Schools

Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling: Gym Classes and Sports

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Wed, 09/21/2016 - 10:00am

It's true that homeschooling creates a really unique and wonderful bond with your kids, but, sometimes, it's really hard. When you consider the fact that you're responsible for teaching your child everything, getting some socialization time in with other kids, and making sure they're healthy and physically active- well, it's just too much. That's why we started this monthly series of articles, to help homeschool parents, new and vets alike, find all the resources you need to make it a completely enjoyable experience. Which means, taking some responsibilities off of your plate. There are a lot of great classes out there, specifically for homeschool kids. Maybe there's a subject you don't feel comfortable teaching your child, or maybe you just don't know how to keep them active, or (real talk), maybe you need a break. We've found a lot of great phys ed, gym, and sport options to enroll the kids in to keep them healthy and strong.

How to Get Started in Homeschooling

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sat, 09/17/2016 - 11:40am

Hundreds of parents in Connecticut have made the decision to bring their children home from public and private schools this year. These families join the thousands of other families who have been instructing their children from home already. Although the reasons parents choose to instruct their children from home differ widely, their numbers are on the rise. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, there are around 2.3 million home educated students in the United States and the numbers are growing annually between 2 and 8 percent. If you are one of the families who have made this decision, you may be wondering where to start.

Preschool Programs in Fairfield County Independent Schools

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 09/07/2016 - 8:00am

Fairfield County provides one of the most enriching and diverse independent educational experiences in the country. There are so many opportunities available, it may be hard to choose the right match for your child. Although the school year may have just opened, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the 2017-18 academic year. Admissions season is just gearing up, so make sure to make note of open houses and admissions schedules.

All of the schools on this list provide a thoughtful educational experience for the youngest of learners, and are sure to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Most of these programs run for the academic year, from the hours of 9-3. Many provide enriching before and after school programs for parents who need to extend the school day.

After-School Registration Now Open for Free NYC Program

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 08/31/2016 - 12:00pm

We've told you all about the lottery for free kid activities operated by the NYC Parks Department, but did you know it also has you covered for after-school? Registration for the FREE after-school program run by the Parks Department opened on August 29 for NYC kids ages 6 to 13, and we've got details on what the program offers and how to sign up.

Find more after-school options in the Mommy Poppins Classes Guide.

Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling: Finding a Homeschool Group

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Tue, 08/30/2016 - 10:00am

If you're thinking about homeschooling, your first concern is probably how your kid will ever see other kids. It's normal to worry about feeling isolated and not knowing what to do or where to go, but don't. Your kid will be socialized, I promise. I was homeschooled from 5th grade all the way through high school, and I struggle more with maintaining adult relationships now than I ever did with friendships then, and trust me, it has nothing to do with the fact that I was homeschooled. Homeschooling has changed so much in the 10 years since I was homeschooled. While the resources are still a bit lacking, there are definitely more families homeschooling now for more of a variety of reasons. Whatever your reason may be, whether your jumping in for preschool or high school, starting out can be daunting and hard. The first thing you'll want to do is find a good group, which may offer classes, get togethers, and field trips.

Mommy Poppins hopes to become a great resource for homeschool families, so stay tuned for our series of articles on different homeschooling topics.

5 Educational After School Programs for Philadelphia Kids and Teens

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Mon, 08/29/2016 - 10:00am

The school year is upon us, which, for some, means normalcy is returning. For those who work late and need to extend school hours, or for kids interested in further pursuing their passion for science or the arts, after school programs are great. These programs are the perfect way to keep kids entertained in those late afternoon hours while continuing to further their education. Keep those brains working a little longer with some of these awesome programs.

10 Free Back-To-School Apps Every Parent Needs

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Mon, 08/22/2016 - 4:00pm

Sending the kids back to school is akin to setting those New Year’s resolutions in January. It’s a clean slate and a period (however brief) of good intentions. Make the most of this optimism with these 10 smartphone and tablet apps to help you stay organized, help lend a hand with homework, and even help add some extra learning fun.

We talked with teachers, principals and other educational experts about their favorite apps, and then we gave them a try to see how they worked. What follows is a list of our front runners, all designed to help you and your family get the school year off on the right foot. The best part? All of these apps are free.

Looking for more parenting tips, back-to-school related and otherwise? Sign up for our free newsletters to have them delivered straight to your inbox.

BASIS Independent Manhattan to Open in Fall 2017

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 08/22/2016 - 10:00am

School searches can be fraught with stress, but searching for the right fit in Manhattan seems to multiply the tension tenfold...at least! Whether you're searching for a Pre-K program, elementary school, middle school or beyond, finding the right fit for your child is paramount. From public to private to charter, there are so many factors to consider and the landscape is ever- changing.

If you're a Manhattan-based family in the market for a school next year, you've got a great new option: BASIS Independent Schools is set to open its first Manhattan school on the Upper West Side in fall 2017. Serving kids in kindergarten through grade 8, the aim of BASIS Independent is to build well-rounded individuals who are challenged by the schools' accelerated liberal arts and sciences curriculum.