Is it possible that all those hours playing Minecraft will lead your child to a lucrative career? With the right guidance, all that screen time may pay off! In partnership with our companion site, STEM Kids Chicago, we're present with Chicagoland's most comprehensive guide to STEM and STEAM camps. Whether they are in elementary school, middle school, or high school, these camps can ignite your child's passion for science and technology or fan the ... [ Read More ]
Chicago Spring Break STEM Camps 2020
In the Chicago area, suburban schools tend to have earlyish breaks in March while Chicago Public Schools often don't break until mid- to late-April. Spring Break weather can be unpredictable, to say the least, but regardless of timing, there are fantastic options in the metro area for enrichment for kids up through middle school. We're pleased to present you with our guide to Chicago Spring Break STEM and STEAM Camps thanks to Codeverse. Coding? ... [ Read More ]
Private Schools in the Chicago Metro Area
If you're a longtime fan of this blog, you know that our family had a lot of school struggles. While I encourage everyone to at least try their public schools, I know they aren't always a fit. We moved our boys to a private school after it became clear that our public school could not meet my son's needs. That's why I put together this Chicago private school guide. It originally appeared on STEM Kids Chicago, and I thought it made sense to share ... [ Read More ]
In Memory of Isaac Moldofsky
In January my bright, kind, beautiful son, Isaac Moldofsky, died. By suicide. He was 21. It was completely unexpected. We had no idea. He left a tsunami of devastation in his wake. He had no idea. These are my remarks from his memorial service with links added since it's on the web and all. To reach the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Be kind to yourself and those you love. Isaac was 3.5 years old ... [ Read More ]
20 Awesome STEM Enrichment Programs around Chicago
As if our recent Guide to Chicagoland Coding Classes wasn't enough, now we've gone full STEM ahead to bring you a roundup of 20 STEM enrichment programs around Chicago and the metro area. It's full of great options to help your elementary or middle school student build STEM skills in a fun, low-pressure environment that can introduce them to exciting new topics or supplement what they're learning in school. This guide is brought to you by ... [ Read More ]
Coding Classes for Kids around Chicago
Over the years, I've fielded a ton of questions about where to find coding classes for kids, especially around Chicago, my hometown. It's finally here! The providers below offer afterschool and weekend coding classes. Some even offer special 1:1 coaching or mentoring to support your budding programmer. Coding skills are 21st-century job skills. They open the doors to so many opportunities. With code, your child can create games, animations, ... [ Read More ]
Vision Board Workshop!
My life is nothing if not a winding path. Now that I'm in my 50s, I appreciate the twists and turns that have made for a pretty great ride. My latest pivot involves offering workshops that jive with my guiding motto (derived from a long-forgotten source) have fun and learn new things. Scrappy Affirmations Workshops I learned to use a laser cutter when I helped launch mHUB, Chicago's innovation space for physical product entrepreneurs, a few ... [ Read More ]
Winter Break STEM Camps in Chicago 2019
It’s fun to learn things outside of school- there are fewer time constraints and no tests! Those are just some of the reasons winter break camps can be such a treat. Kids can learn computer programming (coding), computer modeling, and even real-world construction in just a few days. We’ve partnered with several of Chicago’s leading STEM education providers to bring you a directory of STEM and maker-themed winter break camps that will keep your ... [ Read More ]