Homeschooling     Hot Topics     Home and Family     Early Education     K-12     After School     Education Guide     Enrichment Guide    

Hudson Valley schools create new learning platforms



The beginning of a new educational vision

Hudson Valley, schools, opening, kids, families

This fall we begin a new direction in learning. The plans put in place are experimental at best. September is the start of a learn-as-we-go education system.

We ask you not to think of this time as education at its worst. This as a time for innovation and change. Over 100 years ago, Maria Montessori created a new educational environment that fostered children’s natural desire to learn and provided freedom for them to choose their own materials. There was plenty of controversy when this educational direction was introduced, but what was suggested 113 years ago is now integrated into standard teaching practices.
 
Think of this as a time, for both educators and parents, to create ways for us all, including our children, to learn how to become better at supporting this life on our planet.

I taught kids in 7th and 8th grade. I am a mom of two adult sons. And I am watching my two teen grandchildren moving forward in this educational arena we are creating during this pandemic.  My granddaughter enters the 10th grade and my grandson is going to college at RPI in Troy.

Let's support each other in these changing times. Use this as a time to make great things happen.

Click on your county's banner below for more info on your school district











More Homeschooling


  • Squiggles to Words: The Emergent Writer

    Children begin mastering writing skills earlier than you think

    Learning to read and write is a complex task, but the wonder is children are thrilled to learn this skill. The trick is to keep a balance of drill and practice kinds of lessons with a higher proportion of authentic writing tasks. Filling in a worksheet on the letter ‘b’ is far less productive than actually writing about a ball or balloon. read more »
  • Keep kids learning during summer

    3 fun, easy ways

    With school out, summertime brings long, carefree days of play and fun. With a little thought and a few supplies, summer is a perfect opportunity to revitalize their innate love of learning that may be a bit squashed after a year of academic pressures, tests and schedules. read more »
  • Helping kids learn money lessons real in a digital age

    Get them on track for financial security

    From budgeting for a favorite purchase to learning about investing, the digital landscape provides ample opportunities to help kids build smart habits. read more »
  • Ten tips for boosting your child’s reading skills

    Your child will enjoy becoming a fluent reader

    Becoming a reader is one of the most exciting learning adventures your child will ever experience. Many children need little more than exposure to books and they’re off on their own. But others need guided support as they struggle with sounds, fluency and reading unfamiliar words. read more »
  • De-stress your kids: The benefits of nature play

    Outdoor play helps kids build skills and stay healthy

    Today’s children lack adequate outdoor play experiences. Early learning specialists are sounding the cry. read more »
  • 5 ways to get kids excited about STEM learning

    The country needs more good scientists

    The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place. read more »
  • Nature-based education for kids

    Ideas for using the great outdoors as a learning tool

    Whether you're homeschooling and need to enlarge your curriculum or you just want your kids to know more about the natural world, here are some ways to bring nature into the learning process. read more »
  • Learn How to Help Your Struggling Adolescents Navigate Change and Overcome Anxiety

    Parenting expert Erica Komisar has a new book that can assist you

    Adolescence is a notoriously complicated time for kids as well as their parents. Plus, the epidemic of mental health disorders in young people has made parenting today even more challenging. But it’s not too late. Parents of adolescents can still have a profound impact on the health and well-being of their children. read more »
  • 6 tips to mitigate mental health risks for youth

    We need to address Youth Mental Health Crisis

    Today’s kids are experiencing significant levels of stress and anxiety at home, at school, and in their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic, which affected children across all of these environments, only intensified the problem. read more »
  • 5 reasons why your child should (and can) learn how to play chess

    A revolutionary new game that helps kids learn this game of strategy

    Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed entertainment. read more »