December 1st News

This week, I'd like to share a story about the power of mentorship. As we give our learners more agency, get out of their way, and see the solutions they create to problems large and small, consider how our role as adults can support children to bring their great ideas to fruition.

Laura Kremer and Abby Zender are two 8th graders with a big idea - they decided to launch their own jewelry store! In the spring, they chose to learn new skills, develop a hobby and then realized they could get their goods out to an authentic audience - shoppers! Their families helped them to see the possibilities and smoothed the way to figure out pricing, planning inventory, and accessing an online way for purchasing.

Mrs. Kate Deye, PTO Holiday Market coordinator encouraged and met with the girls to give them coaching on how to be successful in selling their goods as a part of Literacy Nights and the Online Holiday Market.

Abby and Laura have big plans - they are enjoying the launch of their online store and are talking about how to grow their business. Ultimately, they want to use some of the money they earn to support causes they care about.

So, the next time your child and his or her friends come up with a wacky idea, consider what you can do to support them in developing, clarifying, and executing their plan - or connect them to someone who has the connections or knowledge to help!

See (with the option to purchase, of course) Laura and Abby's work on Etsy!

This Week's Enrichment Resources

Each week I'll post resources that offer extension and enrichment opportunities for our BVA learners.

This week we're focusing on the importance of play. The value of play in a child's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development has been well documented. We should also remember that play is still important for teens, although it may look different from toddlers.

In thinking about play, you may find that your children could use some fresh input to find more joy and playfulness during their days. I like the New York Times' Toy Matrix as a way of finding the right gift for children ages 1-10. It appeals to my love of bringing thought tools to organize the chaotic.

Fatbrain is a good site to find toys for tinkerers and explorers. Smart Toys for Every Age suggests what is important at each level of a child's development and what toys support that growth.

Feeling a little dull while working and learning from home? Check out these games that can make you smarter!

If Black Friday or Cyber Monday left you questioning our quest for new things, consider play ideas that don't require a new purchase, focusing on the joy of reading or being outside.