Kristen Harper

Fun Phonics Activities for Kids

  • Letter Sound Matching:
    • Create flashcards with letters and corresponding pictures of objects that start with that letter sound. For example, a picture of an apple with the letter “A”. Have the child match the letter with the correct picture.
  • Phonics Bingo:
    • Make bingo cards with simple words or pictures representing words. Call out the words or letter sounds, and children can mark the corresponding word or picture on their bingo cards.
  • Alphabet Scavenger Hunt:
    • Hide alphabet cards around the room or outdoors. When children find a card, they can say the letter sound or a word that starts with that letter.
  • Word Family Sorting:
    • Create word family cards with a common ending (e.g., -at, -en, -ig). Have children sort picture or word cards into the correct word family category.
  • Rhyming Games:
    • Play rhyming games where children identify words that rhyme. For example, you can say a word like “cat” and have them come up with words that rhyme, such as “bat,” “hat,” or “mat.”
  • Phonics Hopscotch:
    • Draw a hopscotch grid with letters instead of numbers. Children can hop on the letters while saying the letter sounds or words that start with those letters.
  • Letter Sound Relay Race:
    • Divide children into teams and set up a relay race where they have to run to a board, pick a letter card, and say the letter sound before passing the card to the next teammate.

These games and activities can make learning phonics engaging and enjoyable for young learners, helping them build a strong foundation for reading and literacy. If you need extra help, feel free to call us at 727-441-4444

Kristen HarperFun Phonics Activities for Kids
read more

Tips for Young Children Learning Addition

  • Skip Counting:

Instead of counting by ones, try skip counting by twos, threes, fives, or tens. This not only reinforces multiplication skills, but also adds variety to counting.

  • Counting Objects:

Use everyday objects like toys, fruits, or candies to practice counting. This makes the process more tangible and relatable for young learners.

  • Counting with Songs:

Use counting songs or rhymes. There are many educational songs that teach counting in a catchy and memorable way.

  • Number Hunts:

Create scavenger hunts where kids have to find a certain number of items in the house or classroom. This encourages observational skills along with counting.

  • Number Puzzles:

Use puzzles that involve arranging numbers in order. This can be done with physical puzzles or digital ones on educational apps.

  • Number Flashcards:

Create or use number flashcards for quick drills or matching games.

  • Number Line Games:

Utilize a number line for counting activities. You can ask questions like “What comes after/before a certain number?” or play hopscotch on a number line.

  • Digital Apps and Games:

There are numerous educational apps and online games that make counting interactive and entertaining. Look for apps that align with your child’s age and learning level.

Kristen HarperTips for Young Children Learning Addition
read more

Student Success!

“I started on Kindergarten math and in maybe a year and a half, I’ve gotten through Kindergarten and 1st grade math and now I’m almost done with 2nd grade math. I’m on 2nd grade, Unit 6. I only have 14 more math books to go! I have a goal to get to 4th grade by when the next school year starts. I’m in 3rd grade phonics now but I’ve got to make it through the rest of the program by May.” – R. (3rd grade student)

Kristen HarperStudent Success!
read more

The Link Between Nutrition and Education

A crucial aspect that often goes overlooked in the quest for academic excellence is nutrition. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping your child’s cognitive development, concentration, and overall ability to learn. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are essential for brain development and maintenance.

Inadequate nutrition can lead to cognitive impairments, reduced attention spans, and difficulty in processing information—all of which can hamper a student’s ability to learn effectively.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, nuts, and seeds, are essential for building and maintaining brain cell membranes. Additionally, choline, present in eggs and leafy greens, is crucial for memory and cognitive function.

Balanced blood sugar levels are essential for maintaining focus and concentration. Consuming complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits, provides a steady supply of glucose to the brain, preventing energy crashes and the inability to concentrate. Nutrition also has a profound impact on mood and behavior. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can contribute to better emotional regulation and overall well-being.

One of the most crucial aspects of nutrition in education is breakfast. Often referred to as the most important meal of the day, a breakfast with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats provides the brain with the energy it needs to kick-start your child’s day. 

Kristen HarperThe Link Between Nutrition and Education
read more

Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment For Younger Kids

  1. Fill your bottle about ¾ full with clean water.
  2. Add a small squirt of dish soap to your water.
  3. Add food coloring or glitter for a more vibrant effect (optional).
  4. Tightly seal your bottle.
  5. After all of these steps are finished, rapidly spin your bottle in circular motion until you see a tiny spinning tornado!
Kristen HarperTornado in a Bottle Science Experiment For Younger Kids
read more

Ways to Help Your Child with Spelling

  1. Drill daily: Make sure your child is keeping in the work to improve and progressively getting better day by day as he trains to become a better speller.
  2. Encourage spelling: Always acknowledge good work and remind him to keep it up. If he ever loses confidence, be willing to work with him and make learning more enjoyable.
  3. Make spelling fun: Incorporate games in the activities. Learning to spell will be much more fun when your child is able to look forward to games that will help with his progress.
  4. Let your child move at his own pace: Never rush him to learn anything that he’s not getting. Every child has his own gradient. Allow him to process what he is learning at his own pace. It is also important to recognize his progress. Don’t keep him on a spelling level that he has already spent enough time drilling. Acknowledge his progress and allow him to move on once he’s ready.
Kristen HarperWays to Help Your Child with Spelling
read more