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Chocolate Math and Visual Learners

rightLast night our grandson Brayden had some subtraction homework to do. He had already finished his writing and sight words and his enthusiasm was beginning to fade. To reinvigorate homework time and make the math fun, his mom brought out the math manipulatives, but these were extra special manipulatives. Emily filled a small paper cup about half full of M+Ms. And as much as kids are attracted to small colorful objects, small colorful chocolate objects are really engaging. She explained that he could use the candy to count out and subtract the numbers, and when the homework was successfully completed, they were his to eat.

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World Autism Awareness Month

leftThe month of April has the wonderful distinction of being Autism Awareness Month, and today, April 2nd, is World Autism Day. Autism is a neurological disorder that disrupts a person’s learning and socialization. While it affects over 1.5 million people in the U.S., it’s considered a ‘spectrum’ disorder because the characteristics vary from person to person.

Click the title for more!

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Move that table. It’s blocking the sun.

How can you have a sunny day at the beach, while confined to the Chicago suburbs over spring break?? If your kids have a spirit of adventure, an active imagination and a few choice props – anything is possible.

left One of my favorite ‘staycation’ family memories happened years ago when our girls were in elementary school. It was spring break and we were excited to have a week without homework and time constraints, mom included. And at our house that meant lots more time for playful adventures.

One day, without realizing what I would inspire, I brought home three inexpensive pink and white striped tote bags, one for each daughter. Inside each bag was a pair of summer flip-flops. As I gave the girls their tote bags, I could see big sister Laurie’s wheels start turning. She quickly swept her younger sisters into her imagination and upstairs to change. Soon they reappeared holding beach towels, wearing swimsuits, sunglasses and their new flip-flops. The dining room chairs were quickly moved away from the table, the towels spread out underneath and a sunny afternoon beach adventure ensued.

How can you encourage creative at home adventures?

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Spring Break: Planning a Staycation Day 3

Living in Illinois, I know that spring break isn’t always warm and pleasant. With 4 children and 2 grandchildren, I have previously spent hours devising ways to keep the kids busy and out of trouble on days we are stuck inside. Today I want to share some of my best ideas for indoor staycation activities, letting your kids have fun and you have a break. right

Build an Art Spot- Designating an ‘art spot’ for the kids is a wonderful way to encourage independence and get hours of quiet time (that don’t involve a screen)! This is key to a successful Staycation whether your home to play or not, kids can have fun in here doing art for hours on end. Make sure your spot is well supplied and that artists can utilize it without the need of adult supervision. If you’re short on real-estate, a low and easy-to-open drawer works well – load it with paper and compartmentalize the materials with supply bins. Want to really go all out with your space?  Here are some amazing ideas to inspire you.

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Spring Break: Planning a Staycation Day 2

Staycation is off to a great start, I am unable to take off work full time this year but I have made a few allowances to let myself out early and relax in this pretty season. left Hopefully you have been able to do the same! Today on my Staycation list, I have some fun outdoor activities to get the kids into. These are fun for the family but it’s also easy to let the kids out on their own as you relax.

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Spring Break: Planning a Staycation Day 1

The many months of below freezing cold and piles of snow here in Chicago have got me hankering for some warmer weather or at least a break from the usual winter routine. rightI am not going on a Spring Vacation this year with my family… this year  we are all working and planning a few Staycation ideas to shake those winter blues and get ready for spring. Coming up this week I will be sharing some of the BEST Staycation ideas for families that are taking the week off to spend together and Staycation ideas for kids, maybe you can’t get the week off and your kids are on their own. YIKES! I will be sharing posts that will satisfy all.

Here’s just a few ideas to get you started…

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Spring Time Sale!

Enjoy our Springtime Sale going on now in the Bette Fetter Being Visual store. Take 30% off all orders of $30 or more! We have everything from colorful and artistic wearables to fun drawing workbooks,left all for your little ones to enjoy.  Our artistic t-shirts and hoodie make great birthday and Easter presents while our variety of workbooks are sure to keep the creativity flowing while at home!

Hurry and place your order today!

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