child education
Supporting Teachers: 4 ways to help lighten the burden for educators



(Family Features) Teachers are more than leaders in their classrooms, they are leaders in the communities they serve, committed to educating the leaders of tomorrow, and their value cannot be overstated. To provide an optimal learning environment that equips their students for success, teachers often go above and beyond, sometimes at great personal expense.
In fact, an analysis by My eLearning World estimates teachers will spend an average of $820.14 out of pocket on school supplies during the 2023-24 school year, the largest amount ever, which doesn’t include all of the hours dedicated beyond the traditional school day.
To help alleviate some of the burden, consider these ways parents, guardians and community members can contribute and support the efforts of educators.
Volunteer in the Classroom
One of the easiest ways to learn what life is like in the classroom and truly understand the needs is to spend some time there helping out. Many school districts could use volunteers to assist with one-on-one tutoring, organizing library books, chaperoning field trips, speaking to classes about career paths and more. Start by checking with your child’s teacher or calling the front office to see what opportunities might be available.
Assist with Classroom Registries
Well-equipped classrooms are essential to student success, but teachers cannot do it alone. To help assist educators in reducing out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies, Walmart’s Classroom Registry allows teachers to create personalized lists of items they need, making it easy for the community to contribute to and support their efforts. Tailored to educators with personalized creation flow and recommended classroom items unique to each grade level – including popular items such as stationery, classroom decorations, art supplies, classroom treats and rewards such as stickers and “edutainment” items – teachers can share their lists quickly and easily through direct links to their custom registries. Registries are also discoverable via the registry search using the teacher’s last name and state.
Work with Your Student at Home
Not all learning takes place in the classroom. In fact, you can model the importance of your child’s education at home and create good habits such as doing homework at a certain time each night, getting a good night’s rest before school and using lessons learned in the classroom during family time. Contact your child’s teacher to learn more about the lesson plan and what you can do at home to assist with your student’s education.
Attend School Board Meetings to Voice Support
Because important decisions that impact teachers are often made by those not in the classroom every day, keeping tabs on the issues impacting teachers and local school districts can help you advocate for educators if the need arises. Start by attending a few school board meetings to learn how they operate and get a handle on issues directly impacting teachers. Then make your voice heard – or run for the school board – to support policies and actions that serve teachers’ best interests.
Find customized classroom wish lists and more resources to support teachers at Walmart.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Walmart
child education
Set Children Up for Day Care Success: 6 ways parents can prep little ones for child care
Long days of school, first trips to day care or even a return from a period of at-home care can be difficult or downright nerve-wracking for parents and children alike.



(Family Features) Long days of school, first trips to day care or even a return from a period of at-home care can be difficult or downright nerve-wracking for parents and children alike. This new adventure can bring challenges from keeping children healthy to supporting their nutrition and more. Sending a little one to day care can even result in maternal separation anxiety.
To help alleviate some of the anxiety and parental concerns, the childhood nutrition experts at Gerber teamed up with Dr. Whitney Casares – a board-certified practicing pediatrician and creator of “Modern Mommy Doc” – to share these tips for families preparing their little ones for child care.
Keep Important Factors Top of Mind
As part of appreciating the milestone of the first time at day care, Casares encourages parents to remember that, while daunting, day care means new experiences, new friends and opportunities for growth, fun and healthy development. As part of the transition, she suggests paying attention to critical factors like sleep, nutrition, illness prevention and emotional development.
Support Their Immune Systems
Offer little ones a diverse array of nutritious foods during the transition to day care. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential for building immune systems. Additionally, iron-rich foods like iron-fortified baby cereals, eggs, beans and meat are critical for a strong body. Caregivers should frequently wash hands and focus on good sleep hygiene.
Put Nutrition on the Menu
When packing lunch boxes for a day of care, it’s important to keep nutrition in mind. Once children transition to finger foods, Casares recommends snacks from Gerber like Peach Puffs, Fruit and Veggie Melts and Wonderfoods Superfood Hearts, which come in a variety of flavors and include vital nutrients to optimize health.
Be Prepared for Separation Anxiety
Not all infants and toddlers experience separation anxiety, but many can, so it’s good to be prepared. Casares encourages parents to pack a familiar swaddle blanket in infants’ diaper bags to help ease those anxieties. Some toddlers benefit from having a beloved stuffed animal or blanket with them. Try introducing these transitional objects to little ones early so they smell and feel familiar when drop-off comes around.
Pack the Essentials
While nutritious foods, like Gerber Fruit and Veggie Pouch Blends, are certainly near the top of the list, there are plenty of other essentials to pack for each day. Don’t forget to add breast milk or formula, bottles and extra nipples alongside snacks and meals. Also remember to pack extra sets of clothes, diapers, wipes and those anxiety-soothing must-haves like blankets and stuffed animals.
Prepare for Appetite Changes
It’s common for children’s appetites to decrease during their first few days of child care as they may eat a little less while growing accustomed to their new environment and surroundings. There’s no need to worry – parents can adapt to these changes by understanding they’re often a natural part of the transition. While you may find little ones are hungrier before and after day care, this behavior should ease over time. If it doesn’t, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to be sure babies stay on track.
To find more childhood nutrition advice, visit Gerber.com.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Gerber
child education
Taylor Taylor: Spreading Pickleball Passion in Memphis
Taylor Taylor: Professional pickleball player and founder of PickleMania, spreading the love of the game in Memphis. #PickleballPassion
Pickleball, a quirky fusion of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, has taken the sports world by storm. In recent years, it has emerged as America’s fastest-growing racquet sport. Even with its peculiar name, pickleball has captured the hearts of people across all skill levels and age groups, with its popularity skyrocketing during the pandemic. According to the United States Pickleball Association, a staggering 4.8 million Americans played pickleball in 2021. With courts springing up in public parks, schools, clubs, and driveways, this fun and social game offers remarkable accessibility and a low entry level compared to other racquet sports.
In Memphis, one individual has been instrumental in fostering the pickleball revolution. Meet Taylor H. Taylor, a former tennis instructor at prestigious clubs and a highly regarded junior tennis player. Five years ago, Taylor discovered pickleball and immediately recognized its immense potential. As a skilled competitor, she has participated in national pickleball tournaments, but her aspirations for the game extend beyond personal success. In 2019, she founded PickleMania, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing pickleball programming for under-resourced children, families, and communities.
Through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs, charter schools, and generous donors, PickleMania has empowered over 250 kids to participate in pickleball camps, with plans for further expansion. Equipped with their own facilities, staff, and equipment, these camps offer more than just sports training. Taylor has developed a unique curriculum called “Pickleball With Purpose” that not only imparts on-court skills but also instills vital life lessons such as communication and impulse control, fostering confidence and personal growth.
Taylor’s passion for pickleball knows no bounds. She believes that this remarkable sport can bring people together, transcending age, race, size, experience, and athletic ability. As an accomplished player herself, she understands the therapeutic potential of pickleball, both mentally and physically. Taylor’s infectious enthusiasm has left an indelible mark on her campers, their families, and the volunteers who have witnessed the transformative power of pickleball.
Recently, Taylor appeared on Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report, where she engaged in an in-depth discussion about Pickleball Mania with host Mike Sliwa. Her dedication to sharing the love of pickleball with everyone on the planet is unwavering. Taylor Taylor’s commitment to pickleball and her tireless efforts to expand its reach are shaping the future of this dynamic sport in Memphis and beyond. With her game-changing vision, she is turning pickleball into a force for positive change, one swing at a time.
To learn more about Taylor Taylor and Pickleball Mani, follow these links:
child education
5 Tips to Be an After-School Mealtime Hero



(Family Features) It’s one of the busiest times of the year, meaning managing mealtimes can be tough as families navigate the school year hustle. Between school, work, extracurriculars and social activities, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to eat and when.
Put your worries aside and become a true after-school hero with these timesaving, delicious meal planning strategies while giving back to communities in need.
Conquer Your Next Grocery Trip
When it’s time for a grocery run, write down everything you need, perhaps on your phone’s notetaking app, being sure to take inventory of ingredients you already have on hand. Keeping the list handy can make your trip to the store efficient while helping you stay on track, avoid multiple trips and prevent buying excess or unnecessary items.
Champion Your Inner Meal Planning
One of the first steps in meal planning should be making a list of all the meals you and your family enjoy on a regular basis. Compiling this list can help simplify weekly dinner plans and reduce stress at the grocery store. Include simple recipes like sandwiches, tacos or chili. If you want to make an easy, tasty dinner to save the day, consider something simple like chicken fried rice. All you need is 15 minutes and Ben’s Original Ready Rice, chicken breast meat, peas, carrots, reduced sodium soy sauce, garlic powder and eggs. As you try new recipes, add any family favorites to the list and consider reinventing classics by bringing in a different side dish like rice and grains to give them a whole new spin.
Come To the Rescue with Simple Prep Hacks
Before you plan your meals for the week, take a look at your calendar. On days that include evening activities, opt for easy-to-prepare meals or slow cooker- or air fryer-friendly recipes to save time. Leave more complex meals for less busy days or weekends, and don’t be afraid to schedule a weekly leftover night to empty out the fridge before your next trip to the grocery store.
Take Advantage of Pantry Staples
Turning to your pantry for after-school snacks and quick meals can help keep busy nights from getting even more hectic. For example, the entire portfolio of Ben’s Original Ready Rice – Whole Grain Brown Rice, Jasmine, Spanish Style and more – can help provide tasty, convenient meal options that are ready in just 90 seconds. Plus, until Nov. 12, for every $1 spent on participating products, $1 will be donated to No Kid Hungry through the “Be an After-School Hero” program, which can help provide 2.5 million meals to those who need them most.
Be a Prep Day Warrior
Setting aside some time – maybe a couple of hours on the weekend – to prep food for the week’s meals can help stretch your time and allow more moments to enjoy meals around the table as a family. This time can be used to cut, brown and divide proteins into portions; chop or slice fruits and vegetables; prepare one-pan dishes; make sauces; and more.
Fight mealtime fatigue and make school night meals a cinch with more ideas and recipes at BensOriginal.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Ben’s Original
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