Thursday, July 31, 2025

Ver, Pensar, Preguntarse

 

Esta rutina ayuda a los estudiantes a hacer observaciones cuidadosas e interpretaciones pensantes. Estimula la curiosidad y prepara el terreno para la indagación.

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See, Think, Wonder

 

This thinking routine encourages students to make careful observations and thoughtful interpretations.

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Monday, July 28, 2025

Say “Yes!” To Kids with Disabilities: Stories and Strategies for Including All Kids

 

This toolkit has been written to support people and organizations as they work to dismantle the stigma of disability so that ALL children are fully included in our communities: at our parks and playgrounds, on our sports teams, swim lessons, gymnastics class, at our museums, zoos and community-wide events.

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The Benefits and Joys of Messy, Open-Ended Outdoor Play

 

This podcast highlights the health and educational benefits of playing in the mud, offering young children in our care the important experience of being outside in nature, being curious, getting messy, and having fun!

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Personalized Bedtime Stories for Your Child

 

We know bedtime can be tough. That’s why the Understood Assistant can create a calming story, tailored to help your child relax and fall asleep faster. All you have to do is answer a few quick questions about your child. Then it will create a story written just for them.

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Monday, July 21, 2025

How to Plan a Fantastic Summer Break with a Child with Autism

This article provides practical tips for families of children with autism to plan a smooth and enjoyable summer break. It highlights the importance of maintaining routines, using visual schedules, and preparing for activities in advance to reduce anxiety. The author encourages including the child in the planning process, allowing for flexibility, and considering sensory-friendly options. Tools like social stories and previewing new environments are also recommended to support successful outings.

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20+ Nature Activities for Kids

 

If you’re looking for some new ways to help your child connect with nature close to home, try these creative and explorative nature play activities with your family.

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Build Your Own Water Table This Summer

 

If you have little kids, why not build them a water table? It’s a great way for them to cool off and work on fine motor skills while they’re at it.

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Navigating Sibling Dynamics

 


This podcast is a conversation about navigating the relationships of siblings when one has a diagnosis of a special need.

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Why Some Kids Seem Immature Compared to Other Kids Their Age

 

Kids develop skills at different rates. Some kids just need more time to develop. But sometimes immature behavior is a sign that kids are struggling and need more support. Learn about reasons for immature behavior and how to help.

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ADHD and Lying: Why Kids with ADHD Might Lie a Lot

 


Not all kids with ADHD tell frequent lies. In fact, some are impulsively honest, which can create its own problems. But for those who do lie, it can quickly become a habit.

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Trauma: Cómo Responden los Niños

 


Casi todos los niños experimentarán algún tipo de angustia o reacción después de una experiencia traumática. Los síntomas del trauma difieren en cada individuo.\

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Strategies To Support Children Who Have Experienced Trauma

 


Children who have experienced and been impacted by trauma benefit from high-quality relationships with others. The following strategies can be used to support these children.

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Trauma and Challenging Behavior

 


Children who have been impacted by trauma may be mistaken and/or misdiagnosed as being a child with difficult challenges.

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When Older Kids Still Have Tantrums: What to Know

 


It’s common for young kids to have temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. But by the age of 8 or 9, tantrums have tapered off for most kids. When older kids have tantrums, people may see them as spoiled or disrespectful. The truth isn’t so simple, though. Tantrums happen for a reason.

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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

On Board for Autism: Preparing Children for Air Travel



This article highlights a unique airport simulation program designed to support children with autism and their families as they prepare for air travel. Hosted at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, “On Board for Autism” creates a realistic practice run of the airport experience, including ticketing, security, and boarding. This initiative helps reduce anxiety, build confidence, and familiarize children with sensory and procedural aspects of flying. The article also shares insights from parents, program organizers, and therapists, underlining the importance of inclusive planning and accommodations in travel.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Don’t Discount the Importance of Creativity: How Art Builds Confidence

 


According to scores of research studies, when your brain creates art, it nourishes a host of other systems that affect learning, such as motor skills, brain-wave patterns, attention, emotional balance, serotonin production, and the nervous system.

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Summer Reading For Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

 


During the summer, kids usually don’t get as much reading practice as they get in school. But with fun books (or alternatives to books), kids might be more motivated to read over the summer. Here are some ideas.

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1 Frisbee, 14 Active Games for Kids

 


Frisbees, or flying discs, are fun, inexpensive, and easily portable. And there are so many games and activities you can play with them.

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Navigating Unfixable Situations with Your Child

 

If you find yourself in a situation where you can't make something better for your child, here are three essential approaches that can help both of you work through it.

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The Benefits of Boredom

 


What kids can learn from handling more free time.

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Unplugged And Engaged: A Summer Screen Plan for Kids & Teens With ADHD

 


Let’s look at five empowering and practical strategies that will help you set limits on technology and create realistic expectations for alternatives.

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How To Keep Kids Reading Over the Summer

 


Tips for avoiding the 'summer slide.'

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Empoderando A Su Equipo Para Comunicarse Con Las Familias En Español: Confianza, Claridad Y Comunidad

 


Ya sea maestro, propietario de un centro o administrador, encontrará información valiosa sobre cómo superar las barreras del idioma, crear un diálogo abierto y utilizar una comunicación respetuosa y sincera para apoyar la comunicación entre padres y maestros.

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International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education

 

Addressing policy, practice, and research that matters.

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7 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read Over the Summer

 

Reading over the summer lets kids practice their skills and learn about new topics. Download a summer reading bingo board to encourage your child to read. Plus, get other tips to motivate reluctant readers.

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How To Support Your Child with Special Needs to Develop Physical Literacy

 

For children with disabilities, developing physical literacy may pose more of a challenge than for children without.

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A Loud Winter’s Nap: Winter Read Aloud Book for Kids

  Turtle is ready to rest for the winter, but everywhere he tries to nap, there is just too much noise! Can he find a place to hibernate f...