School phone bans. One-to-one devices. Class-time screen use. These hot-button issues are sparking debate in schools and households around the country as educators and parents grapple with how device use during school time impacts student focus, learning, and development. But what do we know about the effectiveness of phone bans, and what do experts recommend for device use in the classroom? A growing wave of education leaders and policymakers are adopting new cellphone policies, with…
You’ve signed up for classes, you’ve learned your way around the virtual course system — and now, you’ve got to make sure you survive all the way to graduation. Laptop or paper notes? Highlighter or flashcards? And does music help while studying? Here’s how to take better notes and study so that you remember what you’ve learned — without getting crushed by college stress. Plus: what to do if you do feel crushed. There is…
Every child will likely have trouble with homework at some point, but for children with ADHD, the problem can go beyond a few assignments. Students with ADHD often face challenges with focus, patience, and organization. These challenges can make it hard for students to perform to their full potential in and out of the classroom. With these ADHD homework strategies, your child can learn how to focus on homework, get better grades, and build their…
You can enjoy the water in many ways at Massachusetts state parks, beaches, and pools! Accessible beaches have boardwalks and beach mats to get you out onto the sand. Beach wheelchairs with balloon tires can move you across the sand, and floating beach wheelchairs get you into the water itself. Check out our list of accessible beaches and pools in Massachusetts below. After you find some accessible beaches you like, please check with that beach…
Giving kids too much time with screens is easy to do, but not good for kids. Kids need limits on their screen time to protect much needed and ever-decreasing time for imaginative free play—the kind that leads to creativity, social skills, greater self-control, greater emotional regulation, and more. We can set up our environment to help limit screen time by making bedrooms screen-free and limiting our own time using our devices. Make sure you promote…
Summertime in Boston means it’s time to splash in spray parks! There’s plenty of free water fun to be had all around the city, and we’ve rounded up some favorite spots. Frog Pond, Boston Common—Beacon Hill From the opening day festivities in late June through Labor Day weekend, children ages 12 and under can cool off in the Frog Pond Spray Pool, open daily at 11 a.m. Rose Kennedy Greenway — Chinatown Parks, Wharf District…
The admission essay is an essential part of any college application. Here are seven tips for writing a great one. 1. Put your best foot forward. Submitting your admission essay online may feel like you’re sending email, but you’re not. Incorrect capitalization or abbreviations like b4 or thx are not appropriate for a formal document. Make sure your essay represents the best of you. 2. Stay focused. Read the essay question carefully. Jot down a…
There are many June activities for families to enjoy in the Boston area this year. Check out our list of June activities and events happening in the Boston area. Strawberry Picking at Tougas Farm Tue, June 2, 2026 – Thu, June 25, 2026 Pick-Your-Own strawberries, strawberries desserts at the farm kitchen, playground and petting zoo make for a great family day at Tougas Family Farm Boston Fireworks by Date 2026 Tue, June 2, 2026 –…
A college visit is the best way to evaluate whether a campus suits you. If possible, do a college visit for every school that you are strongly considering. No website, guidebook, or testimonial will give you a better feel for a school than you’ll get by seeing it for yourself. Many students change their minds after a college visit, and this is obviously preferable to changing your mind after you enroll. Get the most out…
A little nervousness before a test is typical and can help sharpen your mind and focus your attention, but with test anxiety, feelings of worry and self-doubt can interfere with how well you do on tests and make you miserable. Test anxiety can affect anyone, whether you’re a grade school or high school student, a college student, or an employee who has to take tests to move ahead in a career or get certified. Several…
