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Collecting Stamps: The Most Popular Hobby

May 24, 2014 In category Blog

Stamps have an interesting history. They were created from a need of a better system for delivering letters. I’m sure you’ve seen in movies or plays the folded letters sealed with wax, given to the delivery person. It was then taken to the recipient who was to pay the delivery guy. The price was often high. If you didn’t have money to pay the delivery fee, you didn’t get your letter no matter how important it was. I’m sure the IRS is happy that stamps were created.

As with most systems in history, people found ways to circumvent problems. Are you old enough to remember the collect call commercial with “Bob Wehadababyitsaboy” calling?

Its a funny way to think about cheating the system, but that’s essentially what people did with letters...

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The Weather is Warming Up! Disc Golf Anyone?

March 28, 2014 In category Blog

Disc golf isn’t the first thing most of us would think of when naming things to play outside. But did you know that the number of disc golf courses doubled between 2000 and 2008? The exact number of people who play isn’t known although the Pro Disc Golf Association claims that 500,000 people play regularly.

For sure, it is an inexpensive alternative to some sports as it is around $20 for a Discraft Beginner Golf Disc Set and all the courses are free. You’ve not only got the benefits of physical activity but also those critical thinking skills (Bloom’s Taxonomy) being used to figure out how to improve your game. What do you do if its windy? See the interview below to find the answer!

Educational Dics Golf Experience‘s website (EDGE) has lots of information about how to get started, les...
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Gregorc’s Mind Styles and Bloom’s Taxonomy

March 20, 2014 In category Blog

As I was reading a book this week, Gregorc’s Mind Styles were mentioned. Reading more into the Mind Styles online, I realized why I’m get bored of doing chores. (And possibly why I think putting dishes in the dishwasher is like playing Tetris.) I’m not sure if it has anything to do with our kids’ not liking to do chores, but it was interesting to see how some tasks can be tiresome for us depending on our Mind Style or learning style. Take a look at the graph of styles here.

Looking at the Concrete Sequential box, (where most chores would fit) you might be thinking it sounds a lot like ‘school’. I’m guessing that all standardized test follow the Concrete Sequential Mind Style. You’ve got order, logical sequence, getting facts, doesn’t do well when there are no right or wrong answer...

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Lessons from The Sandlot, the movie

March 13, 2014 In category Blog

The Sandlot is one of my favorite movies for a lot of reasons. I like seeing the old cars, clothes, decor, and hearing the music. Too, I like seeing things from the kids’ point of view. Scott Small’s mom is an encouraging influence to her son, but the adventures (and misadventures) highlight how kids can problem-solve on their own. Yes, they might get into trouble, but Scott’s mom understands that it was important for him to get out there and try, even make mistakes and get into trouble. “Not a lot, but some,” she said. If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to see it. That’s a spoiler alert but I’m going to assume you’ve seen it.
I find myself reminded not to expect perfection from my kids. I know I have 2 smart boys...
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4 Ways Hobbies Can Boost Your Kid’s Success In and Outside of School

March 7, 2014 In category Blog

We know kids can sometimes need a little help finding the motivation to learn in school, but it doesn’t all have to happen IN school. And I mean both the learning and the motivation.

Hobbies can be one of the best avenues to help kids practice what they learn in school and continue learning outside of the classroom. Hobbies can also help get that intrinsic motivation going to learn and enjoy learning on their own because of that personal enjoyment.

How does engaging in hobbies boost your kid’s success in school?

Studies have found that students who have hobbies do better in school and are more involved in and outside of school. The affects can go beyond the public education years.

And why not? We only spend 13 years in public schools. That’s about 16% of our lives...

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