10 Tech Tools For Teachers and Homeschool Parents

I love technology. I love bringing technology into our homeschool classroom, especially when it will expand our knowledge, entertain and teach the kids, or keep me more organized. Today I want to share 10 different tech tools I have come across that are great for teachers and homeschool parents. These are all either tools that I currently use or will use as the year progresses.

1. Pinterest... I know, duh! 

2. Youtube is full of knowledge. My kids to get to watch a science video once a week during school. I like being able to find things posted by teachers, scientists, and educational cartoons in one place. 

3. Newsela is an amazing resource, especially for young readers. Newsela takes stories from popular news outlets and "levels" them for different reading levels, allowing kids to understand what is going on in the world and improve in literacy. It is also helping to teach students very important critical thinking skills, that are lacked by so many. The CEO founded the company after his son was given a Dr. Seuss book to read while other students were reading chapter books - not only disempowering his son but also helping him realize that teachers don’t have the tools to deal with students reading at different levels. 

4. StartWrite is a great handwriting worksheet software that is really easy to use. I like to use it to make copywork sheets.

5. Wonderopolis "where the wonders of learning never cease," is a great place to get information and fun facts to accompany a lesson. I like to use it during our "question of the day," when Tbomb can't think of a question.

6. Teach With Movies provides free lesson plans to accompany movies for just about any subject.

7. Space Place, brought to you by NASA, provides fun and educational lessons for kids on space.

8. PBS online gives access to online programming for almost any subject matter.

9. Kid Courses. Is there something you want your students to learn, but do not feel comfortable teaching or want to learn with them?  KidCourses may be the answer, I am especially fond of the sign language courses.

10. Typing Club is a free way to teach kids to type. Great concept!

Another amazing trend is a class website. I have seen this and continue to like what I see. Teachers can use a class website for news, pdfs of assignments, and even resources. Homeschoolers can use a website to log lessons, create a scrapbook, and so much more. My advice: make sure you have a great web design!

Keeping Kids Healthy With #Glovies + Test Results

My kids have been spending more time in doctor's offices than usual lately and this will not be slowing down anytime soon. Not only am I having dental work done, but my poor Snapper is still not talking. She was tested for Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is not on the spectrum and is a very social child. Besides talking, she was right where she is supposed to be as far as developmentally speaking. The doctors did say that she has some anxiety, though, that they want to watch- most likely because she cannot talk. They did say that she obviously wants to, so that is more testing for us. I just want answers so that I can help my precious little girl reach her full potential and be happy. So, there is more testing for us.

Disclaimer: I did receive samples to facilitate my review. However, all opinions are my own.

With all these doctor visits, my kids have been battling colds like crazy, one time taking the whole family out of commission. I give them a zinc, echinecia, vitamin c blend, but this just isn't enough. I've been searching for a way to keep them from picking up germs in waiting rooms. When it is a three hour visit, it is hard for little ones to sit still. Glovies came to my rescue!

Glovies are disposible, mulitpurpose gloves for kids. They are perfect for art projects, cleaning, staying germ-free, sensory issues, and so much more. We have used them for craft projects, but mostly for visiting doctors, where they are needed the most.

I keep several pair, along with a few antibacterial wipes, in each kids' backpack. This way, they are always with them. If they have sat too long, tablets have died, schoolwork is finished, and they get bored, they can play with the toys. However, they have to leave the gloves on and clean their hands after they are done (we've had too many colds!)

I think these would be perfect for all families to keep on hand. They fit up to age 9, and have a ton of puposes. You can even use them for baking, crafts, public restrooms, potty training, chores, dog cleanup, and so much more. They are a great price too! Just $12.99 for a box of 100. Definitely worth it to me!

For more tips on keeping your family germ free, visit the My Mom Knows Best Blog!

Health Items to Store at Home

Whether you have a household full of kids or live as a single person, keeping certain health items around the house is a critical choice. Disasters can occur at nearly any time, and professional help may not be at your disposal. On your next shopping trip, stock up on these common items that will help you stay safe in times of emergency.

The Basic First-Aid Kit

Begin with the basics in your emergency kit, including the first-aid container. This kit should have an ample supply of bandages, gauze, tape and antiseptics. Take a close look at the size of the kit before you buy it. Some kits are designed for a certain household size. Ideally, pick a kit that's slightly larger than your current household size so that you can serve everyone with ease.

Drug Screening Tools

A big part of staying healthy is understanding the drugs that are possibly within a person's system. Although you may not have professional drug hardware, such as an HIV ELISA kit, there are household testing tools that you can buy. Test a loved one for drugs so that they don't have any issues with other medications taken at the same time. You can save a life with this one kit.

Water Supplies Galore

Humans cannot live for very long without water in their system. Before you work on another section of your health supplies, purchase many bottles of water. In fact, buy more water than you think you'll drink or use in a given week. If an emergency sets in where municipal water supplies aren't available, those bottled products will save a life.

Blankets, Canned Items and More

Your health also depends on the sheltering items that you keep on hand. Being exposed to cold conditions can hurt a person as much as a disease. Stock several thick blankets, hats and gloves at your home. Add to your water supply by purchasing canned foods that will provide energy and nourishment too.

Extra batteries, a radio and stocked prescriptions are just a few of the other items that should be on hand as part of your emergency stock. Take a close look at what items you might use on a daily basis that are absolute necessities. If you cannot live a day without that item, add some of them to your emergency stock pile. You'll be as prepared as possible when an emergency strikes.