It was a thrill to write my first book, It's Her Story: Amelia Earhart. And it's a graphic novel, to boot! It was an exciting challenge to fit a lot of information about the aviator's life into a few dozen pages in a way that would be accessible and inspiring to elementary school readers. As a record-breaking pilot, she had so many professional accomplishments to share. I wrote the narrative and the dialog. And though I did not draw the images ... [ 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 ]
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 ]
Private Schools in and around Chicago
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 ]
Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week
Whether at schools, libraries, or at home, millions of Americans participate in Hour of Code during the first week in December. It's a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to computer science and computer programming through introductory coding activities that take about an hour. Computer Science Education Week If you are looking for spectacular Hour of Code activities, you ... [ Read More ]
Back to School Gifted Education Quiz
This was first published in 2009 on a dusty old blog of mine. Oh, yes; it's that time of year. One wrought with anxiety and maybe a few tears--and not just for us parents of highly gifted children. When I said to one of my boys with the best of intentions, "Who knows maybe this will be an exciting year?" we looked at each other and started laughing. But we're all off to a decent start. My 11-year-old came home excited on two occasions: one ... [ Read More ]