MSI Press Blog

Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #248 Hidden Treasure   Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know. ~Daniel Boorstin               As you read about in Idea #20, the game “Hidden Treasure” is an easy and fun way to practice just about anything! Social studies is no exception. If you aren’t sure how to play, go back and read the directions. Basically, you are placing cards in a special box and taking turns pulling out a card. Questions/terms on the cards are read to each other, and points are earned for correct answers. For what to write on the cards, try: ●       states and their capitals; ●       dates and their significance; ●       presidents and their terms or major accomplishments; ●  ...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #247 Creating the Environment   First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. ~ Napoleon Hill            What is it about the library that makes people want to sit down quietly and get to work? It’s the atmosphere. The library is full of books, reference materials, tables and chairs, computers, proper lighting, and helpful people; all of this creates the proper atmosphere for learning and working. Creating the right atmosphere in your child’s workspace invites your child to learn and can make it so much more enjoyable. Consider your child’s workspace. She probably has paper, pencils, markers and other office-like supplies on her desk. Now, look around her workspace while you consider the sub...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #246 Mystery Insect: The Life Cycle of an Insect               Here’s an opportunity for you and your child to observe all four stages of the life cycle of an insect right in your own home. Here’s what you’ll need:   ●       plastic (see through) cup; ●       plastic wrap; ●       rubber band; ●       Corn Flakes cereal; and ●       mealworms (from pet store—they use them for feeding other animals).   1.      Fill the plastic cup ¾ of the way with the Corn Flakes. 2.      Add 4-6 mealworms. 3.      Cover the cup with plastic wrap, and secure it with the ru...