Kindergarten

Seven Ways to Boost Brain Development

Simple things parents can do every day to support learning at home

How to Teach Your Child to Share, According to an Expert

Want to raise generous and patient kids? Start with these simple strategies

Strategies to Help Learning-Resistant Students Achieve

Exploring the roots of school anxiety and how to support kids experiencing it

Ready, Set, Gluestick! 20 Best Back-to-School Tips

Our readers’ top tips on supplies, lunches, organization, more

Educational Apps That Get Kids School-Ready

From math to spelling, help kids feel prepared for the next school year

How to Make a Schultuete for the First Day of School

Why you should indulge in this German tradition

15 Books for Kids About the Importance of Failure

Failure is a vital part of learning

How to Stay Sane When You’re Working at Home With the Kids This Summer

You can do this

Stop Following Your Kids Around at the Playground

Solo play is healthy, fun and essential

15 Toys and Games Made With Cardboard Boxes

Endless fun awaits in your recycling bin!

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

Get your kids pedaling with our tips for parents

Play Ideas That Get Kids Interested in Science

It doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be fun

Awesome Independent Bookstores to Visit With Kids

Foster a love of books at fantastic shops around Seattle and beyond

12 Books to Celebrate Black History All Year

Children’s books that shine a light on Black lives

Supporting My Neurodivergent Child With Schoolwork at Home

Gather the tools you need to help your child succeed

The Power of Public Speaking

Speaking in front of an audience is vitally important in the internet age

Practical Back-to-School Tips From Local Experts

Choreograph your BTS routines to be in step with these expert tips

How to Teach Critical Thinking Skills to Kids

Easy strategies to incorporate into everyday life

The Surprising Benefits of Multiage Programs for Kids

Mentoring, cooperative learning and more in this unique learning environment

9 Thoughtful Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Let them know you care with these DIY ideas

10 Awesome Indoor Toys to Keep Energetic Kids Active This Winter

Kids bouncing off the walls? These energy-busting toys will keep them busy for a while!

Decoding Dyslexia

What are signs that a child should be referred for a dyslexia assessment?

School Year Jitters? No Worries!

A local expert’s ages-and-stages guide to helping reduce your child’s back-to-school concerns

Read Along: An App That Helps Kids Learn to Read

Get kids excited about reading with this simple and useful app

Talking to Young Children About Emergency Drills

We don't know when an emergency will happen, but we can practice being prepared

Back-to-School Cool

Keep it chill with our family cheat sheet for a successful return to school

The Best Back-to-School Gear and Tips

Best backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles and lunch bags

A Teacher’s Picks for Free Online Learning Sites

And how to choose a program that works for your student’s needs

3 Ways to Get Girls Interested in STEM

How parents can inspire young girls to pursue STEM education and careers

A Seattle-Area Teacher Reflects on How the Return to In-Person School Is Going

‘We’re not melting down, we just need to get our strength back’

Why the Concept of a "Natural-Born Leader" Is a Myth

Children aren’t born leaders — but they can learn leadership skills incrementally

Growing Character: The Power of Kindness

Notes on raising an ‘A+ human being’

Fun Games and Activities That Help Kids Build Literacy Skills

Tons of ideas for fostering a love of reading in your children

12 Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to School

How to help your kid overcome school anxiety

5 Benefits of Becoming Bilingual

How learning two languages provides major benefits to your child’s cognitive development

Back-to-School Jitters: From Remote Learning to Regular School

A local mom on how her family is coping with the return to in-person school

5 Ways to Keep Kids Learning All Summer Long

Make it fun with these ideas from parents like you

12 Picture Books to Strengthen Your Child’s Social Skills

Impart some important life skills with these books

Opinion: Today’s Teachers Should Be Apolitical

Today’s teachers should be apolitical

Award-Winning Kids’ Books That Promote Diversity

Awesome new books for kids of every age

8 Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

Spark a love of science right at home

How to Talk to Young Children About Race and Racism

Tips from early education experts for raising race-conscious kids

How to Grow a Leader

Foster strong leadership skills through communication and empathy

Why You Should Try Gameschooling With Your Kids

How to make learning and family time more fun

Teaching Kids the Skills They Need to Make and Keep Friends

How to help kids foster good friendships

Simple Strategies for Keeping Younger Siblings Occupied (And Out of the Way) During Virtual School Days

Screen-free ways to keep them busy and learning, too

Inspired Learning: 5 Homeschool Room Setup Strategies That Will Work

Tips and gear to make virtual learning feel as normal as possible

Remote Learning Resources to the Rescue!

Complementary learning options to fill the gaps in your school’s virtual curriculum

How Green Is Your Child’s School?

Dynamic ways area schools are rising to the climate change challenge

Don't Call Your Kid Smart

Try these growth mindset tricks instead

Ethical Education in Action

Area private school integrates equity into learning

Redshirting Your Kindergartener in the Time of COVID-19

Why virtual kindergarten isn’t feasible for my family

How to Start Homeschooling This Fall: Lessons From a Homeschooling Mom

8 steps for parents planning on homeschooling during COVID-19

Back-to-School Essentials in the Time of COVID-19

Masks, kid-friendly cleaning products and more supplies for in-person meet-ups

10 Things I Taught My Kids in Kindergarten That Prepared Them for College

Teaching the word ‘no,’ reading together and other small steps that add up

Considering the Future of Education

Regional education administrators deliberate the new normal of education

The 101 on Learner-Driven Education

How Acton Academies enables kids to teach themselves in community

Jewish Day Schools Are Creating Models for Distance Learning

New learning modalities bridge isolation and build strong community connections

Parents Make the Worst Teachers

Will my child be the first kid ever to fail kindergarten?

Emotional Needs Should Come First for Families During the COVID-19 School Closures

Families need support, not added pressure

10 Things Homeschooling Families Do to Keep Learning Easy and Fun

Top tips from homeschoolers to help families right now

8 Super-Easy Hacks to Keep Kids Learning Without Losing Your Mind

Cheap and sneaky ideas for parents

Seattle Public Schools Releases Free YouTube Channel Amid Coronavirus Closure

SPS releases new educational videos to keep Seattle kids learning

A Sanity-Saving Resource Guide to Help Educate and Entertain the Kids

All the online resources you need to get you through the coronavirus outbreak

Is a Faith-Based School Right for Your Child and Family?

Religious schools offer benefits beyond Bible study

Make Your Kid’s Classroom More Inclusive During the Winter Holidays

Ideas that don't mean more work for teacher

Why You Should Let Your Kid Fail (Sometimes)

They'll be happier for it and so will you

How to Safeguard Children With Special Needs From Bullying

Protecting students with disabilities from physical and emotional bullying

What to Do When Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Special Needs

A teacher offers her advice

6 Steps for a Better IEP Meeting

A special education teacher and the mother of a child with special needs offers this advice

Take It From the Kids in This Powerful Video

It's well past time to get serious about gun safety. Their lives depend on it.

Your New Secret Weapon for a Productive Fall

Habit tracking can give your family an edge

Ending Homework Battles: Is This Possible?

How to empower your child to manage their own homework

How to Know When Your Child Is Ready for School

Know the signs and how to develop school readiness skills at home

11 Tech Tools That Enhance Learning in the Classroom

Devices, software, applications and other tech tools that assist student learning and collaboration

Why I Volunteer at My Kid’s School

(it’s not for the kids)

My Son Started Kindergarten Right After Turning 6: Was It the Right Choice?

A mom on why she held her son back a year

8 Easy and Healthy School Lunch Recipes

Simple and healthy school lunches that kids will love

9 STEAM Activities That Kids Can Do

Science, tech, art and more to set your student up for success

How to Smoothly Transition Into the New School Year

Be prepared for back-to-school

How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration

Age-by-age advice, plus great reads

How to Battle Brain Drain Over the Summer

School-break strategies for combating the summer slide

Spin, Slide, Zip and Ride at This Amazing Playground

Your kids may never want to leave this park

7 Gifts Teachers Actually Want

Forget the homemade crafts and give them something decent

Teacher Appreciation Is Nice, But Job Security Is Better

A teacher on what you can do if you really appreciate educators

It’s Not Smart, Healthy or Effective to Take Away Kids’ Recess

So why are Seattle-area schools still doing it?

It's Time to Rethink Seattle-Area Snow Day School Closures

There has to be a better way

News About ParentMap's Family Atlas

Looking for great Puget Sound-area businesses?

Why Parents Shouldn’t Rely on School Rankings

A single number doesn't tell the whole story

Why I Sent My Young 5-Year-Old to Kindergarten Anyway

Why this mom ignored the preschool teacher

Top Reads for 2019 for Every Age

A Seattle-area bookstore owner's top picks for your reading list this year

Fab Winter Break Reading Picks for Every Age

Two North Seattle children's book buyers' reading lists for 2019

Have You Heard of This Affordable Testing Option?

Looking for more help for your student? What this mom recommends

Is Faith-Based Education Right for Your Child?

These families chose faith-based education — here's why

What You Need to Know About SPS Parent Equity Teams

What they are, what they do and how you can get involved

Homeschooling as a Family of Color in Seattle

Despite questions from extended family, a mom celebrates her homeschool experience

Should We Choose Public or Private School?

How three local families made the choice

'How Many of You Have Never Had a Teacher of Color?'

A North Seattle mother reflects on representation and identity

What It’s Like to Be a Teacher in Washington State

A local teacher responds to the Time cover story

Everybody Has Lice and Nobody’s Talking About It

What one mom learned after a fateful hair appointment

How to Cope With the Back-to-School Blues

How parents can help when the first few weeks in school don't go as planned

Will Seattle Public School Teachers Strike?

Seattle Public Schools and local teacher unions discuss new contracts

Don't Be Afraid of the First Day of Kindergarten

A mom on what she's learned about this important step

What to Look for When Picking a School

An education consultant with more than 20 years of experience offers her advice

Parents, Here's Your Back-to-School To-Do

It's not just about the kids

Local Gun Safety Initiative Certified for November Ballot

Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman certifies the initiative

Your Back-to-School Survival Kit

Yes, it's almost time. Are you prepared?

Finding Safe, Legal Child Care in Washington State

3 tips to help make the hunt easier

12 DIY Gifts for Teachers

These are the perfect way to say "thank you"

6 Ways to Make Arts and Crafts Easier

And more fun!

6 New Findings About Early Learning

The University of Washington shares new research in latest EDU Talk

Just 24 Hours to Submit Your Comments on SPS Candidates

Learn how to share your feedback

Rock Out With ‘Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed’

Mo Willems' comic musical is fun for all ages

40+ Fun and Local Summer Camps for 2018

Soccer, STEM, outdoor, drama: Our camps sampler for Seattle-area families

March for Our Lives Seattle Releases Route for Saturday

Details on the March 24 event

Where Young Readers Can Practice With Cuddly Critters

It's reading cats and dogs! Fun and helpful reading programs for kids

Multiple School Walkouts and Marches Planned for Gun Reform

In the wake of the Parkland school shooting, students are demanding action

Seattle School Bus Strike Is Over

Bus service resumes Monday

Create the Most Meaningful Summer

8 tips for planning a rich summer

Fill in the Blanks With This Letter From Camp

Find a buddy for this fun game

Why Your Kids Are Forgetting About Nature

And what you can do about it

Should You Hire a Tutor for Private School Entrance Exams?

How to tell whether your child could benefit from a tutor

Seattle School Bus Drivers Go On Strike

The one-day strike leaves parents scrambling

Why Can’t My Child Read?

A retired teacher offers her insight

Seattle Public Schools Launches Transgender Student Curriculum

The books are designed to help teachers, parents and students support transgender students

They'll Love Reading If You Do This

Teach kids to love reading, one book at a time

The Heartbreaking Reason This Kindergartener Raided Her Piggybank

Her grandmother thought she was playing, but the little girl had a plan

3 Ways Parents Can Build Character

How parents and teachers can work together

Worrying About College in Preschool?

A college admissions counselor sets the record straight

The Day My Kindergartener Was Sent to the Principal's Office

How one mom responded to her son's misbehavior at school

They Won’t Play With Me!

What to do when your child is left out

Should I Homeschool or Not?

10 years in, this mom shares her wisdom

On My Baby’s First Day of Kindergarten

The start of kindergarten is a little more bitter than sweet for me

7 Ways to Rock Your Child's First Day of School

Whether daycare, preschool or kindergarten, these tips will help you handle it like a pro

6 Ways to School-Proof Your House

Ready, set, September!

The Free SEL Program Your School Needs to Know About

After losing her son at Sandy Hook, this mom fights for love

Make Friends With Your Kid's Teacher This Year

4 strategies to try from an educator who's been there

Master the ABCs of a Successful School Year

Ace this school year with these 26 tips

This Gear Will Save Your School Year

8 items that are sure to keep September sane

The Picture Book Evolves

Jonathan Tweet helps introduce preschoolers to evolution

What Is Social-Emotional Learning?

You've heard about it but what is it again?

News About ParentMap's Camps and Classes Coverage

Looking for great Puget Sound-area camps and classes information?

What's Going On With Our State's Education?

Washington's Paramount Duty talks the current legislative session

A Teacher's Advice: Show a Little Tenderness

Understanding your young student is the first step toward success

No Big Kids Allowed! What a Kindergarten-only School Looks Like

Smaller spaces, bigger changes for schools catering to the youngest students

A+ Homework Tips From ParentMap Readers for Back-to-School Season

With school in full swing, find comfort in these homework tips

What the Washington State Science Standards Mean for Your Student

Expect more hands-on learning, less homework and more group work

Seattle Schools Explore Experiential Learning

Students journey beyond campus with these field trips

Redshirting: Should You or Shouldn't You?

When it comes to kindergarten, many families wonder whether to play up or down

Parenting Abroad: American Kindergarten Versus German Kindergarten

How moving to Germany and enrolling my son in German kindergarten changed my outlook on academics in the United States

The Parent Coach: Is Your Child Gifted? Now Is the Time to Find Out

Think your kid might be 'highly capable'? Here's what you need to know about Seattle and other local school districts' services and your child's eligibility

What's Really Important for Early Literacy?

With kindergarten becoming increasingly academic, and with the introduction of Common Core Standards, how can you help your child with literacy while also preserving playtime?

Ready or Not: Is Your Child Prepared for the Kindergarten Plunge?

Three indicators that a child is ready for kindergarten, plus teacher expectations and what parents should look for in a school

What Your Kids (and You) Should Read This Summer, by Your Favorite Authors

Here's the only summer book list you may ever need

Indian Expat Parent: How to Survive the Parent-Teacher Conference

Video: Making the Most of Your Child's Gifts

Is your child gifted? How do you know, and how do you nurture it?

Indian Expat Parent: Obsessive Compulsive Mayhem

While obsessing over finding the perfect school for my daughter, I had an epiphany

Back to School Prep Already?

Use these tips to prepare for a return to school after summer and breaks

I'm Not a Teacher, So How Do I Help My Child Learn to Read?

10 Children's Books That Break Gender Stereotypes

The Poetry Café: Kids, Poems, and One Simple, Exceptional Practice

Making It All Add Up: Homeschooling Tips for Math

Faith-Based Education: Is It the Right Choice for Your Child?

Voices in Education: What Teachers Want Parents to Know About School Conferences

Start the Conversation: How (and When) to Connect With Your Child’s Teacher

School Scoop September 2013

Awesome Ideas for First-Day-of-School Photos

Cultural Intelligence: What’s Your Child’s Global IQ?

Super Spring Break Camps in the Puget Sound Area for 2016

The Family That Marches Together

Struggling With Handwriting: Does it Matter?

Handwriting, literacy and kids in the 2st century

Preparing for Kindergarten: Is Your Child Ready... Or Not?

Thumb Sucking: Helping Your Child Break the Habit

Coping with your child's phobias

Is getting sick good for your preschooler?

'Child-centered' learning key to school readiness

Tater tots: New ideas for picky eaters

A talk with the 'Happiest Baby' doc

Don't bite me! Calming dental fears

Finding Bigfoot: Free-form family fun in the snow

Maturity, not age, best gauge for kindergarten readiness

Early Language Delays Can Hamper Your Child's Learning

A dad's take on Libby Lu and other 'girl' pressures

Imaginary friends: Peers with purpose

Whidbey Island Day Trip: Explore Fort Casey State Park

Does your child need to learn cursive?

The Do-Re-Mi of Children's Music Lessons

An earful about ear infections

The story on stuttering: What's normal and when to seek help

Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy

Checking out chess

When will your child learn to read?

29 skills a child should bring to kindergarten

A tantrum survival kit

Understanding your child's temperament

Babies benefit from early foreign language lessons

Montessori schools emphasize self-discovery

Yoga no stretch for preschoolers

Create a go-getter--from scratch!

School readiness: looking back and ahead

Keep kids moving and help them learn

Now is the time to prepare for kindergarten