Where can I find help for math homework?

Ms. Dorothy,
My son is having a hard time understanding area and perimeter, and my own math isn't strong enough to help him with it.  I bet this is only going to get worse as the math gets harder in school. Can you tell me some good resources I can use to help us both understand his math homework?
- Middle School Mom

There are some great resources online for learning math, and many are broken down by grade-level to help you further.  

This site has lessons and practice for learning Area and Perimeter, and the links are to other websites with great resources. I like this site because the reference some of the best math tools out there, and they pull them together for you based on your specific question. 
http://math-and-reading-help-for-kids.org/math_games_for_area_and_perimeter.html

This site is my very favorite, and I've used it with all three of your boys over the years. It is packed with virtual manipulatives so that students can use "hands on" tools to learn and practice concepts rather than just learning formulas. They use a matrix of math content and grade levels to help you find the menu of activities that will help you practice the skills you need. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

This site is from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and has the most cutting edge thinking about how best to teach the math you need. Every activity is aligned with standards and best practice for teaching and learning math and is also broken down by grade level.  http://illuminations.nctm.org/Activities.aspx?grade=3&srchstr=area

Be sure to look past the specific topic to the rest of these sites because there are resources here for every age and on every math standard or concept you could want. 

How can I best teach Spanish to preschoolers?

Ms. Dorothy,
I am teaching a pre-school Spanish class this coming summer.  I've taught Spanish for years, but mostly 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. What do I need to think about differently for 3, 4 and 5 year olds?  Any great resources you could recommend for this age group would be great too!
- Spanish Teacher

The most important thing to know about pre-schoolers is that they need to move! 

You won't need to worry about paper and pencils, but books, songs, dances and games are your friends with this age group.

My recommendation would be to keep change activities often, and practice some simple things like numbers, body parts, and greetings.

Look for CDs by Jose-Luis Orozco they are full of culturally authentic songs that are fun to sing and move to. He has a book of finger plays with some great Latin American active songs too.

There are wonderful picture books by Arthur Dorros that introduce Spanish phrases into an English story. 

You can also use Spanish translations of English pattern books that they are already familiar with too.  Eric Carle books in Spanish are fun, though not a tool for cultural literacy.


I've not had a chance to try this program out, but it looks like a great tool to use as well!

Enjoy the little guys, they will love you!

How do I find good educational games?

Ms Dorothy,
I have grandbabies coming into town for the holidays. I want to have some things for them to play with while they are here, but I want to make sure they are educational toys. Can you recommend somewhere that I can get things for them that will be good for their brains?
- Grandmother of Many

It is important to know that all play is educational. Children need to have open-ended toys that they can use to develop their creativity and imagination, so any kind of construction or pretending toys are good for their brains.

If you are shopping on the cheap, thrift shops are a great place to look for things you can have around that might get your grand children inspired to play. Re-using toys that other children have outgrown is a great way to shop green too!

On the other hand, if you are looking for new toys and games, go local and find small, locally owned businesses to buy from.

There are shops like Beyond the Blackboard that specialize in finding books and toys and games and teacher supplies for every age group that are educational and fun. Stores like this are ideal for finding the exact right gift for each child on your list.

Remember too, that-- depending on the ages of your guests-- the wrapping paper, boxes and ribbons will be the things they enjoy the most and learn the most from playing with!