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School & Learning

Reading, writing, arithmetic -- your grade-schooler's academic world is opening up. What you need to know for your child’s school success, including homework-helping tips and ideas for parent-teacher coordination.

Today’s Kindergarteners are Playing Less, Studying More

Kindergarteners today are facing increasing pressure to perform academically and achieve good scores on tests. At the same time, kindergarteners have less time to play. All this, say educators, can lead to increased stress in children, and may actually hamper development of important skills and growth in kindergarteners.

What You Can Expect Your Child to Learn in Grade School

Grade school is an action-packed time, full of learning and development. From kindergarten to 5th grade, here is a grade-by-grade overview of what you can expect your child to learn.

A Guide to Grade School

The grade school years are an exciting time. Find out what you need to know to help your grade schooler do his or her best and get the most out of grade school.

Best Ways to Meet Your Child’s Class School Parents

These days, busy school parents can have a tough time getting to know one another. But since so many school parents have so little time to get together, meeting one another is more important than ever. How can school parents become better acquainted? Here are some simple, easy ideas for meeting school parents.

Quick Tip: How to Spot Early Signs of a Reading Problem

Not every child who's slow to read has a reading problem. But early intervention is crucial to helping kids with reading problems such as dyslexia. Look for these signs of reading delays, and have your child evaluated to see how you can help.

Top 5 Shopping Tips for School Supplies

Grade-schoolers will need a wide variety of school supplies. Here are some great ideas on how to save and simplify to make back-to-school shopping hassle-free and a bit less painful on the wallet.

Summer Strategies for Back to School

Around mid- to late summer, as your thoughts slowly turn to getting your child ready to go back to school, you can begin taking some steps to ensure a smooth transition to school routines. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or going back to grade school, try these ideas to get your family ready to hit the ground running when fall comes.

Summer Reading, Summer Math and Other Activities to Prevent S…

Summer is a time to relax and have fun. But it's also an important opportunity to make sure kids don't experience summer brain drain. What can parents do to encourage summer reading, summer math and other activities to prevent summer brain drain?

What You Can Expect in: 5th Grade

Your 5th grader is about to make the big leap into middle school. As 5th grade science, math, and other subjects become more challenging -- and your increasingly social 5th grader has more demands on her time -- she will need to learn how to balance and organize her time and responsibilities.

What You Can Expect in: 4th Grade

Fourth graders use the skills they've learned in previous grades to find out more about their world. Fourth grade math, reading, and other subjects will be tackled with reference books and internet searches. Learn what else you can expect from fourth grade.

What You Can Expect in: 3rd Grade

Having mastered reading, writing and math, third graders are on an adventure of discovery. Find out what you can expect from third grade reading, math, science and other third grade activities and subjects.

What You Can Expect in: 2nd Grade

Second graders are seasoned pros when it comes to knowing how school works. Here is some of what you can expect to see in your child in the second grade school year.

What You Can Expect in: 1st Grade

Your first grader is becoming more sure of herself and her surroundings. Here's an overview of what you can expect as your child navigates her way through first grade.

What You Can Expect in: Kindergarten

Kindergarten curriculums today are less about play and more about academic achievement. Here's an overview of what you might expect from your child's kindergarten lesson plans this school year.

6 Ways to Speed Up Morning Routines

Getting ready for school and work on time can be a challenge for many families. Brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast -- morning routines can be chock full of things to do. Here are some great ideas for how to ease the morning rush and get to school and work on time.

Insider Tips on Choosing the Best Summer Camp Programs for Your Child

There are many summer camp programs available for children today. How can you choose the best summer day camp or summer sleep-away camp for your child?

How to Set Up a Homework Area for Your Grade-Schooler

Homework is a routine part of the early grades and sometimes even kindergarten. Here are some great ideas for how you can set up a comfortable spot for your young child where he can relax and learn.

Quick Tip: How to Spot Early Signs of a Reading Problem

Not every child who's slow to read has a problem. But early intervention is crucial to helping kids with reading problems such as dyslexia. Look for these signs of reading delays, and have your child evaluated to see how you can help.

How to Raise an Eager Reader

If your early grade-schooler hasn't caught the reading bug yet, you can take steps now to encourage a love of books that'll hopefully last through the years ahead. Here are some ways you can help a reluctant reader.

How to Be an Involved School Parent -- No Matter What Your Schedule

When you're a busy parent, it can be tough to find time to do all the things you want to do, like get more involved in your child's school. But there are ways you can be an involved parent, no matter how much -- or little -- free time you have. Here's how.

5 Great Ways to Thank Teachers

It can be all too easy to take the hard work that teachers do every day for granted. Aside from educating children on academic subjects, teachers also help shape behavior and values -- and give out hugs when kids fall down on the playground. Here are some simple ways parents can show their appreciation for these important adults in their children's lives.
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