KCS Blog

There’s something so exciting and invigorating about starting a new year. It is full of promise and the opportunity to grow. During this time, many adults make new year’s resolutions and goals to help set their year on the right path, so why can’t our kids set goals, too?

I’ve been seeing a new term popping up on social media lately: overconsumption core . But what does it mean? “Overconsumption core" is a term used to describe the social media phenomenon of excessive consumption of goods and services; it is driven by the idea that owning more makes one happier or more successful.

It’s officially November, and what better way to celebrate this month of thankfulness than to count our many blessings from this year and make sure our hearts are directed towards gratitude. One of the best ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude is to memorize Scriptures that remind you of what you’re thankful for, and most importantly, to whom you’re thankful.

As a teacher and school librarian for many years, from preschool to middle school, I have found one thing to be true across the board: Children of all ages love to be read to. It doesn’t matter the age, kids love listening to a good story and become easily entranced by a good read aloud.

According to the 2014 Census, 57% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participate in after school activities. Most of this percentage refers to sports (35%), but also includes clubs or lessons (like music, dance, or languages). Like everything, after school activities have both pros and cons, and while some children may thrive on these extracurricular activities, others may get worn down and it ends up being more of a drawback. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of a child participating in after school activities.

A new school year is on our doorstep, and for most kids (mine included), the new school year can be both exciting and intimidating. There’s a new teacher, new classmates, harder coursework, more homework. Plus, we are mourning the end of summer and all the fun we had.

Technology is everywhere , and with it comes multiple threats, from cyberbullying to predators. As parents, we need our teens to be careful online since they spend so much of their time on social media. How do we keep them safe? First , you need to have an honest conversation about what dangers social media can bring to them. Second , come up with a plan of action.

Even for kids who love to read, there’s just something about books that are required that have less appeal. However, almost all schools require summer reading (including here at KCS starting in 2nd grade). Usually these books will be centered around a project or assignment once your child returns to school. Aside from preparing your child for one of their first projects or tests of the year, the goal for summer reading is to keep your kids from backsliding too much and losing their reading growth. It also helps them keep those reading fluency and comprehension skills honed. Here are a few ways to help tackle that summer reading to make it as painless and fun as possible!

Middle Grade books are books designed for children ages 8-12 years old, or in 3rd through 6th grades. These books are designed for children who have outgrown chapter books, but are not yet ready for the heavier materials in Young Adult books (ages 12-18). Middle grade fiction tends to focus on pre-teens who are experiencing things that most children their age experience - making friends, moving to a new house/school, and sibling interactions. Summer is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for some books to keep your middle grade child engaged in reading till school starts back up, here are some recommendations to get you started.