper bags, craft foam or felt. Add a storyline and a theater made from a large cardboard box and perform a show for family, create a video or invite friends to an online presentation.

Encourage your kids to write their own story, keep a journal or create a blog. Interview grandparents or other relatives about their lives and put their stories in writing.

Learn to play a musical instrument, compose a song, or make up a dance routine. Check with a local music or dance studio for camps or summer lessons, or look for inspiration online.

Go On a Field Trip

Explore the science of how things work, natural phenomena and more at Tellus Science Museum, Fernbank Museum, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, or the Museum of Aviation.

Learn more about Georgia’s history at the Southern Museum, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield or the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site.

Visit Zoo Atlanta, Chattahoochee Nature Center or the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary for an up-close look at nature, local wildlife and animals from around the world.

Kids can learn about art (and be inspired to create their own masterpieces) at the High Museum of Art, Michael C. Carlos Museum or the Booth Western Art Museum.

The Game Is On

Turn off the screens and break out the board games! Classics like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Sorry and Scrabble Junior can improve math and reading skills, as well as concentration, strategy and teamwork. Find more educational and fun games here.

Chess teaches kids to think ahead and strategize. KidChess has online games, clubs and lessons for all skill levels. At home, Story Time Chess: The Game is a great way for kids as young as 3 years to get started.

Card games are a great way to reinforce math skills. Grab a deck and start a game of go fish, spoons or crazy eights; look online for games kids of all ages can play.

The post 6 Ways to Keep Learning This Summer appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

Top 10 Best Museums for Families in Atlanta

by , posted in Processors, Trending

The metro Atlanta area has a wealth of museums, from downtown to the northernmost suburbs. At our top 10 museum picks for kids in Atlanta, explore the history of our city, art through the ages, scientific discoveries, the wonder of flight, and more.

See websites for COVID-19 safety precautions.

High Museum of Art

Admire art from different time periods and kid-friendly programs and special exhibits. Kids are especially drawn to the modern and contemporary art sections, and the folk art displays. Check out the special programs for kids of different ages, where they can get hands-on with art projects. Advance ticket purchase required.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

At permanent exhibits, kids can try their hand at being a Waffle House cook, mold massive amounts of moon sand, and slip on a raincoat for water play. Visit for special themed exhibits and age-appropriate art and music programs to make it a new experience every time. Advance ticket purchase required.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The huge dinosaur fossils, the science movies on a giant screen, and the exhibits are main attractions at Fernbank. But don’t miss going outside to the explore the interactive nature-based WildWoods and NatureQuest discovery clubhouse. Advance ticket purchase required.

Chick-fil-A Fan College Football Hall of Fame

See memorabilia from football greats and try your hand in the Skill Zone (with your end zone dance displayed on the jumbotron!). Learn about the college football history and legends through interactive displays and giant touch screens. When you choose your favorite team at the beginning of the tour, you’ll see it highlighted throughout the experience and your team’s helmet will be highlighted for the day. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

Tellus Science Museum

Pan for gems, discover phosphorescent minerals, participate in hand-on science experiments and explore transportation through the decades. Factor in time to catch a planetarium or observatory evening, too. Advance ticket purchase required.

Atlanta History Center

Exhibits at this sprawling museum focus on Native Americans in Georgia, folk art and the Civil War, all with interactive components. Be sure to visit the working 1860s family farm and the authentic log cabin. There, costumed re-enactors bring history to life. Advance ticket purchase required.

Booth Western Art Museum

Howdy, pardner. On a visit here, kids can explore a gallery based on a working ranch, view contemporary Western art, and see authentic stagecoaches. Plan to spend a while—it’s the second biggest art museum in Georgia. Advance ticket purchase required.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Learn about the American Civil Rights Movement through powerful imagery, artifacts, and activities. This museum is best for older elementary school students and up, and sparks conversation about discrimination and equality. Be sure to pick up discussion materials to continue the dialogue at home. Advance ticket purchase required.


Center for Puppetry Arts

Who doesn’t love a puppet show? Pair it with a visit to the World of Puppetry Museum, and your kids will have even greater appreciation of the marionettes on stage. View puppets from varied cultures and time periods. And, of course, see everyone’s favorite Muppet pals on display. Advance ticket purchase required.

Carlos Museum

The Michael C. Carlos Museum houses one of the most outstanding art and artifact collections in Atlanta. Major objects from ancient Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome and the Americas are on display. The mummies alone are worth the trip!

Temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta)

This museum, across the street from the High Museum of Art showcases how design can be found everywhere in the world. Visit for temporary exhibitions which focus on engineering, crafting, 3D printing, and robotics. Check the calendar for family STEAM classes and programs throughout the year.

Delta Flight Museum

Do you have kids who are fascinated with flight? Then a visit here is a must. See massive airplanes up close, including the first 747 ever built. Also, view planes from the 1920s and 1940s in the hangar. Teens can pre-register to experience the only 747 flight simulator open in the United States.

The post Top 10 Best Museums for Families in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

Find a Great Preschool

by , posted in Processors, Trending

Early education lays the foundation to help your child make a smooth transition from infancy through the school years. Research has found that kids who attend preschool programs are better prepared for kindergarten.

Searching for the right preschool program for your child? Here’s what to look for.

A-B-C, 1-2-3

The alphabet and numbers should be a key goal for the school. Research shows preschool programs pay off in academic development. Preschools help children who are ready to advance, but they also help children catch up if they are behind. The more words learned and spoken around your child, the better, as this helps build his vocabulary.

Ask: What is the curriculum for teaching the alphabet and letters? Do expectations vary based on skill level? Are toys and books age-appropriate?

Play Time

Preschools should encourage imaginative and physical play. Free play allows children to think creatively and learn to entertain themselves. Physical play helps learning through physical experience and develop gross motor skills. A child’s muscle control develops from large, looser movements to smaller, more precise ones.

Ask: When is playtime scheduled throughout the day? Is the outdoor play area well maintained? Does the classroom have several activity areas?

Choosy Kids

Children should have the opportunity to make choices for themselves. This gives him a sense of control. Thinking or cognitive skills develop as he learns to think more complexly, make decisions and solve problems.

Ask: Will my child be allowed to choose some of his own activities during the day? What interesting materials do teachers provide to encourage the development of thinking skills? What questions does the teacher ask to help develop my child’s cognitive skills?

Positive Teachers

A positive and nurturing relationship with a teacher may indicate how the child will respond to teachers and school throughout her life. It also predicts children’s cognitive advancement in preschool. Research has shown early teacher-child relationships affect the child in many ways, including school adjustment, peer acceptance, school liking or avoidance and more.

Ask: What is the ratio of adult teachers and teaching assistants to children? How does the teacher and teaching assistant interact with the kids? How do they encourage the children’s engagement

Social Graces

Children’s social and emotional health affects their overall development and learning. Teachers may use children’s books, activities, praise and more to support and reinforce this important concept. Curricula should promote social and emotional learning similarly to the way you would approach it at home, as consistency is essential in a helping preschooler develop his own judgment.

Ask: How does the school address social and emotional development? How does the school handle discipline issues?

Other Questions to Ask:

  • Are there sufficient numbers of adults with specialized training in early childhood development and education?
  • Does the staff meet regularly to plan and evaluate the program?
  • Are parents welcome to observe, discuss policies, make suggestions and participate in the work of the program?
  • Do parents and teachers confer regularly?
  • Is the school accredited?
  • How much will the school cost and what is the admissions policy?
  • Does the school have extended hours or after school hours if needed?
  • What is the school’s policy on illness?

The post Find a Great Preschool appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

Fun STEAM Activities to Do with Kids

by , posted in Processors, Trending

STEAM has grown in popularity in recent years as a way to educate children for the 21st century. Foster a love of STEAM at home with these fun and easy ideas.

STEAM in the Back Yard

Combine learning and fun with these at-home STEAM experiments and activities using materials you probably already have around the house.

Launch a Balloon Rocket: Tie one end of a piece of string to a tree or post. Thread a drinking straw onto the string; tie the other end to another tree at the same height. Put two pieces of tape on the top of the straw. Blow up a balloon, hold the end to keep the air in, and use the tape to adhere it to the straw. Let the balloon go and witness the action and reaction of force.

Paint a Clothesline Masterpiece: Inspire kids to explore, experiment and create with paint. Hang an old sheet over a clothesline or fence; secure each corner with stakes or weights. Use large and small paintbrushes, kitchen sponges, fingers, or even natural objects, like a bundle of evergreen needles, to apply tempera paint.

Make a Sandbox Volcano: Fill a 16 ounce bottle about three-quarters full of water; add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid and 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Pack sand around the bottle in a volcano shape, leaving the top open. Pour in a cup of vinegar and experience the chemical reaction!

Shadow Tracking: Study the way shadows change throughout the day. Have your child stand on a sidewalk or driveway on a sunny day. Outline their shadow with chalk. Do this multiple times during the day to see how their shadow changes. Discuss why shadows get taller or shorter in relation to the earth’s movement.

Mix up Elephant Toothpaste: Make a foaming mix big enough for an elephant – but be sure to wear safety goggles and work in an area that can get messy. Pour ½ cup hydrogen peroxide in an empty plastic bottle. Add a squirt of liquid dish soap and a few drops of food coloring and swirl gently to mix. In a separate cup, mix one tablespoon of yeast and three tablespoons of warm water. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and step back!

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

STEAM Out and About

These local museums and attractions do a great job of introducing the concepts of science, technology, engineering, art and math, and how they can be used together to solve challenges in today’s world.

Fernbank Science Center

Dedicated to science literacy and education, Fernbank Science Center has a planetarium, an observatory with the largest telescope in the southeastern U.S., live animal displays and an Apollo 6 Command Module exhibit. A variety of special events give students hands-on STEM experiences. As part of the DeKalb County School System, the center is currently closed; check the website for reopening updates.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The museum’s permanent exhibits are a great way to reinforce STEM concepts. In Tools for Solutions, kids can learn about simple machines, create and design. Explore the inner workings of the body, light and energy, technology and more in the Step Up to Science exhibit.

Tellus Science Center

This 120,000 square-foot museum in Cartersville has four interactive galleries for kids to explore – Mineral, Fossil, Science in Motion and My Big Backyard – as well as a planetarium and observatory. Special exhibits and hands-on events like model rocket workshops, sky watches and astronomy workshops teach kids more about STEM concepts.

Fernbank Museum

Visit the museum’s interactive STEM exhibit, Fantastic Forces, and explore combustion, aerodynamics, plate tectonics and more. Activities highlight the science of rockets, tornadoes, earthquakes, liquefaction, lightning, planetary orbits, gravity, centripetal force and more.

High Museum of Art

In addition to exploring the High’s art collections, families can collaborate on a work of art, then explore the galleries on a scavenger hunt at Family Art Escapes. On Toddler Thursdays, kids 3 years and younger can learn about a weekly topic with artwork, art-making activities and self-guided tours.

The Southern Museum

With an extensive collection of locomotives, rail cars and artifacts, this Kennesaw museum is a great place to learn about how railroads were used during and after the Civil War. The Jolley Education Center features interactive learning areas with telegraph stations and a diesel train simulator.

Museum of Aviation

Explore a collection of more than 85 U.S. Air Force aircraft, missile, cockpits and exhibits at this Warner Robins museum. The Museum’s National STEM Academy, in partnership with NASA, offers hands-on STEM programs, workshops and special events.

Southeastern Railway Museum

This 35-acre museum in Duluth is home to all things train: locomotives, cabooses, mail and freight cars, artifacts and more. Ride on a historic train car, see the 1927 Marco Polo Pullman car that carried Franklin Roosevelt, and learn about the history of rail travel in the Southeast.

Other Fun Field Trips:
Atlanta Science Festival
Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Discover Science Center
Bodies…The Exhibition
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Museum of Design Atlanta
CNN Center
AT&T Telephone Museum
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Delta Flight Museum
Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum
The Children Connect Museum
Fox Theatre
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Hammonds House Museum
Center for Puppetry Arts
Atlanta Contemporary
The Apex Museum
Atlanta Monetary Museum/Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

STEAM Online

Use these virtual learning resources to introduce STEAM concepts or to reinforce what kids are learning in school.

STEM Ecosystems At-Home Lab

Maker challenges, invention, innovation and more! This series of workshops offers practical tips, virtual experiments and other STEM learning activities using tools that families have around the house.

Kids Next Code

Kids ages 5-18 can take STEM courses like coding, game design, engineering and robotics, and website creation. The company puts an emphasis on teaching the underserved, including minorities and women; the Atlanta-based company also has partnerships with local libraries and schools.

STEM Behind Cool Careers

Check out Texas Instruments’ video series, which connects algebra, geometry and physics to jobs like fashion design, sports, health and more.

National Girls’ Collaborative Project

This organization aims to inform and encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, and has an extensive list of online resources.

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has crafting ideas, science experiments, videos, coloring pages, podcasts, virtual tours, e-books and more for an in-depth look at space exploration, aeronautics and earth science.

StudyJams!

This website from Scholastic features four different characters who will help you dive in to math and science topics, such as volcanoes, photosynthesis, word problems and more.

Funbrain

Games, videos and books make learning a breeze, and you can browse topics by grade. In the Math Zone, play games to improve math skills, including geometry, operations and more.

Tate Kids

From Tate, four art galleries in London, Liverpool and Cornwall, this website explores famous artists and artworks, creative activities, crafts and more, along with fun games and quizzes for artistic adventures.

Crayola

The website offers a collection of fun, creative activities, games, videos, free coloring pages and more.

Math Game Time

For students in grades Pre-K through 7th, this site teaches addition, algebra, geometry, problem-solving and more with games, videos and worksheets.

Bitsbox

STEAM in a Box

With complete supplies and instructions for projects mailed monthly, subscription boxes offer variety and keep kids interested in learning.

Steve Spangler Science Club

“DIY Sci” television host Steve Spangler has created science kits with materials for up to five activities, experiments and design challenges. Step-by-step instruction cards help kids learn the science behind each experiment. Ages 5-12; $24.99/month.

Creation Crate

From a weather station to an alarm clock, Creation Crate’s electronics-based kits teach real-world skills and become more challenging as the builder gains experience. An online classroom offers video tutorials, exercises and troubleshooting support. Ages 12 and up; $29.99/month.

Green Kid Crafts

These hands-on science and art kits feature themes such as electricity, ocean science or music and contain instructions and materials for 4-8 STEAM projects. Also included is a 12-page booklet with more hands-on activities, parent resources and puzzles. Ages 2-10; $29.95/month.

Bitsbox

Bitsbox teaches coding and computer science through app building. Kids choose an app, then build, customize and use it on any mobile device. Activities like Bug Blaster, Cookiesnitch and 333 Little Pigs make it entertaining. Each box has enough materials for siblings to share. Ages 6-12; $29.95/month.

STEM Discovery Boxes

Kids ages 7 and up can learn about concepts in electronics, chemistry, physics, astronomy and more with this program. Each box contains complete materials and instructions to build three projects, plus activity cards and educational information. Ages 7 and up; $29.95/month.

–Mary Williams

The post Fun STEAM Activities to Do with Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

A STEAM-Powered World

by , posted in Processors, Trending

COVID-19. Pandemic. Virus. Herd immunity. We’ve probably heard those words before but never really thought much about them, but 2020 changed all that as science and technology jumped to the forefront of our daily lives and took over. We looked up new science terms and maybe struggled to understand the difference between someone who is asymptomatic versus someone without symptoms. And, we looked at charts that showed spread and the virus’ variations. Such is the power and importance of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

Today the study of STEAM is even more vital and whether it is in the classroom (virtual or not) or just hanging with your children, there are opportunities to study and enjoy the STEAM subjects that are relevant to our everyday lives.

“Everybody needs a level of understanding when it comes to science, math and learning,” says Douglas Hrabe, the director of the Fernbank Science Center. “You can utilize those skills with the COVID-19 pandemic. When you’re looking at numbers, if you have some understanding of science, you can make a more informed decision and analyze the information you’re receiving.”

For several years educators and parents have focused on STEM, particularly for girls. It’s only been recently where STEM took on STEAM. Art encompasses graphic arts, animation, marketing, design, music and more, which Nanette Shillingford, the STEAM coordinator environmental specialist at DeKalb Agriculture Technology & Environment, says can be seen in architecture, automotive, theatrical and music fields. “Without art, these fields and products would be stale with no type of excitement to them,” she says. “Students get to open up and experience creativity, and their creativity in other areas will be enhanced as well.”

Expanding education to include art and design gives students additional skills to succeed as well as “softer” skills such as cross-disciplinary inquiry, collaborative problem-solving as well as sparking a child’s imagination and creative thinking.

“Art has always been the backbone of communicating science,” says David Dundee, an astronomer and director of education at Tellus Science Museum.

“Usually, all those subject areas are taught in separate silos, but the STEAM program ties all of those things together,” Hrabe says. “When you’re doing a project, you have a concept where you use science or math, but then you write a paper and use graphs and pictures to explain. It really ties them all together.”

However, it shouldn’t take a worldwide pandemic to understand the importance of STEAM in our lives, particularly when it comes to teaching children. They need to have the tools and understanding to deal with a variety of subjects from pollution to climate control to better ways to grow food, get from one place to another and create beauty. “Children are going to be our future later, so we have to develop these interests in them now, so they can get excited and not be so overwhelmed when they’re learning,” Shillingford says.

The experts agree that parents and students should not fear STEAM but instead should embrace it and work at getting a basic understanding themselves. “The idea that the Renaissance person doesn’t exist anymore is not true,” says Dundee. “Sure, scientists specialize in some branch of science, but to operate in today’s world, you have to be able to communicate in professional papers, write grants, display data in an understandable way and communicate with people who don’t have your specialty. People need to have a broad base of skills to understand the world around them.”

Hrabe agrees. “Students learn soft skills, such as communication, team building, working together,” he says. “Bright students are very good at getting that one correct answer, but working through the trial and error process STEAM promotes gives children a bigger picture of education and makes them more successful in the learning process. Learning an error can be helpful – you don’t have to get the correct answer the first time.”

Of course parents play a vital role in students becoming interested in and embracing STEAM disciplines. Almost every hobby can turn into a STEAM lesson, whether it’s driving cars, baking, taking photographs, looking at the planets or taking a hike in the woods.

Shillingford suggests finding creative ways to make real-world connections, such as touring a water plant, taking-your-kid-to-work day or shadowing a veterinarian. “Concepts seem complex until an expert shows it to you and breaks it down to help you see, touch, feel and experience those more complex topics. Help them understand how science is a part of their personal life,” she says. “Technology is all around them daily from iPhones to Samsung, PlayStations to Xbox. Show them how engineers make stuff from treehouses to dune buggy race cars and catapults. Art will generally sell itself – do they like music, how is it made, what about dancing? While mathematics is usually the one they shy away from, show them the side where they are the millionaire with money and teach them how to manage it. They have to see how it authentically and directly affects them and their personal life.”

Ask any hockey, soccer, football or basketball player how they make their shots and it’s all about the angles – also known as geometry – and velocity – aka physics!

Once you’ve sparked your child’s interest in STEAM, keep it going. Not only will STEAM knowledge help them in their everyday adult lives, but it also leads to amazing careers.

“Research STEAM-related jobs,” Shillingford suggests. “What are your children’s talents, strengths and interests?” Adds Hrabe, “There are so many jobs in the STEAM areas, it’s almost easy employment – not enough people are able to go into those jobs.”

Look around. It doesn’t matter if you couldn’t pass geometry way back when, there are so many opportunities to help your child learn about science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Take a walk in the woods, go to a museum, attend science fairs and help your child with his or her homework. It will open up the world – and it’s a lot of fun.

– Emily Webb and Mary Welch

The post A STEAM-Powered World appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

Families’ Montessori Experiences

by , posted in Processors, Trending

The Van Cise family with Gabriella at Carlisle Montessori

Metro Atlanta has many Montessori schools for families interested in this approach. Maria Montessori opened the first Montessori school in 1907 with a focus on younger children and elementary school ages. Since then, the approach has continued to grow in popularity, and some schools continue through middle or even high school ages.

Atlanta Parent talked to families at Arbor Montessori School for ages 18 months to 14 years; Carlisle Montessori for ages 12 months to 5 years; and Stepping Stone Montessori School for ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

As a child, Michael Van Cise attended a Montessori school, and his two children, Ashton and Gabriella, ages 3 and 5, now attend Carlisle Montessori. He likes that the school drives their independence, which makes them want to learn and do more. But parents have to get used to encouraging that independence. “It’s like a mindset shift, and it’s different from how you’d normally approach it,” he says. “You think, ‘This person’s 2 years old, they can’t do this or that,’ but how are they going to learn if they don’t do it?”

Van Cise also appreciates that the approach is child-centered, teaches a love of learning, uses intrinsic rewards, is thoughtful and practical and works with multiple learning styles. “Kids want to do learning activities for the joy of being able to do it. If a kid gets into something, they can really dive into it and work on it until they master it,” he says.

Scott Deaton attended a Montessori school, and he wanted his kids to benefit from the same approach. His daughters Emma and Taylor attend Arbor Montessori School as 4th and 8th graders. He likes the connection to educational concepts the Montessori approach provides. “You learn the fundamentals by using some of the same materials that you ultimately use in older grades. It takes the abstract from something concrete you played with or learned when you were younger to understanding the abstract at the middle school age. It’s very powerful and very helpful.”

His oldest daughter didn’t have homework until 7th grade, which he liked, because the school’s progression made it where homework wasn’t busy work. “The materials, the lessons, the freedom to explore the classroom and delve into the subjects of interest to the individual student instills a true love of learning and a growth mindset, which is key to long term success,” he says. “So, when given homework in 7th grade, even though it was new, different and very difficult, she said, ‘I really do enjoy the homework. It isn’t just busy work; it’s work with purpose and meaning.’”

Aleta Hodges is an assistant teacher and a parent at Stepping Stone Montessori School. She was fascinated with how structured the classrooms were. She knew when she had children she would send them to Montessori.

Her 3-year-old son is learning to be independent and self-sufficient. He knows how to fix his own snacks and clean up after himself. The school has also had a huge impact on his speech. “When he began a year ago, he was hardly talking. Now, he comes home each day and cannot wait to tell me all about his friends and what they did that day. I have also been told from his teacher that he was known to lead the class in the circle time songs,” she says.

Hodges also likes that learning activities start small in the primary class and build to teach children language and math, and she appreciates the focus on culture, which creates a balancing education.

Krystal Schmeelk, a parent at Stepping Stone Montessori School, saw the benefits of Montessori when she toured. “They believe children are capable of so much, and they give them the tools to exceed, grow and thrive. They believe in children and their potential, giving them the tools to learn and have confidence, as opposed to a curriculum set by standards. They allow the child to lead, which oftentimes means they are far more advanced.”

By age 2, one of her daughters was helping with dinner, setting the table and doing chores. “Our daughters are so confident and independent,” Schmeelk says. “I think that is what truly sets Montessori apart from traditional schooling, especially in the early years, is that the children are completely independent. They are so confident in themselves, and they feel they are contributing to your home.”

Madeira Knowles at Arbor Montessori School

Miranda Knowles attended Arbor Montessori School and had an excellent experience, so she knew she wanted to send her child there. From her time at Arbor, she remembers being able to explore what she cared about and learning at her own pace, and she loved the outdoor education.

“I like the way that Montessori sneaks progressive lessons into everyday activities, like how polishing things is actually handwriting practice. I love the balance of rules and independent choice, even for little kids,” she says. Her daughter, Madeira, age 4, loves sewing work, collaging, golden beads, her teachers, her friends and the playground.

– Emily Webb

The post Families’ Montessori Experiences appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

Ep 069: Better Faster Cheaper

by , posted in Specialists

Ep 069: Better Faster Cheaper

You’ve heard the phrase “Better, Faster, Cheaper, you can have 2” but is that true? This is really a conversation about quantity, quality, and ultimately value.

The post Ep 069: Better Faster Cheaper first appeared on Life of an Architect.

Continue reading Ep 069: Better Faster Cheaper at Life of an Architect.

22 STEAM-Focused Programs Around Atlanta

by , posted in Processors, Trending

Technology and creative thinking make so many advances in our daily lives it’s often hard to keep up. It’s up to parents to take advantage of local resources. Here are schools, camps, programs and museums that emphasize STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) for kids.

Atlanta Academy

Atlanta Academy’s Innovation Center takes 21st Century learning to the next level by providing tools, space and opportunity for students to discover, problem-solve, build prototypes and collaborate as they bring ideas (and baby chicks) to life. The Center is a great mix of art, engineering, creativity and analytics, so every student can have the ability to excel.

Atlanta International School

In the primary years, the curriculum introduces students to computer science, information technology and digital literacy through classroom inquiry. The secondary years focus on social entrepreneurialism, coding and computer science electives with the option to achieve a professional certification and continue in grades 11 and 12 with a two-year computer science course.

Atlanta Speech School

Atlanta Speech School’s STEAM programming begins in the Martha West Looney Learning Commons, where each child grows the strongest foundation for all types of learning. Deep thinking is fueled, complex problem solving is modeled, and collaboration is experienced.

Fellowship Christian School

Fellowship Christian School believes God creates each student with unique gifts and talents. Their STEM program seeks to support this uniqueness by offering five pathways: Engineering Science, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Digital Technology and Architectural/Industrial Design.

High Museum of Art

The High has programs and play areas designed just for kids. The newly-redesigned Greene Family Learning Gallery is kid‑centered, with an open studio for artmaking and a multi‑sensory gallery for learning about art’s possibilities. Featuring innovative, age-appropriate activities for children, it’s the ideal place to create and explore. Every second Sunday of the month from noon to 5 p.m., families gain free admission and get to experience special family-focused programs. During the camp programs each summer, young artists will explore, create, and showcase their artwork in an exhibition each week.

Landmark Christian School

At Landmark Christian School, engaging academics, Christian values and immense opportunity combine to create an exceptional education and exceptional graduates. They offers engineering, STEM, robotics, aviation, TED, leadership, music, fashion and design, entrepreneurship and more programming to help students discover their passions and develop their talents.

Mount Paran Christian School

Mount Paran Christian School is an official Project Lead The Way® school. From preschool through high school, students are engaged in STEAM as investigators, experimenters, designers, and makers with hands-on, application-oriented curriculum or honors-level engineering. Eagle Robotics begins in second grade and free PreK STEAM classes are offered to toddlers and preschoolers in the community.

The Mount Vernon School

Through design thinking, project-based learning and maker, design and engineering efforts, students engage with their community in order to innovate. Students collaborate with for-profit and non-profit organizations, create bio-engineering solutions, draft digital blueprints and more. This learning naturally integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

North Cobb Christian School

North Cobb Christian School guides students to uncover their unique genius. Whether that’s through their STEAM curriculum that begins in preschool K3, the Robotics and Science Olympiad clubs in middle school, or the STEM Academy magnet program for upper school, NCCS students experience the joy of exploring God’s magnificent world while being assured of their secure place in it.

SORA

Sora is an online, project-based high school, and their personalized, project-based learning approach provides a one-of-a-kind educational experience that will truly prepare your student for life. Students work on projects based on their own interests, while our faculty work together in an interdisciplinary fashion to help manage their projects, scaffold their learning process and expose them to new subjects and opportunities.

The Walker School

From early code work in the Primary School and hands-on laboratory work in the Lower School, to an award-winning robotics program in the Middle School and internship opportunities with the Centers for Disease Control and Georgia Tech in our Upper School, Walker’s STEM program boasts experiential opportunities for students ages 3-18. 

Wesleyan School

Wesleyan School’s STEM program mission is for every student to discover and develop their unique calling from God as a problem solver. The School offers courses in computer science, engineering design, architecture and more to help fulfill this mission.

Woodward Academy

Woodward Academy’s STEAM program emphasizes not just learning content, but designing, building and creating. Students at all levels experience STEAM-driven learning opportunities in their arts, science and mathematics classes as well as special attention through an interdisciplinary STEAM curriculum.

Camp Invention

Camp Invention is a STEM summer program that turns curious students into innovative thinkers. Led by local teachers, this program has tapped into kids’ natural curiosity since 1990, giving them the opportunity to become innovators through teamwork and immersive, hands-on creative problem-solving.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Educational and outreach programs at Chattahoochee Nature Center have experienced naturalists teach you during a unique program and learning opportunity. Explore the 127 acres on the Chattahoochee River, learn all about your backyard at the Discovery Center, see the birds of prey in the aviaries of the Wildlife Walk and more.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Improve STEAM skills while visiting the Museum with daily programs, including the Super Spectacular Science Show, the Art Studio and the Build It Lab. Permanent exhibits include “Step Up to Science,” featuring the inner workings of the human body, the wonder of light and the technology of robots and “Tools for Solutions” features simple machines for building in the Construction House.

Circus Camp

Look at arts and science in a new way with Circus Camp, from the talent of balancing and juggling to the creativity of clowning. Kids get to participate in real circus activities including the trapeze, tightrope, juggling, magic and more. Campers get to work with circus professionals to practice circus skills, and then perform in a show at the end of camp.

Club SciKidz

Camps provide an opportunity for kids to see how science works in the real world. Options include experiments and projects in Video Game Creation, Robotics, Veterinary Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Paleontology, Engineering, Space, Biology, Chemistry, Oceanography, LEGO Robotics, Medicine, Programming, 3-D Printing, Drones and more.

Lockheed Martin Aviation Camp

This STEM-based camp provides hands-on aviation experience for rising fourth through sixth grade students. Students will be exposed to careers in aviation through field trips to airports and other aviation facilities, including component testing and assembly. The culminating experience will be a team build-off competition, where students will be challenged to build and fly an aircraft they design.

Museum of Design Atlanta

Museum of Design Atlanta offers STEM + design thinking classes, field trips and summer camps for all ages. View “Learning from Nature: The Future of Design” from March 1-May 23 for a demonstration on how designers are finding sustainable solutions to human challenges by copying nature’s patterns and strategies.

Start:Code

Current gamers and future programmers will learn the language behind games and computer programs with Start Code. Campers will learn coding language and will be able to apply these tools to their interests to create exciting games, stories and digital artwork. Kids and teens will dive into hands-on projects using Python, Processing or Java and will even get to modify a Minecraft world.

Tumbles

Now enrolling for summer camps designed for kids 4-10 years. Camps include body-focused and hands-on STEAM, Ninja Warrior courses, gymnastics, sports skills and more with a focus on developing social, physical and cognitive skills.

The post 22 STEAM-Focused Programs Around Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source

Architecture Profession in Numbers

by , posted in Specialists

Architecture Profession in Numbers

How do the education path, career path, and workforce of the profession of architecture compare to other professions? What can we learn from data evaluation? Let’s look at the Architecture Profession in Numbers.

The post Architecture Profession in Numbers first appeared on Life of an Architect.

Continue reading Architecture Profession in Numbers at Life of an Architect.

At Home Online Learning Resources and Podcasts for Kids

by , posted in Processors, Trending

Whether your kids are attending school virtually or back in the classroom, these fun resources can enhance their education and keep them enthusiastic about learning. Many are free, and some may be offering free access for a limited time during the pandemic.

Academics

Play games and watch educational videos at PBS Kids. Sign up for their newsletter for daily activities and tips to help kids play and learn at home. Design Squad Global has items you can build at home with things you have on hand.

Explore hands-on activities you can do at home and check out free printables at We Are Teachers.

Highlights Kids has recipes, crafts, jokes, games, podcasts, science questions and facts to keep your child entertained.

Get free learning workbooks with edHelper.

Fact Monster offers facts and homework help in subjects such as math, science and language arts.

ABCya offers educational games for PreK through grades 6+, with the help of Fuzz Bugs, Adventure Man and more.

With National Geographic for Kids, explore topics like the U.S., plastic, books, science, space and more.

Funbrain offers games, books, comics and videos developing skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy. Funbrain Jr. focuses on math and reading skills, while offering printables for keeping kids entertained.

Fuel the Brain has educational worksheets for preschool through 5th grade, math, reading and writing, and learning games like Bank It! and Math Match.

Mr. Nussbaum’s subjects include math, language arts, history, geography, science, people, holidays and the U.S.A. Learn about each state, famous people, animals and more.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids explores weather, animals, the stars, history and has a question of the day.

Browse arts, astronomy and space, biology, earth science, history, social science and more with the Exploratorium’s online Learning Toolbox.

Turtle Diary has educational games to practice skills, including addition, typing and money, along with videos, experiments, puzzles, coloring sheets and more.

e-learning for kids offers lessons in math, science, health, language arts, life skills and more.

Sesame Street offers games, videos and art activities, as well as printables and a YouTube playlist of fun at home activities.

The Smithsonian Learning Lab covers a variety of topics, including social studies, language arts, science, arts and more. Watch Smithsonian’s educational videos for free.

Grid Club offers educational games focused on English, science, history, design, health, math, languages and more.

Khan Academy is offering daily schedules for students ages 4-18.

Play free educational games and compete against other players with Arcademics.

How Stuff Works explores health, science, auto, tech, animals and more, as well as quizzes and podcasts, like Stuff You Missed in History Class, for more learning.

TED Talks offer intellectual lectures on all kinds of topics, and animated videos explore topics in five minutes or less.

Lakeshore Learning has free resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, crafts and activities.

KiwiCo has at-home activities for kids ages 2-12+.

Kohl Children’s Museum has remote learning videos with stories, activities and experiments.

Listen and discuss ethical topics involving animals, technology, school and more with the SHORT & CURLY podcast.

Brains On! offers podcasts about weather, dust, animals and more, with accompanying videos to help you learn more.

Listenwise offers a free 30-day trial for 3-6 minute stories for grades 2-12.

But Why is a podcast that answers the questions kids send in.

Ear Snacks discusses music, science, art and culture.

All Kids Network has crafts, worksheets, coloring pages, mazes, hidden pictures and more.

Bamboo Learning offers learning opportunities through your Alexa or other voice-powered technology.

Beanstalk is offering free interactive kids’ classes for ages 1.5-6.

Get free access for two weeks to BetterChinese for elementary through college aged students to learn a new language or improve their skills.

Clark Creative Education has free resources and instructional materials.

With Conjuguemos, practice French, German, Italian, Korean, Latin, Portuguese and Spanish skills.

Explore free videos in 13 subject areas with HippoCampus.

ABCmouse has curriculum for ages 2-8 and is offering a 30-day free trial.

Access free educational programming and accompanying digital resources with GPB.

Learn a new language with Duolingo.

Arts Break is a curriculum designed program created by The New Victory Theater.

Petersen Automotive Museum has videos, coloring activities and building activities.

Learn with Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang with lesson plans for grades K-8.

Take learning outdoors with TurfMutt’s lessons for grades K-8.

Show What You Know podcast gives three middle-grade contestants a chance to prove their knowledge with questions about the earth, the universe, ancient history and more.

English/Language Arts

Teach media literacy with The Paley Center for Media’s Zoom meetings, resource guides, online classes and more.

Read with Stay Home with Candlewick Press for activities, discussion guides, educational materials, videos and more, plus a free guide for young readers about coronavirus.

Starfall can help teach children to read with phonics and is for preschool through second grade students, as well as those learning the English language.

Storyline Online streams videos of children’s books, such as “A Bad Case of Stripes” and “Stellaluna,” with creative illustrations and read by celebrities.

Harper Collins has story times, read-alouds, activities and more each day at noon, a video series for ages 7-12, and book recommendations, charts, games and more on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Fun Fonix has worksheets and printable phonics workbooks.

Get your kids writing with The Story Starter, which provides a random sentence to write a story around.

Practice typing with TypingClub.

Build reading skills and comprehension with Squiggle Park for ages 3-8 or with Dreamscape for ages 8-15.

Lingokids’ Basic Plan allows you to learn English with three games, songs or videos a day.

Global Digital Library offers books for free to help kids practice their reading skills.

Libby allows you to access your local library’s ebooks and audiobooks.

Storynory offers free audio stories, including original stories, fairytales, classic authors, mythology and more.

Check out the language podcast, The Allusionist, for a discussion on words.

Book Club for Kids has a free podcast for middle schoolers to discuss books, and they’re offering free curriculum guides.

Classroom Cereal offers free grammar practice with printable short stories.

Try Homer for ages 2-8 with lessons on ABCs, phonics and sight words, letter tracing and more.

Enjoy storytimes with astronauts with Space Station Explorers’ Story Time From Space.

Check out downloadable activities to accompany Basher and Kingfisher children’s books.

Science

Check out High Touch High Tech’s online programs with a video presentation, guided questions and extending the lesson activities.

Make Me Genius offers science videos, facts and educational power points about science for kids in kindergarten through 7th grade.

NASA Kids’ Club for children pre-K through grade 4 offer games for STEM development, an image gallery and information about NASA.

Discover the science of earthquakes with USGS’s Earthquakes for Kids online programming.

Experiment with Steve Spangler Science, learning about air, chemistry, magnetism, weather and more.

The Happy Scientist discusses science topics, such as life, earth, chemical, space, physical and the process of science, and you can test your knowledge with a quiz.

Learn about space, including the solar system, gravity and black holes with Amazing Space.

Science Bob has videos and experiments for hands-on science activities.

Discover the purpose of cells, microbes and the immune system with CELLS alive.

Mystery Science is offering K-5 science lessons for at-home education, which include a learning activity.

The Show About Science discusses scientific research and discovery.

Shabam! blends fictional stories with real science for an interesting look at the progress humans have made.

Check out new discoveries in science and technology with Wow in the World.

EveryDay Earth has courses exploring earth science.

Exploring Nature covers life science, earth science and physical science with content, diagrams, activities, worksheets and more.

Get connected with nature and learn at home with Captain Planet Foundation.

Middle schoolers can sit in on daily science lessons with Natural History Museum of Utah’s Research Quest Live.

Science Mom is streaming lessons on YouTube.

Generation Genius has online science videos and lessons for grades K-5.

Check out National Girls Collaborative Project’s online learning resources for STEM.

“Global Problem Solvers” is an animated web series combining STEM learning with human skills, like teamwork, critical thinking and collaboration.

The Museum of Discovery and Science has virtual learning videos with accompanying activities.

History

Explore history in an interactive way with Mission US, where you can see what it was like to live in 1770, 1848, 1866, 1907, 1929 or 1941.

Help Jack and Annie of the Magic Tree House series solve missions as they travel through time.

Travel through time and history with What Was There to see what your hometown, state or country used to look like.

Check out the Who Was book series for a look at historical figures and see their sketch comedy show on Netflix.

History for Kids has articles, worksheets, quizzes and games to help make history relevant to kids.

Learn about the text, history and meaning of the U.S. Constitution at Constitution Center.

A Book In Time discusses the best historical reading books and offers crafts, games, maps and timelines for more historical exploration.

Travel to other countries and see famous places with GeoGuessr, which offers a free game.

Tour history with the British Museum’s virtual The Museum of the World experience.

Tour and learn more about the Great Wall of China.

Take a virtual tour of Yellowstone.

Follow Dr. Floyd on his adventures through history as he races against his arch nemesis, Dr. Steve.

Check out Revisionist History for an exploration of the historically misunderstood.

The Past and the Curious explores topics of historical relevance using stories and music.

Check out Big History Project for social studies curriculum for middle and high school students.

Fairfield Museum and History Center is sharing educational virtual activities and content.

Math

Cool Math offers pre-algebra, algebra and pre-calculus lessons, as well as fun games to help you practice.

With Crypto Club, crack ciphers, discover secrets and improve your math skills.

Get a free account on Prodigy to help your first to eighth grader learn and practice math.

Math Playground has learning games for grades 1-6.

SplashLearn offers a math learning program personalized for your child in grades K-5.

Start a free trial of Mathletics for an engaging online mathematics program.

Learn math skills for kindergarteners through eighth graders, as well as Algebra I and Geometry, with MathScore.

Take a personal finance class with AFSA Education Foundation’s MoneySKILL.

Learn financial literacy with Banzai!

Help children love numbers and grow their math skills with Bedtime Math.

Build math and computer skills with BlocksCAD, a specialized 3D CAD software.

Practice algebra and chemistry skills with FunBased Learning.

ST Math is a visual instructional program delving into concepts of math with free access through December 31.

The Arts

For a 360-degree look at famous artworks and sites, including the Uffizi Galleries, Carnegie Hall, Richmond Castle and more, explorations in color and more, check out Google’s Arts and Culture page.

Computer-based activities through the National Gallery of Art explore art and art history.

Learn and create music with Virtual Musical Instruments, which include the guitar, piano, panflute and drums.

Make art and learn about styles and artists with Tate Kids.

Artsology has arts games and investigations to explain artistic concepts.

Try SmartMusic for free for 30 days for music education tools.

The Kennedy Center has new releases, special series and original stories.

Go on a virtual tour of the Louvre.

Classics for Kids discusses the lives of classical musicians and offers games and lesson plans.

Watch Artageous with Nate, a YouTube show focused on traveling the globe to discover where creativity is happening.

Doodles Academy offers an art curriculum for grades 1-5 with free art projects.

Go through art lessons and learning activities with Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

Animals

Aquarium of the Pacific has live webcams, an online learning center, videos with guest speakers and a podcast.

The New England Aquarium has virtual visits of the aquarium.

See live webcams of animals all around the world with Explore, and you can also view natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis.

Shedd Aquarium’s YouTube channel has a video series for kids answering questions about animals.

Watch live cams and videos of the animals at the San Diego Zoo.

Reid Park Zoo has live webcams of elephants, giraffes, grizzly bears, lemurs and lions.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute has videos of naked mole-rats, lions, giant pandas and elephants.

Monterey Bay Aquarium has live cams of the aviary, coral reef, penguins, sea otters, sharks and more.

Take a virtual tour of the National Aquarium.

Go on a virtual field trip to the Seattle Aquarium.

Tennessee Aquarium has live streams, activity sheets, link to IMAX videos and more.

Download “Humane Heroes,” a series from Chicken Soup for the Soul about animals, that comes with 18 lesson plans.

Physical Education

Go Noodle will get your kids moving with videos and activities to help kids exercise and practice mindfulness.

Check out Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube for videos on yoga, mindfulness and relaxation for kids.

Carone Learning is offering free courses for elementary through high school students, including health, P.E. and nutrition.

Try family fitness workouts with Chuze Fitness.

Johns Creek Tumbles shares workout videos and STEAM projects for kids on YouTube.

The post At Home Online Learning Resources and Podcasts for Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent.

Source