Hands-On Amelia Earhart Exhibition Brings STEM Learning to South Texas Families

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is now a permanent exhibition at The Children’s Museum of Brownsville. Photo: Children’s Museum of Brownsville, used with permission.

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey Takes Flight in Brownsville

SAN ANTONIO — Two of Texas’s leading children’s museums, The DoSeum in San Antonio and Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB), are proud to announce their collaborative presentation of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey, a high-energy, family-centered exhibition inspired by the legacy of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and her historic ties to Brownsville, Texas. (The DoSeum/Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 2025)

The exhibition officially opened to the public at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville during a grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 22, and is now a permanent exhibition at CMB.

A Story of Flight, Courage, and South Texas Possibility

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey invites children to step into the story of flight through hands-on exploration, playful engineering challenges, and immersive environments that connect history to the future of STEM.

Inspired by Amelia Earhart’s fearless spirit, and a remarkable chapter of her aviation legacy linked to Brownsville, it encourages young learners to ask bold questions:

How do planes fly?
What makes someone a trailblazer?
What dreams are possible when science meets courage?

Through interactive components designed for early learners through upper elementary ages, families explore physics, aerodynamics, problem-solving, and perseverance, all anchored in a story that belongs to this region.

The Power of Two Museums, One Shared Mission

The DoSeum and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville came together with a simple belief: children thrive when communities invest in curiosity.

As exhibition collaborators, the two institutions pooled creative development, educational design support, and operational expertise to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for South Texas families. This partnership strengthens a regional pipeline of learning, making it easier for children to encounter consistent, STEM-rich experiences whether they visit museums in San Antonio, Brownsville, or anywhere in between.

“When children see their local history reflected in exciting, hands-on experiences, it changes the way they imagine their future. This collaboration is about building bridges between cities, between institutions, and most importantly between kids and opportunity.”
— Meredith Doby, Chief Creative Officer, The DoSeum

“Amelia’s Journey is a love letter to South Texas, the dreamers, the builders, and the next generation of innovators. We’re grateful to have the support of The DoSeum, for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us to bring this exhibit to life for our community.”
— Felipe Peña III, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Brownsville

This partnership reflects a growing movement among cultural and educational institutions to share resources, expertise, and imagination, ensuring children across the region, regardless of ZIP code, can access world-class learning experiences.

A Regional Investment in Families

Along with the recent Boca Chica to Mars exhibition, the launch of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is part of a broader expansion of STEM learning opportunities at CMB, including major new exhibition investments exceeding $1 million.

For families in Deep South Texas, this means more chances to learn together in spaces that are safe, joyful, culturally connected, and designed specifically for children. It also means local students can experience interactive science learning that research shows supports long-term academic confidence and interest in STEM careers.

Visit the Exhibition

Children’s Museum of Brownsville
501 E. Ringgold St.
Brownsville, TX

Families, school groups, and community partners are invited to visit and explore.

About the Children’s Museum of Brownsville

The Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB) creates innovative, playful learning environments for children ages birth to 11, serving children and families since 2005. Through exhibits, programs, and community collaborations, CMB nurtures imagination, cultural curiosity, and early STEM engagement for families across the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas.

About The DoSeum

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. Featuring interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, The DoSeum is committed to sparking curiosity and igniting imaginations for children, caregivers, and educators across the San Antonio community.

Meet Baxter: The DoSeum’s Newest Mascot Steals the Show at the State of The DoSeum Breakfast

San Antonio actor Celestina Harris and The DoSeum CEO Dan Menelly debut Baxter. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO – For ten years, The DoSeum has invited San Antonio’s children to learn, explore, and create, shaping a generation of curious thinkers. San Antonio’s premier children’s museum kicked off its 10th anniversary year with its annual State of The DoSeum breakfast event on Tuesday January 28, 2025. This milestone celebration not only marks a decade of experiential learning but also showcases the museum’s impact and continued commitment to children and caregivers in the Alamo City. (The DoSeum, 2025)

During the annual State of The DoSeum breakfast, San Antonio actor Celestina Harris and The DoSeum CEO Dan Menelly unveiled The DoSeum’s new mascot: Baxter.

Meet Baxter The Robot

Wired for friendship and powered by pure joy, Baxter is The DoSeum’s beloved mascot. When he isn’t buzzing through exhibits, he’s lighting up the rooms with his infectious energy, and encouraging every visitor to embrace their curiosity. With a sweet smile, circuits of charm, and a heart full of cheer, Baxter’s mission is clear: to keep minds at play and remind everyone that learning can be joyful at any age.

Whether he’s offering a high-five, sharing a new discovery, or leading a fun-filled adventure, Baxter is always ready to spread happiness and spark new ideas. His battery is always full, and his circuits are always buzzing with excitement for the next adventure. No challenge is too big, no question too small—Baxter is here to brighten your day and make every visit to The DoSeum an unforgettable one.

The DoSeum’s Impact on San Antonio

Since opening its doors in 2015, The DoSeum has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s educational and cultural landscape. With 68,000 square feet of interactive space featuring more than 250 exhibits, the museum has consistently provided enriching experiences in STEM, arts, and literacy for children aged 0 to 11.

The DoSeum has established itself as more than just a children’s museum. It serves as a valuable resource for San Antonio’s educational ecosystem, with long-standing research partnerships with area colleges and universities.

Since its opening, The DoSeum has demonstrated a commitment to dynamic, evolving experiences for its visitors. The DoSeum fortifies its membership through continual renewal of exhibition themes and educational events. The museum has renovated four permanent exhibit galleries and made updates to many individual exhibits, ensuring fresh experiences for repeat visitors. In addition to its permanent offerings, The DoSeum has hosted over 30 special exhibitions since 2015 over the past decade providing a unique environment for early learners to discover big ideas and foundational concepts through interactive and creative play.

The people powering The DoSeum’s Success

At the heart of The DoSeum’s success is its exceptional team of 80 staff members, including an Education team with unparalleled expertise in the museum industry. Featuring former classroom teachers and professionals with advanced degrees in Education and STEM-related fields, this talented group conducts innovative, TEKS-aligned programs, leads engaging holiday and summer camps, and provides inspired professional development for area educators. The DoSeum’s educational offerings, meticulously crafted and rooted in proven frameworks, incorporate elements of risky play to foster growth and development. This collective experience forms the foundation for San Antonio’s most innovative program portfolio, ensuring that every visit to The DoSeum is not just educational, but also engaging and fun for children of all ages.

Cruising into the Next Decade

The DoSeum is poised for an exciting future, having solidified a new strategic plan for the next 10 years. With support from a generous grant from The Meadows Foundation, the museum has invested in research and robust evaluation to strengthen its educational program design and outcomes. This research will inform The DoSeum’s focus on growth for sustainable placemaking, fully integrated experience design, exemplary informal STEM education, and engaging learners of all profiles.

The museum plans to introduce new, innovative themes to its camps, weekly workshops, and other programs. Among these additions is a focus on ceramics, providing children with hands-on experiences in this tactile art form. These new programs reflect The DoSeum’s commitment to continually evolving its curriculum to engage young learners in diverse and exciting ways. By blending retrospection with innovation, The DoSeum aims to build on its successful foundation while adapting to the changing interests and needs of San Antonio’s youth.

The DoSeum’s commitment to growth and innovation is evidenced in its plans for 2025 exhibits. On March 1, The DoSeum will unveil “Uniquely Us: Understanding Race and Building Unity,” its second internally developed traveling exhibition. This project, in development since 2020, has benefited from extensive community input and national support. Following this, “Emotions at Play,” a hands-on exhibition, based on Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out”, will focus on social-emotional learning and is set to open on May 24. The museum’s celebration continues into fall and winter with a special birthday edition of the Artist-in-Residence exhibition.

Finally, the community is invited to Save the Date for June 6th for The DoSeum Birthday Bash where admission will be free all day to the community.

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning since 1995, offering 68,000 square feet of exhibits and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space. The Doseum offers hands-on experiences that empower families to explore, create and discover together. It offers interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

The DoSeum

Get Ready for School Discovery Day at The DoSeum: What to Expect

San Antonio’s largest charter-choice school fair brings together representatives from more than 40 campuses and organizations for one extraordinary day of family fun. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — San Antonio Charter Moms is pleased to host the upcoming School Discovery Day at The DoSeum on Saturday January 25, 2025, held in conjunction with National School Choice Week (January 26–February 1) and the flagship event in San Antonio Charter Moms’ annual, free School Discovery Days series. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2025)

The weeklong, national celebration highlights the diverse educational options available via schools of choice and the many benefits they may provide. Considered the leading local school search authority, San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) provides easy access to extensive, unbiased school resources such as online discussion groups, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, and a school finder app. Perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Days bring dozens of local schools of choice together in kid-friendly locations throughout the city so families can easily learn more about their educational options. Guests attending 2025’s flagship event will not only be able to meet with over 40 schools and organizations but will also have exclusive access to The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy, interactive galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play.

The entire DoSeum will be reserved for School Discovery Day attendees from 9a.m. until noon. Upon checking in, each family will receive a free tote bag (while supplies last) with goodies and information and have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt. SACM team members will be on hand to answer questions about the event and general school search topics. Representatives from participating schools will be present throughout the DoSeum to meet interested parents and prospective students, provide enrollment information, and answer questions. School models at the event will include public charter schools, in-district charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, preschools, and homeschooling. Families will also be able to investigate many learning models represented by various participating schools, including child-centered learning, classical education, STEM, dual language, college and career readiness, culturally responsive schools, functional needs schools, and credit recovery schools. AIM Educate, a San Antonio-based company providing special education therapies and evaluations, will be onsite help families understand the private evaluation process and diagnostic options. Futuro San Antonio will connect with families to help them become strong education advocates.

Of course, at a setting like the DoSeum, play goes hand-in-hand with education, and there will be plenty of fun to be had for School Discovery Day attendees of all ages. Guests who participate in the scavenger hunt and interact with schools can enter a raffle to win a prize. In addition to up to three hours of exploring the DoSeum, other entertainment options include live sets by the young DJs from The AM Project, a mobile petting zoo from Once in a Wild, and demonstrations by FIRST in Texas robotics teams.

Attending families MUST pre-register for this free, limited-capacity event by signing up every attendee over the age of one, unregistered guests will not be admitted. This popular event typically sees high demand, so prompt pre-registration is advised — once 1,000 guests have signed up, registration will be closed. Guests should plan to arrive on the early side, as SACM will stop admitting guests at 11:30a.m. and all School Discovery Day Attendees must leave the DoSeum by 12p.m. The raffle drawing will be held at 11:40a.m.

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

And stay tuned for this upcoming event:

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR

When: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Where: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
What: Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with more than 20 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more. Guests are encouraged to register online.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when Founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily learn about high-quality school options. The blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools, be they charter, private, or public.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain: What ‘Out of Your Mind’ Reveals About the Human Brain

‘Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain’ will be released in January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The search to understand how the brain works has been a long-standing scientific endeavor, exploring the complexities of cognition, emotions, memory, and consciousness. Neuroscience and psychology have made significant strides, yet much remains unknown about the brain’s intricate processes. Books such as “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks delve into neurological disorders, offering insight into brain function. In “How to Change Your Mind,” Michael Pollan explores neuroplasticity and the impact of psychedelics. Meanwhile, Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” illuminates decision-making and cognitive biases, offering a deeper understanding of human thought processes.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the brain but found the subject too complicated, there’s a new book coming out next month that aims to make it more accessible to all readers.

“Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain” by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin goes on sale January 28th, 2025. It’s an introductory journey into your own mind—if your inner voice had a Ph. D. in brain science, cracked jokes, and drew cartoons. (Penguin Random House, 2024)

Why do you love? Why do you lie? What makes you happy? Every single thought you have comes from one place: your brain. But what makes it tick? How much of it have we decoded, and how much of it remains an impenetrable mystery?

Join best-selling author and online cartoonist Jorge Cham and neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin on a deep dive into the fascinating world of the human brain, in which they will explore questions such as: What is consciousness? Where is you in the brain? And do we have free will? All while illuminating everything we know (and DON’T know) about one of the most complex objects in the known universe.

Think of it as conversation-ammunition for your next cocktail party, or a quick fascinating read while you’re in the bathroom (don’t worry, the chapters aren’t that long). Centered around questions we all ask ourselves at some point but don’t usually have answers to, “Out of Your Mind” is an illustrated book about the brain that isn’t too brainy. Playful, accessible, and deeply insightful, it’s the one brain book that’s truly accessible and suitable for all brains.

Some of the questions that are addressed include:

Where is the mind?
Why do we love?
Why do we hate?
Will an AI take my job?
What are the limits of memory?
What is addiction?
What is consciousness?
What makes us happy?
Do we have free will?
What happens when we die?
What makes us human?

JORGE CHAM is the Daytime Emmy-nominated and best-selling cartoonist creator of the popular online comic strip “Piled Higher and Deeper” (known as PHD Comics – phdcomics.com). He is the co-creator, Executive Producer and Creative Director of “Elinor Wonders Why,” one of the highest-rated animated shows on PBS Kids, and the co-author of two popular science books: the best-selling and award-winning “We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe and Frequently Asked Questions about the Universe,”as well as the children’s book “Oliver’s Great Big Universe.” Jorge is also the co-host and co-creator of “Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe” a popular podcast and radio show. He obtained his Ph.D. in robotics from Stanford University and was an Instructor and Research Associate at Caltech from 2003-2005. He is originally from Panama.

DWAYNE GODWIN is a neuroscientist, an educator, and an academic leader who is a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience and served as graduate dean at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His research centers on the cellular basis of abnormal brain rhythms, including active projects on calcium channel function, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. His goal is to use emerging insights about the brain to develop treatments and potential cures for neurological diseases. His science outreach includes Mind in Pictures, cocreated with Jorge Cham for Scientific American Mind, as well as blogs for the Society for Neuroscience and the Museum of the Moving Image.

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Mastering HVAC Basics: A Review of ‘The Complete HVAC Manual for Beginners’

‘The Complete HVAC Manual for Beginners’ by Frank Michael Hollis. Photo: Amazon

“The Complete HVAC Manual for Beginners” is a valuable resource for those new to the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). It provides a comprehensive introduction to HVAC systems, breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand segments. The writing is clear and easy to understand, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. The goal of the book is “…to equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to navigate the world of HVAC.” It is good for homeowners, students considering a career in HVAC, and/or new professionals in the industry. For students, it includes the education, certifications, and career paths possible in the industry.

It covers the essential topics such as system components, installation procedures, maintenance practices, and troubleshooting techniques. Each chapter is well-organized with step-by-step instructions and practical tips that are particularly useful for hands-on learners. Hollis includes illustrative diagrams and colorful photographs that enhance comprehension, offering visual aids to complement the text.

Chapters include:

Introduction

Part I: Fundamentals of HVAC Systems

Part II: Components of HVAC Systems

Part III: HVAC System Designs

Part IV: Practical Applications, Installation, and Maintenance of HVAC Systems

Part V: Career Pathways in HVAC

Part VI: Advanced Topics: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Part VII: Appendices and Additional Resources

Highlights:

Part V – it is aimed at students and it includes valuable information on Continuing Education and Professional Development and Professional Ethics and Safety in the HVAC Industry.

Part VI – informs readers on how to integrate renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, wind energy, and even hybrid systems to enhance energy efficiency.

Most importantly, it emphasizes safety and best practices, ensuring that beginners not only learn how to work with HVAC systems but also prioritize safety and efficiency. Hollis’s practical advice on common issues and preventative measures helps readers avoid potential pitfalls.

Overall, “The Complete HVAC Manual for Beginners” is a detailed and thorough guide that equips newcomers with the knowledge and confidence needed to enter the HVAC field. Homeowners who want to understand their heating and cooling systems will find it helpful as well. Its practical approach and clear explanations make it a valuable addition to any beginner’s toolkit.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Unlocking Potential: Advocating for Music and Arts in Education

Wolfpen Branch Donation. Photo: Can’d Aid, used with permission.

Music and the arts are an important part of a well-rounded education, fostering creativity, expression, and critical thinking. In schools, they provide avenues for students to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and cultivate cultural understanding. They offer students alternative means of communication and self-expression, especially for those who may struggle in traditional academic subjects. By integrating music and the arts into education, schools nurture holistic development, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives while enriching communities with diverse perspectives and creativity. Now more than ever, it is essential that these programs continue to be a part of students’ curriculum.

In honor of World Music Day this June 21, I’d like to share the excellent work that Can’d Aid is doing to ensure that students have access to musical instruments and music education.

Can’d Aid has donated thousands of brand new instruments to underserved school systems, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Since its inception in 2013, Can’d Aid has donated nearly 3,700 instruments and hosted more than 160 educational music workshops across the country. (Turn It Up, 2024)

Through its Music + Arts program, Can’d Aid partners with nationally touring artists who donate their time, energy and passion while they’re on the road touring to facilitate instrument donations to classrooms across the country as TUNES Ambassadors. Longtime TUNES Ambassadors include Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps, Woody Platt and Charles Humphrey III of Steep Canyon Rangers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more. Can’d Aid TUNES Ambassadors host live-music concerts for classes in underserved school districts, introducing kids to the joys of music.

Ambassadors tell their stories and teach hands-on, educational sessions, with the goal of getting kids excited about learning to play an instrument. Creative outlets are essential to fostering good mental health in children, yet arts programs in public schools are typically the first to be defunded, as they’re expensive to run and not considered “core curriculum” or necessary for graduation. The TUNES program is a way for Can’d Aid to offset the decline in arts program funding and keep music in schools.

Can’d Aid is a nationally recognized nonprofit that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities. Through their unique integrated approach, they increase access and opportunities for underserved youth to experience music, arts and the outdoors; and protect and restore the environment. Since its inception in 2013, more than 19,500 skateboards and bikes have been built for underprivileged youth, more than 3,700 instruments have been donated and nearly 2,000 tons of trash have been diverted from landfills. To donate, volunteer or learn more, please visit Can’d Aid online.

New children’s book release: ‘Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio’ by Lucille Newton Cascos

‘Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio’ is the new children’s book by Lucille Newton Cascos about a father and son opossum. Photo: Amazon

Children’s books are magical portals to worlds where imagination knows no bounds. From the whimsical tales of talking animals to fantastical adventures in far-off lands, these books ignite curiosity and foster creativity. Vibrant illustrations breathe life into characters, captivating young minds and sparking endless wonder. Through stories of friendship, bravery, and discovery, children learn valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of imagination. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of bedtime stories or the thrill of exploring new realms, children’s books serve as timeless companions on the journey of growing up, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.

Brownsville native Lucille Newton Cascos has a new children’s book that centers around a young opossum named Tikito titled “Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio: Father and Son’s Life Lessons of a Brownsville Native Opossum Who Dared to Dream.” I attended a book signing she had on Friday at Surge Mobile Physical Therapy in Olmito. Lucille took the time to sign copies of the book and take pictures with guests and children. There was a costumed opossum greeting visitors and entertaining the children and guests were treated to fruit, cheese, and other snacks. The atmosphere was celebratory and cheerful as those in attendance were excited to have a book all about a common sight in the valley, an opossum. The author is looking forward to more book signings in area schools and libraries and confirmed that there could be more books in the future as a series.

The book is recommended for older children and is both entertaining and educational. It has colorful illustrations and plenty of reading comprehension words to help young readers improve their language skills. The glossary of vocabulary terms in the back comes in handy in case there’s a word or two they need to look up. The story is poignant and inspiring and explores the themes of family, culture, and the importance of being true to yourself. Thank you, Lucille, for shining a light on this often misunderstood marsupial. Congratulations – it was a pleasure meeting you.

“Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio” aims to make learning fun and engaging for children around the world, introducing them to animals, cultures, and the Spanish language. By combining these elements, Lucille hopes to inspire a sense of discovery and foster curiosity and a love for learning in young readers.

Tiko and his rascally son, Tikito, live in the alleyways of Brownsville, Texas, where they escape the assault and dangers of the outside world. Having lived among humans, Tiko tries to shield his young son against the treachery around them, ultimately sharing the life lessons Tikito will need to survive. (Amazon, 2024)

For Kids Ages 7-9, 10-12. Grades 2-8
Educational, 70+ Target Reading Comprehension Words

“As the seasons changed, Tikito always remembered one thing that stuck in his head from all of his father’s wisdom: even within a short time, everyone can leave a lasting impact and create a legacy worth remembering.”

With Tikito and author Lucille Newton Cascos

New book: ‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’

‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’ teaches children essential sign language words and phrases, allowing them to communicate with deaf peers in school. Photo: ProCare Therapy.

Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy, has worked in the Education Staffing industry for more than 15 years. She has partnered with school districts and dedicated school professionals across the country, supporting special education, speech therapy, school psychology, and much more. She is a member of the Chairman’s Club of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing from the University of Georgia, and loves spending time with her husband and two children. (ProCare Therapy, 2023)

Almost 400,000 children have a hearing disability in the US and they outnumber school interpreters by 41 children to 1 interpreter. Studies show children have a critical period of learning between ages 1 and 5 years when they are ready to acquire a new language. This period is riskier for hard of hearing children, because if they don’t communicate regularly, they can develop language deprivation. To prevent language deprivation, more than 20 states across the country have passed laws to monitor deaf children’s language development, but sign language still isn’t taught in schools.

The need for accessible and engaging resources to help children better understand their deaf peers has caused ProCare Therapy, one of the country’s top sources of school-based therapy, to launch a free digital and downloadable storybook. This new digital storybook helps children learn to sign in six easy steps.

“We are passionate about providing resources that not only educate but also inspire empathy and understanding in children.” – Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy

Introducing Ben and Mia, who are making sign language easy and fun for children to learn. Children to learn how to sign essential American Sign Language (ASL) words and phrases, such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “My name is.”

‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’ will help educate children, parents, and teachers in ASL along with the challenges that deaf children can face, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity in classrooms and beyond.

Children can learn the following signs:

Hello
My name is
Alphabet (to spell your name)
Please
Thank you
Goodbye

‘Ben signs: A New School Adventure’ is designed to be shared and can be downloaded for free.

“We believe this book will help children not only connect with their deaf peers but also educate children, parents and educators on the challenges that deaf children can face, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity in classrooms and beyond.”

Photo: ProCare Therapy, used with permission.

A true partner in education, ProCare Therapy is one of the country’s top sources of school-based therapy. We are solely dedicated to making a difference in the life of each child, every day, with every school session. Whether you’re a school in need of therapists or a clinician looking for a company that values your gifts, ProCare Therapy is your source.

Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy. Photo: ProCare Therapy, used with permission.

Four ways to give kids a strong start in life

Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or just someone else who cares about children in some way, you might well be keen to know exactly what it is that children need in order to have the best start possible in their lives. As it happens, there are a few things in particular that you might want to be aware of which can be particularly useful to children early on. In this post, we’ll look at four examples of things that kids generally need in order to have a strong start in life.

Encouragement
First of all, most people need plenty of encouragement, and especially when they are young. If you are able to provide this to your kids, then it’s going to make a world of difference to how much they feel they are capable of and what they are generally able to achieve, which in itself will affect their life considerably from here on out. So make sure that you are encouraging them in all they do, and especially where you notice any particular skills or interests that seem to be developing. That could make a world of difference to their lives.

Communication
Having the ability to communicate well is something that can set a person up very well in life, and it’s certainly the kind of thing you should be aiming to encourage in your kids as best as you can. There are many ways to do this. First, if there is anything specifically getting in their way of easy communication, then you might want to find them some help with that, perhaps through something like the Scottish Rite Foundation or similar. Then it’s about making sure that you are personally communicating well, so that they do the same in return. It’s amazing how much this can help.

Friendship
Nobody can do very well without people around them, and so this is something that you definitely need to make sure you are thinking about too. If you want your kids to be as happy as possible, it’s always going to be important for them that they have friends, but some kids find it naturally easier than others to make friends. If you happen to have children who are finding it somewhat difficult to do this, then you can help them along, and helping them is going to give them a much brighter start on the whole.

Education
Overall, a good, strong education is obviously one of the most important things of all. You can encourage and ensure this in a few ways, including finding them a good school, making sure that you give them the necessary motivation to actually learn well, and making sure that you help them with any areas of education that they tend to find difficult. If you can do those simple things, it’s going to mean that they have a much stronger, happier and well-rounded start in life, and the ongoing effects of this can be really quite profound.

Collaborative Post

New book release: ‘Top 20 Safety Rules’ by Divan Publisher

Part of the *Kids Should Know* series, this book teaches kids basic safety rules such how to safely cross a street and the importance of wearing a helmet when bike riding. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Top 20 Safety Rules: The Ultimate Guide for Kids & Children” is an informative guide for parents and caregivers who want to teach children the essential safety rules to keep them safe from harm. The book provides simple, easy-to-understand safety rules that cover a wide range of potential hazards that children may encounter in their daily lives. The book’s focus is on teaching kids basic safety rules, such as crossing the street, wearing helmets while riding a bike, and not talking to strangers. (Divan Publisher, 2023)

The book begins with an introduction that highlights the importance of safety and explains why it is essential to teach children safety rules. The author emphasizes that the goal of the book is to provide parents and caregivers with the tools they need to keep children safe and protect them from harm.

The safety rules presented in the book are divided into several categories, each covering a different aspect of safety. For example, the first chapter focuses on safety rules for crossing the street, such as looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, and walking facing traffic. The chapter provides clear explanations of each rule and offers tips for parents and caregivers to reinforce these safety habits with their children.

The second chapter focuses on safety rules for riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The author emphasizes the importance of wearing helmets and other safety gear, obeying traffic rules, and being aware of one’s surroundings. The chapter includes helpful illustrations to demonstrate safe riding practices and provide visual aids to reinforce the safety rules.

The book also includes a chapter on fire safety, which covers essential safety rules such as creating a fire escape plan, staying low to the ground during a fire, and not playing with matches or lighters. The chapter provides valuable information for parents and caregivers to teach their children about fire safety and prepare them for emergencies.

Another chapter in the book covers safety rules for playing outdoors, such as avoiding areas with high traffic, staying away from bodies of water without adult supervision, and not climbing on fences or trees. The chapter provides practical advice for parents and caregivers to ensure that children play safely outdoors.

The book also covers safety rules for interacting with strangers, such as not accepting gifts or rides from strangers, not giving personal information to strangers, and seeking help from a trusted adult if approached by a stranger. The chapter provides clear explanations of each safety rule and offers tips for parents and caregivers to reinforce these safety habits with their children.

Overall, “Top 20 Safety Rules” is an informative and practical guide that provides parents and caregivers with the tools they need to teach children essential safety rules. The book is well-organized, easy to read, and contains valuable information, stories and illustrations that parents and caregivers can use to keep their children safe from harm. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this book is an essential resource for teaching children basic safety rules and helping them stay safe in their daily lives.

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Tag: Education