November 1, 2019 — With the hub-bub and sugar rush of Halloween now past and the “big” holiday season just gaining traction, it’s a good time to evaluate where kids stand. Some may be experiencing a mid-semester slump, while others may be hitting their stride. And life is busy. Sports seasons are well underway. For schools on 9-week quarters, the first report card may still be fresh in mind. Friend dramas may be unfolding (with new chapters daily!). As the days continue growing shorter, some kids, just like adults, may be vulnerable to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

October 4, 2019 — Knowing lots of words really means having more ways to express ourselves and understand our world. What’s surprising is how many benefits a good vocabulary brings and how important reading is to building it. JRE Library published, “Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read More,” which says, “The more you read, the more words you’ll be exposed to. Consistent exposure to new words, learning their meanings and seeing the context in which they’re used will increase your mental dictionary.”