I’m always so overwhelmed once the school year gets into full swing.  I think it’s coming off of those laid back summer days and then WHAM! — it seems like there’s hardly any time to relax. 

One of our challenges is finding ways to mix things up to keep them fun during the school year.  The same old lunches can get boring very quickly.  Practicing spelling words and math facts is really a struggle unless you have some fun ways to keep the kids engaged. 

This year, I’m thrilled to be part of the Kid Blogger Network Back to School team!  And we are all ready to help you get ready for a great school year with tips on organizing, homework help, school prep and more wonderful resources to help you ease back into school.

 

 

Great Homework Helpers

Keep the kids engaged during homework time with these —

 

Spelling

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas has an AMAZING list of 75 Ways to Practice Spelling Words!  There are so many fun ideas on this list that the kids will come home asking to practice their words. 

SpellingCity.com is one website that we’ve used over the years as an online spelling resource.  There are a number of free games and activities to help kids practice each week.

 

Reading

Got a book the kids need to read?  Chances are that one of these two blogs will have a great activity to go along with the story!

Reading Confetti has 100’s of craft & activity ideas for children’s books

Happy Birthday Author is a fun place to find activities for your favorite authors.  Check the sidebar to see which authors they have celebrated (they are categorized by the author’s birthday) and you may also find out you share a birthday with a famous author too!

 

Math

Math practice is always a challenge — flashcards are just so boring!  Try some of the math crafts & activities from No Time for Flashcards for younger kids (preschool – 1st grade).

For kids who are practicing math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) you HAVE to visit Teach Mama for great ways to inject some fun & variety in your math homework!

 

Science

Science couldn’t be more fun than at Inspriation Laboratories where Trishs provides easy hands-on ways to do science projects at home.  Make a hurricane, learn about kinetic energy and TONS of science fun for the kids!

We also have 20 fun science ‘edventures’ for kids to explore with engineering, nature science, ocean life, space & more!

 

Digital Helpers

iGameMom has some great reviews of apps that can be used for learning and enrichment after school.  Check out her list of 10 Free Math Apps for Kids and also a very fun list of History Apps (kids won’t think it’s boring any longer!)

 

Creative Writing & Thinking

Nothing gets kids thinking (and ready to write) like a great photo — a picture is worth 1000 words!  Use the photos on these two boards to help kids create conversations, express their words/feelings and practice their writing skills ask they express their ideas about what they see:

Kristen from Caution: Twins at Play has a great board of Creative Writing Images  and Penny from Wildlife Fun 4 Kids as the more adorable board on Wildlife Images!

 

 

 

 

Unique Ideas for Snacktime

When the kids come in the door, the first thing they ask for is a snack — learning is hard work 😉

Creative Kids Snacks has some super ideas for both lunches and after school snacks!  Fun ways to display the food mean that kids are likely to try new things.

Keeley McGuire is also a master at school lunches & snacks – especially for kids with allergies!  Visit her 20 Non-Sandwich School Lunch Ideas for some easy & fun meals!

 

 

Enrichment & Afterschool Fun

Keep the kids active after school hours too!  Here are some outstanding resources for exercising both their minds and bodies after a long day at their desks:

The Afterschool Activities Board curated the The Educator’s Spin on It and friends has tons of great activities for families to use during those hours between school and dinner.  Check here for book lists, fun ways to practice spelling & sight words and all-around hands-on creative ideas!

 

Hit the playground with this printable Playground Scavenger Hunt!  Kids will love exploring new places and trying out new equipment.  Make a weekly trip to a different location to see what you can find on the list!

For more Scavenger Hunt Ideas, visit Hands-on As We Grow and check out the 32 hunts they have in their round-up!

 

And Go Explore Nature is hands-down one of my favorite blogs for fun ways to get outside with the kids!  Check out the Backyard Nature section for tons of ways to enjoy some outdoor time after school.

If you want the kids to get active, try these Outdoor Activity Rocks to encourage them to spend some time outside.

For some dinnertime conversation, visit Growing Book by Book for their monthly Table Topics list – fun questions, jokes and ways to get connected during a meal.

 

Want to get Organized before School begins?

I highly recommend the Makeover Your Mornings e-course! 

It really helped me to think about what I want to achieve early in the day and gave me TONS of free printables & ideas on how to get organized! 

It’s only 15 minutes a day and is perfect for helping you tame the chaos that happens with back to school time.

 

 

Back to School with KBN Link Party

Welcome to the Back to School with KBN Linky featuring activities, crafts, supply ideas, recipes, organization, books and MORE to get your family ready for the upcoming school year!

Share your kid-friendly posts & they will be featured on 27 blogs who are members of the Kid Blogger Network.  

*By linking up, you agree to have your images shared with credit.

 

Back to School with KBN Participating Blogs