While summer is the perfect time for kids to take advantage of days spent away from the classroom, remember not to put valuable skills, like reading, on the back burner. In fact, research estimates that one to two months’ of learning loss can occur during the summer months. To help your child maintain his or […]
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Posted inAround West Sound
Dogs Are All Ears in New Pet Therapy Reading Program
When 3-year-old golden retriever Brody walks through the halls of Minter Creek Elementary School, there is no doubt that this four-legged friend is regarded as the school’s newest “star pupil.” His arrival is greeted by happy hugs and huge smiles from both students and staff. But this charming canine can do more than roll over […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Empty Bowls Fight Hunger one Child at a Time
One Saturday each February, excitement builds as the line outside the Gig Harbor Boys & Girls Club lengthens and eager shoppers wait for the doors to finally open. At 11 a.m. sharp, the anxious crowd floods into the room and patrons scurry between large tables laden with glistening ceramic bowls. The fragrance of delicious warm […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Trick-or-Treat for a New Kind of Thrill
For most kids, Halloween is all about costumes and candy, but it can also be a chance to demonstrate how helping others brings its own set of rewards. This October, children, families and schools across the country will join in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, a month-long celebration of the power and impact of kids helping kids. […]
Posted inAt Home
Five Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child
Reading has the enduring power to shape and develop minds, both in the home and classroom. The urgency to make the teaching of reading as effective and enjoying as possible should always be reinforced at home. The goal must be to show every child the power that comes from the world reading can bring to […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Ways to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen (But Not Get in Your Way)
My three kids spend so much time with me in the kitchen. Daily, we chop, we mix, we bake, we stir, we do life together around our island and over food. At this point, they are trained professionals when it comes to helping mom out with food prep, but it hasn’t always been that way. […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Easy Ways to Safeguard Kids’ Tech Devices from Predators
Summer vacation is almost here — which means kids are going to be looking for new ways to fill their time with entertainments. Mobile devices and computers are no doubt at the top of their lists. But before you let your kids loose on the web, spend a little time making sure they know how […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Heroes — Chris and Debbie Clark
Chris and Debbie Clark founded Children of the Nations (COTN) in 1995. A fifth-generation missionary born in Japan and raised in Liberia and the United States, Chris had worked for Youth for Christ for 10 years. Debbie, who grew up in Edmonds, worked as a special education teacher for eight years. After traveling to Sierra […]
Posted inFeatured, Home
10 Tips for Creating Christmas Fun with Kids
For children all ages, there’s no more magical time of year than Christmas. There are twinkling trees, glistening snowflakes (maybe), flying reindeer, tree decorating, favorite Christmas music and baked cookies that make the whole house smell like a childhood memory. And don’t forget pretty presents wrapped in bows! But what can we do with the […]