Consider Studying Abroad in Ireland

Have you considered studying abroad in high school? Maybe your academic advisor shared how much more attention your college app will get with an international experience listed. Now high school abroad is on your radar and you’re ready to see what the world has to offer before settling into a four-year college degree program. Whether it has been your dream to put your three years of Spanish class to the test in Spanish-speaking countries, or…

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How Parents Can Help Children Feel Seen

How good are parents at seeing their kids? We mean really seeing them for who they are — perceiving them, making sense of them, and responding to them in timely and effective ways. This is how your child comes to experience the emotional sensation not only of belonging and of feeling felt, but also of being known. Science suggests, and experience supports, that when parents show up for their kids and give them the opportunity…

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5 Ways the Public Library Can Save You Money

Everyone knows you can save money on books by checking them out at the library instead of buying them, but did you know that libraries can help you save on other things, too? In some locations, you can borrow tools, take free language classes, and even get free tickets to local museums and attractions. The resources that your library has to offer will depend on its size and funding, which comes in part from taxpayer…

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Extracurriculars for the Student Athlete

While being an outstanding athlete can give you a leg up in the college admissions process, it is still a good idea to boost your resume with other activities, so colleges can see the ways you might contribute off the field as well as on it. If you are a high school athlete, you know that sports require a lot of time and energy, so you will need to find extracurricular and service activities that…

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Women’s History Month Classroom Activities

March is Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day on March 8 is also a part of the celebration each year. For educators and students, the month provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and dig deeper into women’s contributions, struggles, and triumphs throughout history. Celebrate the accomplishments women have made during the course of history with the following Women’s History Month activities. 1. Research and personal interview. Invite students to produce a podcast featuring an…

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Fun Activities to Celebrate Leap Day

Leap Day, on February 29, has been a day of traditions, folklore and superstitions ever since they were first introduced by Julius Caesar over 2000 years ago. According to an old Irish legend, St Brighid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every four years. In Scotland, it used to be considered unlucky for someone to be born on leap…

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Signs of Overscheduling in Kids

Psychologists have long warned about overscheduling, which undermines children’s ability to develop non-academic skills that they’ll need in adulthood, from coping with setbacks to building strong relationships. Now a trio of economists say they’ve been able to calculate some of these psychological costs. In a new data analysis published in the February 2024 issue of the Economics of Education Review, three economists from the University of Georgia and the Federal Reserve Board found that students…

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How Parents Can Help Anxious Children

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in children. The rates of anxious children have been growing dramatically; in 2021, a meta-analysis found that 20.5% of children worldwide have symptoms of anxiety. It is very normal for children to have fears that seem irrational or out of proportion to the danger actually posed, such as being afraid of the dark or worried about parents leaving. However, most children seem to outgrow these fears…

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President’s Day Activities for the Classroom

President’s Day lessons are part of kids’ development of an overall understanding of the office of the presidency and why it’s so important. These lessons can lay the groundwork for their active involvement as citizens down the road, making them more inclined to see voting as a civic duty and an important part of their role as Americans. Learning about the presidents on President’s Day can also help kids understand the principles and values that…

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Extracurricular Activities that Show Leadership

Student years are critical for your growth as a leader, being a time of opportunities where you can explore yourself by joining various clubs, sports, student politics, and community events. Participating in extracurricular activities is a great way to grow leadership skills like communication, problem-solving, organization, and strategic thinking. Here are five extracurricular activities that will show leadership on college applications. 1. Volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to show leadership skills because you’ll meet…

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