Other News

Alfie Kohn, speaking in Ottawa in 2010. Image: M. Gifford, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgifford/
Research

In praise of praising

I read an article in which the author says, basically, most praise is bad. It stayed with me, because: 1) I know that as a parent I probably do praise too much; and 2) he’s probably right; and 3) I’m not going to stop praising my son. Alfie Kohn is a […]

Ji Ga Zo puzzle
Contests

Contest! Win a Ji Ga Zo puzzle

What is the best literacy activity you’ve done with your kids to help get them reading? The three top answers will be shared here and will win a Ji Ga Zo puzzle, courtesy of Hasbro and Getting Kids Reading. The contest ends on Saturday, April 2 so get your answer(s) […]

Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
Book Reviews

Review: Dust City

Gary Kohl – elementary schoolteacher and writer – offers his review of Dust City, by Robert Paul Weston.The book is recommended for kids age 12+. By Gary Kohl Robert Paul Weston’s new book, Dust City, has many magical elements scattered through its 300 pages of mystery and intrigue. Weston reaches back […]

15-min. ideas Activities Games

Brain game: Connections

Here’s a fun game we were playing at the dinner table recently. It’s called “Connections,” and it’s great to help with creativity and get the blood flowing to the ol’ brain cells – not just for your kids but for you, too. You start. You name two objects that seemingly […]

Bone: Quest for the Spark
Book Reviews

Review: Quest for the Spark (the new Bone novel)

Bone is a very popular (understatement) series of graphic novels. Many a reluctant reader has been enticed into reading because of the Bone series. Parents will be thrilled, then, by this latest Bone offering – it’s an actual novel without the graphics. Kids who’ve been reading and enjoying Bone may be ready […]