MSI Press Blog

When the kids were little, we drove from Pittsburgh to Daytona Beach, Florida, to visit Donnie’s grandmother after Grandpa died. We spent some lovely days on the beach. Lizzie and Shane ran straight into the surf like they had been born with gills. Noelle, determined as always, figured out how to wade with her braces and crutches. (When we got home, we had to explain to the bracemaker how the ocean had “mysteriously” demolished them. He was not amused. Noelle was.) Doah, only a couple of years old, couldn’t run with the others. He still had his tracheotomy, so he and I sat in the sand building castles while Donnie supervised the older kids. It was one of the rare moments in those years when I felt relaxed — truly relaxed — because most of our time was spent in hospitals, clinics, or managing medical equipment at home. Sitting there with him, letting the sun warm us, I allowed myself to believe that everything was under control. And then the ocean reminded me that nothing is ever under ...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #227 Seed Experiments   To see things in the seed, that is genius. ~ Lao-Tzu   Planting seeds and then observing and recording the growth of plants is always fascinating for young children and another good way to bring science into your home. If it’s possible, consider helping your child plant a real garden in which he can truly enjoy the “fruits” of his labor. Here are some easy and rewarding foods to grow: ●       pumpkins; ●       tomatoes; ●       carrots; ●       potatoes; ●       green beans; ●       peas; or ●       anything he shows an interest in!   If it is not possible for your child to grow his own garden, he might enjoy the following...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #226 Plant Parts A weed is no more than a flower in disguise. ~James Lowell               Children can easily recognize plants. Your child can probably identify a variety of them, but can she identify all of the basic parts? Here are ten fun activities to try with your child (and whole family!) that will help make a plant’s structure understandable in hands-on ways:   1.      Discuss the function of each part. The best way to do this is by observing a plant your child is familiar with either in or around your home. Don’t forget that trees are plants, too, just on a larger scale. Begin by asking your child what she thinks each part would do by observing it. Here’s a guide: a.      Leaf: makes food with help from t...