Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Thanksgiving Activities for Kids While the Turkey is in the Oven

by Chris O Games and Activities Parents' Corner

Play this version of Cootie with cookies, M&Ms, and a couple of die borrowed from other games. Image Source: savingcentbycent.com

As Thanksgiving nears, I’m making my shopping lists and strategically planning the baking of pies and sharing oven time with all of the other dishes – for my first official Thanksgiving Day meal we are hosting. That to-do list also includes enough activities and extras for the kids so that they both feel like an important part of the day and also get to do more than twiddle their thumbs while I prepare dinner. These are some of my stand-by games for holidays, along with a few new adventures we are adding to our list of Thanksgiving activities for kids. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Exercise Apps for Kids (To Get Off the Sofa and Get Moving!)

by Chris O Games and Activities Parents' Corner Technology

Image Courtesy of www.mnn.com

There’s an app for that – or at least it seems that there is an app for almost everything. Whether it is learning new skills, following directions, or just having good old fashioned fun, kids are using apps for everything from homework to video games. There is also increased attention paid to kids and technology, especially regarding concerns that the combination results in inactivity far too often. So are there really apps that can get kids away from the monitors and get moving for healthier lifestyles? Yes – there are even apps for that. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – 10 Indoor Games For Kids (that won’t break the furniture!)

by Chris O Games and Activities Parents' Corner

There are some days when either the weather or the schedule keeps the kids inside for just a bit too long and they start to become antsy balls of pent-up energy. Physical activity is essential for healthy bodies and minds, but can be challenging to accomplish some days. One particularly long winter many years ago I came to a realization – either find ways for the kids to actively play inside or install a room ensconced in bubble wrap. That winter was the year we tried possibly all the indoor games for kids and came up with some favorites – activities the kids can play inside without breaking the furniture! Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – You Don’t Have to Shout! Nine Tips to Get Kids to Listen More

by Chris O Parents' Corner

Image Courtesy of lifecoachingforparents.com

Do you ever feel like the only way to get your children to listen is to continuously raise the volume of your voice? Whether it is competing with the chaotic noise level of the busy house or struggling through a battle of wills with an independent child, getting children to listen is sometimes one of the most challenging experiences we have as parents. As a mother of four children I’ve had to discover tips to get kids to listen more – without raising my own vocal volume in the process. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Games to Improve Listening Skills in Preschoolers

by Chris O Language Development Parents' Corner Technology

Image Courtesy of www.rosenbergmarketing.com

I have never met a parent who claims that his or her young child always listens. A combination of attention span, concentration, and interest all contribute to the energy kids put towards listening – and sometimes it seems like all of these things fly out the window. However, listening skills are not only important for family harmony, but they are integral to communication every day. Help to improve listening skills in your young child by making him or her a Listening Detective – and let the fun begin! Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – 5 Activities that Encourage Writing Skills

by Chris O Language Development Parents' Corner Reading School

Image Courtesy of www.themeasuredmom.com

As a writer, putting words on paper or the screen is as natural for me as talking to myself (which I do a lot of, too). However, for countless kids there are hurdles, frustrations, and challenges when it comes being able to write – to say nothing of being able to actually enjoy it. Serving up activities that encourage writing skills in bite-sized portions and not blank loose-leaf paper is one of the first steps to encouraging reluctant writers to become authors in their own rights. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Spooktacularly Easy Halloween Costumes

by Chris O Parents' Corner

Image Courtesy of abbeydufoe.wordpress.com

Growing up there were no trips to the costume store – old school Halloween costumes meant using what you could find in the house to create a unique, fun, and cheap way to disguise yourself for a couple of hours – and I still love this challenge. Halloween is only a few days away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find an adorable, frightening, or financially feasible costume without investing a ton of time or money – so try some of these spooktacular ideas for both kids and adults. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Fun Fall Activities for Families

by Chris O Parents' Corner Reading

The leaves are turning colors, the pumpkins are ripening, and fun fall activities for families are waiting just around the corner. Whether you’re ready for the pumpkin patch or are looking to add a fun science experiment to the mix, try some of these inexpensive (and easy!) fun fall activities.

Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Create A Homework Zone

by Chris O Parents' Corner School

From NellieBellie.com, Anatomy of a Great Homework Zone

It might make your child groan, but you know that homework is an important, inevitable part of your child’s day. You can help to make the experience more manageable when you create a homework zone in your home, and you don’t have to add on an extra room to accomplish it. Continue reading →

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