Blog - GenParenting

Feb 18 2025

Elementary School Homework to Support All Learners

As a special education teacher, I often have conversations with parents about homework. Parents want to know: Is homework truly beneficial? Should their child be spending time on assignments after school, or would they be better off focusing on other activities? The answer depends. The appropriateness of homework depends on the individual student, their learning needs, and the way the assignments are structured. [Read more…]

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Feb 04 2025

Overcoming Reading Barriers

Every January, I set a goal for the number of books I will read over the course of the next 12 months. I try to compete with my friend from college, Nick. His stats increase each year and I typically find myself hopelessly behind within a matter of a few months. While I enjoy the competition and I do enjoy the relaxing gift of reading a book, this wasn’t always the case. I distinctly remember only wanting to read Garfield or Calvin and Hobbes cartoon books when I was a kid. My parents never waivered in their efforts to find some books I would enjoy. One summer in late elementary school, my mom brought home Drummer Boy at Bull Run by Gilbert Morris. Something about the historical context and the relatable teen drama and issues had me enthralled. I proceeded to read the entire series. From that point forward, I am always looking for the next book that will captivate me the same way I was captivated that summer. [Read more…]

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Jan 21 2025

Homework Can Be a Game Changer!

After 40 years of teaching, parenting, and now grandparenting, I have helped hundreds of kids and supported countless parents with homework challenges. Some students love to get their homework done and demand instant help from parents regardless of the family’s schedule. Others race through their assignments and will write down any answer just to get rid of the assignment so they can pursue fun activities. And then there are the anxious students who are overwhelmed with many assignments and need lots of encouragement and help. The problem is most parents are not equipped to help their children adequately at home because of time, knowledge, or having to deal with difficult panic behaviors with their children. So, what can a parent do to make this task more enjoyable for all? [Read more…]

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Jan 07 2025

Winter Family Play Activities

Happy New Year 2025! Winter is here and our kids spend hours playing on their electronic devices and binge-watching television and movies. Parents are busy getting ready for a new year of juggling family schedules, working, maintaining household chores, and just enjoying life as time allows. Here are ten strategies that families can use to get moving and enjoy various winter activities: [Read more…]

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Dec 24 2024

Classroom Differentiated Instruction is Critical for Student Success

Differentiation is a term that has gained significant traction in educational circles over the years and for a good reason. As classrooms become increasingly diverse, teachers are continually challenged to meet the unique needs of each student. Differentiation is an instructional approach that addresses these needs, aiming to ensure that all students have equitable access to learning. [Read more…]

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