Welcome
Welcome Back!
I can't believe today is May 1st, this year is flying by! One year ago today I welcomed my beautiful sweet baby boy... I truly feel like one lucky mommy! I hope you don't mind that I will keep this short and sweet this week as I am busy with all the birthday celebrations!
Lots of great articles in this issue including a few on early literacy. Make sure to check those out as well as all the other great information below.
Enjoy the weekend and happy reading!!
Best Reads
Skip A Grade? Start Kindergarten Early? It's Not So Easy
Words like "gifted," "brilliant" and "genius" get thrown around a lot to describe these students. Education researchers generally refer to them as "accelerated." It's a catch-all term to describe students who've either entered kindergarten early, grade-skipped or taken single subjects above grade level.
Part of the hype comes from how uncommon it is. Researchers estimate no more than 2 percent of students fall into these categories.
But two new reports in the last few weeks argue that there should be a lot more of this acceleration, and that states and school districts often get in the way.
5 Things Every Working Mom Needs to Hear
Moms, I know you are out there. Like me, I know you are trying to catch your breath as you race from work to daycare at 5:30, hoping your child isn't the last to get picked up. I bet your stress melts away the moment you drop to your knees on the preschool room floor. I don't think I am alone in feeling an overwhelming joy consume me as my child runs towards me, crashing into my outstretched, tired arms.
How to Keep Children From Drowning in the Device Deep End
Most children in the developed world meet their first computer at an early age. Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are in their homes, their schools, and many times, their backpacks. Is this accessibility all good?
Helping Children Cope with Disasters and Violence
If you have turned on the news or scrolled through social media at all in the past few days, you have surely viewed the images of devastation from the earthquake in Nepal and the scenes of violence and chaos from the riots in Baltimore. It is sad and scary to know that such things are happening in our world, some of them a lot closer to home than others. Unfortunately, though, this is our reality and we cannot simply close our eyes to make it disappear.
Educationalist Sir Ken Robinson LIVE
This video is soooo interesting! As a former educator, I find this conversation thrilling! In this video, Author and Educationalist Sir Ken Robinson joins Nancy to talk about his new book "Creative Schools," his ideal successful education system and what needs to happen to enable creativity in students today.
Why kids lose interest in reading as they get older
For most children, learning to read is rewarding; it’s a sign of getting older, of gaining a skill that older siblings and friends possess. The emphasis in those early years is on understanding and appreciating stories. But consider how reading changes in the mid-elementary years and beyond.
Mommy Approved

Toy Learning Games- Latches Board Puzzle
These fun puzzles help with fine motor. Children love playing with the latching and opening the doors to a colorful surprise. In addition to fine motor skills, these puzzles also reinforce counting skills. This is a favorite toy in our home!
Best Apps for Disney World and Disneyland
Are you headed to Disney this summer? If so, you must take a look at this article. It is filled with great apps to download before you go on your trip.
Free Play

25 Water Activities for Kids
Hi friends! Is Summer over yet? Nope! In fact where I am, things just keep heating up! Are your kids restless and want to run around but also need to stay cool? Have we got the answer for you today – 25 Water Activities for Kids!

Tips for a Great Day at the Beach with Kids
It's that time of year...time for the beach! Check out these tips for having fun with your kids at the beach.
Smartest Kid on the Block
Why I Hate Pink: Abandoning Gender Stereotypes
The night I found out we were having a baby girl, I found myself wide awake in the middle of the night panicked. Not because I wasn’t excited for a girl but because I feared she wouldn’t grow up knowing she can be and do anything that she wants.
From ABCs to Learning to Read
Great tips for ways to build early literacy skills with your little ones!