Louise Sattler – Louise Masin Sattler

Mission POSSIBLE – How to help a child become more flexible with their daily routine

Published on November 7, 2023November 8, 2023 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

NO! NO! NO! yells a child as he is flailing on his first-grade classroom floor! The teacher is bewildered as all she did was ask the child to come to the reading circle. Instead, of compliance, her request was met with this volatile reaction. Yesterday, the same child ran around the classroom to avoid participating in a group activity. Clearly, change does not come easy to this student.

These scenarios are real – taken from just a few of the many, many, many accounts I have heard from teachers (and parents) of their students and children who have major challenges with transitioning from a preferred to a non-preferred activity. Routine schedules are essential for many of these kiddos and any alteration is met with objection.

To offer support to the adults who are faced with the monumental task of helping a child in their midst how to learn to pivot in the course of their day – I am offering this article as a kind of “roadmap”. Included are directions on how to create a few strategies to help calm or prevent the seismic behavioral eruptions that can occur when a child with an atypical response to change or flexing their schedule is expected to comply.

Keep in mind that this child is not intentionally being bad, but, perhaps doesn’t have the tools to easily negotiate from activity to activity.

The techniques you will find below are not difficult to implement if used consistently.

Here are the steps to how to create and activate a visual chart system that offers signals for transitions within a child’s daily schedule.

Create a list of your child’s or student’s daily activities. This will be important as you will assemble a deck of cards with each activity on a card.
Step 2 is to create a DAILY ACTIVITY CHART that communicates to the child their daily routine. For a younger child or one who cannot handle a board with a schedule of more than one or two activities – you can use a simpler alternative version -the CHOICES chart.
When you decide on which DAILY ACTIVITY CHART is best for your child / student then you can assemble it. Be sure to chat with the child/student that this chart is to help them feel understood and that you know that change is difficult. Validate that they have “big feelings”. Allow them the time and space to process that there will be modifications to their regular routine. Be sure to let them actively participate in the process by having them help to create their Daily Activity Chart. Listen to their concerns and apprehensions. Assure them they are not being punished.
Next, once the chart has been created, introduce the child/student to the variety of activity cards that will fill their schedule. Demonstrate how the cards can be positioned and are in the order of events for the day. Then show them the transition cards and how they can be used to to help as a signal that a change will happen. If possible, practice with the chart and cards before using them in “real time.” Consider doing role play – where the child can be the “teacher”.
Note, also there are charts and cards that can be used to communicate FEELINGS and NEEDS. These are additional to the DAILY ACTIVITY CHART– and very helpful for a child to use when they don’t have the ability to express themselves fully. (Or they want to be stealth about signaling their needs – such as a request for a 3-minute “brain break”)
Also you can invite the child / student to suggest any activities, needs, or feelings that are not part of the “deck”. (Especially older students.)
Next there are cards for the adults to communicate to the class or an individual- such a QUIET or 1-2-3-TIME
Data Collection is the last step. This is when you can determine if there were positive outcomes as a result to implementing these “tools”.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Poster board or paper
Tape or velcro.
The cards can be copied and printed or laminated. I sent mine out as jpegs and made into 4 x6 inch photo quality pictures.
Below you will find copies of the charts and samples of the cards I have created (thanks to Canva). You may download them for free.

If you wish to download the entire set of templates and cards- scroll to the bottom of the article and press the DOWNLOAD ALL CHART TEMPLATES button and the DOWNLOAD ALL CARDS button.

Lastly, let me know if these techniques/ charts/ cards work and if you have anything to add?

STEP 1- CREATE A LIST OF ACTIVITES

STEP 2 - CREATE THE DAILY ACTIVITY CHART

Once you identified the activities that your child / student will encounter during the day – create their visual schedule. I have created some examples for you in this blog.

This schedule template is blank with two columns and several rows. You will see that the columns are named USUAL SCHEDULE and CHANGE TO SCHEDULE. You can name your columns anything you wish – I just happened to use these titles.

NEED A SMALLER CHART?

Sometimes a full-day schedule may be overwhelming for a child to handle. If this is the case we can modify the presentation to a smaller sized chart.

An alternate is the chart called – CHOICES. Let us suppose that a student doesn’t want to do math or reading. They are both nonpreferred activities. But, by giving them a choice of which one to do first – they may feel empowered and will more likely complete the tasks.

You also can have a “deck” of activities and have the student pick two of the cards. All the cards in the deck are tasks that need to completed, but the student will feel that they get to determine their destiny by opting their top two choices.

ALTERNATE CHART:: CHOICES

The student is handed a CHOICES chart. They are asked to select two cards from a deck of four options. You can add preferred and nonpreferred activities to the deck or all of one kind (preferred or nonpreferred.) You can opt to have less or more options, as well.

Here is an example of a blank CHOICES CHART.

STEP 3: Be sure to include the child / student as part of the process.

STEP 4: Introduce the DAILY ACTIVITY and TRANSITION CARDS

SAMPLE ACTIVITY CARDS

About the Activity Cards:

These cards are of common actinides and SIGNALS for TRANSITIONS.

Here are some of the cards I constructed, but you are more than welcome to create your own!

REMINDER: The full deck is available at the bottom of this article.

STEP 5: ADDITIONAL "ADD-ONS"

“ADD – ONs ” include charts and cards that allow the child/ student to convey their FEELINGS and/or NEEDS.

Communication is key to helping a child cope

with change.

SIGNAL CARDS for the GROWN-UPS to USE

There may be times when an adult (parent or teacher) needs to use a cue card to relay information. Such as giving a three-minute “warning” that an activity is about to change.

LAST STEP: DATA COLLECTION

How do you know if these techniques are working?

Whenever you start a new “strategy” to help modify and/or regulate behaviors – you probably want to keep track of the effectiveness of the program. Realize, however, that you can expect an “uptick” of negative behaviors after you start. Why? Think of it this way. Have you ever wanted to start a good behavior – such as exercising daily -and then you realize after the first day it is HARD work! So, you want to quit! That is what may happen for a short time here, too.

To combat some of that “backsliding”, consider using praise (lots of it) for any attempts the child makes to comply with following the system (transition). Also, a token economy (tangible incentives like stickers, privileges, etc.) can be very helpful with a child “buying in” to this new system.

Be sure to document each day so you and your child can see the changes- hopefully for the better. An easy way is to just use /// marks as a way of tabulation each time that the child uses a chart successfully. And an XXX mark for when the chart was “in play”, but the child did not respond as expected. Use the chart below to help collect data and see if progress is being made or if you need different strategies or interventions.

Negative behaviors can be considered as 1)Non-compliant,2)Aggressive, or 3)Disruptive. Examples of these could be: 1) No, I won’t do it, 2) No I won’t do it and I will rip up the chart, 3) No I won’t do it and I’ll yell and have a major meltdown to disrupt the classroom environment and have everyone stop and pay attention to me.

DATA COLLECTION CHART to DOWNLOAD and an EXAMPLE.

THE CARDS IN THE DECK

SAMPLE ACTIVITY CARDS

SAMPLE TRANSITION CARDS

SAMPLE CARDS for the I FEEL CHART

SAMPLE "NEED" CARDS

DOWNLOAD FOR THE DECK OF CARDS

DOWNLOAD CHART TEMPLATES

CLOSING THOUGHTS

I hope that the content of this article helps families and educators who are looking for techniques and actual hands-on tools which calmly allow a child to adapt to transitions.

I welcome any of your suggestions or feedback on these. Also, I am always curious if you enjoy the information and articles on this blog.

Which are your favorites?

What would you like to see more of here on LouiseSattler.com?

Use the comment section below to let me know your thoughts!

Thank you-

~Louise

Special thanks to Ava Parnass

MENTAL HEALTH POSTERS – free downloads

Published on October 17, 2023November 8, 2023 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

As a psychologist, I am dedicated to the mental health of children and their families. I created these posters and you are welcome to download them for personal use (not sales, not distribution).

Discover Lake Louise, Canada

Published on June 8, 2023November 25, 2023 by Louise Masin Sattler1 Comment

There are few places on this earth that leave me speechless. Lake Louise is one of them. The water is my favorite color- teal blue. On the day we arrived, the sky was overcast and then turned to a brilliant blue – with hardly any clouds. There is a walk from the parking lot and Fairmont Hotel around the lake to a “beach” and then a bit further to an area called the “Tea House”. Most of the terrain is smooth and paved, however, the further you walk the more likely you will encounter some bumps along the road- literally.

A Canada Park Pass is required to visit, as is either a bus fare or a parking fee for your car. There are ample bathrooms at the lake and a few miles from this area awaits cafes and shops for tourists to visit.

The only sour note I have to share is being declined from dining at the Fairmont’s breakfast establishment (the sitdown restaurant vs. the quick grab-and-go cafe.)

The restaurant at the Fairmont at Lake Louise is apparently for guests only unless you hit it at a lull. We tried to have breakfast at the restaurant and were told to come back several hours later. I still am confused why we were turned away from having a quick breakfast at 7:15 a.m. from an empty restaurant. It had always been a dream of mine to eat at sunrise on the shores of Lake Louise. Well, I guess not every dream comes true!

So the lesson is to pack a meal and drinks and enjoy a picnic at one of the most loveliest places to dine – on the banks of Lake Louise!

For those of you who are yearning for a bit more outdoorsy activities – there is a gondola and other activities and attractions near Lake Louise. Also, there are other area lakes that are stunning in beauty and worth a visit. Sadly, these many were “off-season” and closed when we visited.

To learn more about Lake Louise and the Banff, Alberta area please visit this website.

Enjoy the photos- but please don’t “snatch them”.

Discovering Banff, Canada

Published on June 4, 2023 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

This past week hubby and I arrived in Banff, Canada to take in the area sights. I had always wanted to visit the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and my namesake body of water- LAKE LOUISE! This blog will focus on the attractions and parks within Banff – including the Sulphur Summit, the Cave and Basin, the downtown region, and the Bow River waterfalls and trails.

Before you venture out – check out the Park Pass requirements for Banff and all parks within Canada.

Downtown Banff

Downtown Banff has a feel to it similar to Lake Placid, New York or Park City, Utah. It is a small town that caters to the needs of tourists. From their very efficient transportation system (ROAM) to the helpful visitor center. Museums, parks, stores, and lots of restaurants help to create Banff’s amazing vibe. Plus, it is bordered by magnificent mountain ranges. However, the true “secret” to Banff is its wonderfully kind and generous residents.

Below I listed my favorite places that we visited in Banff. While they are in no particular order – I will say that the gondola ride was indeed a huge highlight of our trip!

Bow River Falls

The Bow River Falls can be easily accessed from the downtown main street – Banff Avenue. There are also entrances near some of the hotels on the perimeter of the park. It is a lovely place for a walk and to get acclimated to the elevation of Banff before venturing to even higher elevations – such as at the Sulphur Summit. This attraction is FREE! A little preview video I created is below.

Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola and Hot Springs

The Banff Sulphur Mountain is home to a spectacular gondola, viewing platform, small educational center, theater, and restaurants. Nextdoor you will find the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. Both are worth taking the ROAM #1 bus to visit and spend quality time relaxing, learning about the Banff National Park, and enjoying the vistas!

Link to learn more and obtain tickets

The Hot Springs was a ton of fun and thankfully not much of that “rotten eggy smell” – common among natural springs. Phew! Instead we found a very pleasant place to relax and meet people from all over the globe! The hot springs has bathing suits and towels for rent along with lockers and showers.

A few things to know about this area: 1) When you go to the Hot Springs bring sandals as it is a communal locker room and is a bit slippery 2) The ticket to the Hot Springs has an add-on option that is worth the few extra dollars – entry to the Cave and Basin (across town). 3) When riding the gondola know that it is steep and if you are afraid of heights you may wish to reconsider. However, I felt totally safe and never scared. It was an exhilarating ride up and down the mountain. If you wish to take the Sulphur Mountain trails know that bear spray is required and for obvious reasons- bears are the owners of the mountain and people are simply guests!

Once atop the summit, you will find paths to go even higher! But, these paths require walking up and down wooden steps and on ground that can be uneven. Thus, not conducive for a person with special mobility needs – such as a wheelchair.

Note: We did not eat at any of the restaurants at the summit. But, people do say that the Sky Bistro is extra special and the buffet at the Northern Lights offers a wide selection of food.

Banff Cave and Basin

The Cave and Basin truly was the biggest surprise of our trip. I was expecting a rather drippy, dark, and damp cave. It was not at all! And we went on a rainy day! Instead, we found a super accessible and inclusive attraction that was very interesting and great for all ages! I want to give a shoutout to the gift shop buyer- the items at their store were very unique and reasonably priced!

To get to the cave take the ROAM #4 bus from the Banff downtown main hub.

Recommendations & Tips

Banff restaurants represent cuisine from around the world. While we sampled many of the local establishments – one made our “we would come back” list!

BALKAN GREEK RESTAURANT

This eatery is fabulous! And, I must not be the only person who thinks so – because there was a long wait if you didn’t have a reservation. Hubby and I circumvented the line by eating at the bar. Here we met bartender, Derek G. He is a prime example of the nice, kind, and helpful Banff residents! I saw many traditional Greek dishes being served and each looked AMAZING. We opted for the Greek Bowl. It was exceptional and if I had more time in Banff, I would have returned – again and again!

Check out the local Rundle United Thrift Shop!

This place was filled with great finds. I scored three wool scarves (new!) for only $5 each. Books, home goods, and much more filled this store located at the end of Banff Avenue (and close to the trail for the Bow Water Falls).

I feel compelled to give a few random travel tips.

The busy season starts in late May/ early June. Plan accordingly as there are only so many buses and hotels in this area.
Check out Lake Louise and other main attractions EARLY in the day – before the hordes of people arrive. We arrived by 7 am and it was very busy by 11 am.
Bring Canadian money if traveling from outside of Canada. There were some places that did not take credit cards or non-Canadian money.
Dress in layers. The weather seemed to change every hour! The morning in late May was quite chilly only to be 40 degrees warmer by lunchtime! Rain was on and off throughout our week in the Alberta province.
If you are flying WESTJET know that the international terminal for this airline is not the same as the national gates. We spent an hour online to check in bags only to find out we were at the wrong part of the airport. A 15-minute walk got us to the right place – but all could have been avoided if there was better signage from the rental car return building.
Visit other places en route to Banff- such as Canmore ( a charming town about 20 minutes away) and of course, Calgary. In this city, you will find the home of the 1988 Olympics. Also, the Calgary Stampede happens every summer in this little city- so plan your trip with care if you don’t want to be in the thick of huge crowds!

The BEST birthday present doesn’t come in a box – see what it is!

Published on March 19, 2023 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

I don’t know about you – but after 60+ years on this planet, I don’t need any more stuff! So, instead of receiving birthday gifts I flip the scenario and ask for people to donate to a charitable cause in lieu of gifts or cards. It has been my birthday tradition to “give and not receive” for at least ten years or more. Typically, I pick out a worthy charity and request donations to be sent to this worthy organization. But, this year was different as I decided to offer a different approach- one where my friends and family can pick a charity of their choice and then add the information on my Facebook wall so others can support it, too. The results were astonishing! People donated time, money, and much more to so many different charities worldwide.

Want to participate? It is never too late! Simply add in the comment section a worthy (and legitimate) charity. This blog is often shared, so it is my hope that we can sprinkle our generosity throughout the globe!

Here are just some of the fantastic organizations that friends and family supported (in no certain order):

DANA FARBER FOUNDATION – (Boston area)

NEW LIFE FURNITURE BANK (Walpole, Mass.)

MANOR HILLS ELDER HOME (Wellsville, New York)

DAVID A. HOWE LIBRARY (Wellsville, New York)

SPCA

DEMENTIA SOCIETY

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Society

MAZON- hunger relief

RVC Education Fund – helping teachers to support their students

STANFORD MASIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – (Donations to be sent to the Wellsville Central Schools – New York- State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895)

Several went through their closets to donate clothing and home goods to local organizations, including Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity

As for me, I sprinkled my “love” with many of the charities listed above. I also refinished several pieces of furniture and gave them away to families and individuals in need. People often ask about the designs. They are transfers embedded in the wood. The ones used below are from Maika Daughters.

Here is a peek at some of what was donated.

The Lady Pacific – Calming Photos

Published on February 5, 2023 by Louise Masin Sattler1 Comment

Nearly 11 years ago Hubby and I packed up our lives and moved across the United States from Maryland to California. While others may have thought this was a very arduous assignment – I gladly grabbed the opportunity to trade the “burbs” for a chance to live in a community that borders the Pacific Ocean. (And for the record, we don’t miss the snow, leaf raking, or buggy summer nights with heavy thick air due to the humidity and hot temperatures!)

Since becoming a “left coaster” – I have been snapping more than my share of photos. Today, I chose to post a few recent photos of “The Lady Pacific” (as I like to call her). And, if you keep scrolling you will even find a video. I hope they bring you thoughts of calm and peace.

Enjoy!

p.s.

All of these are my personal photos- so please respect my creative work and don’t “hijack” them. Thank you.

Southern Utah – Put it on your 2023 Travel List!

Published on January 2, 2023January 2, 2023 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

I Love Utah! In all honesty I love most of the Southwest of the United States. From the vastness of the Grand Canyon to the small state parks sprinkled throughout the area. But, in all honestly, it is Southern Utah that is one of my “happy places” on this planet. First – it is GORGEOUS. Just when you think you have seen the most amazing formations of rocks you drive around a bend and there is one even more stunning!

If you have only a few days to spend in Southern Utah then I recommend the following as a route that is family-friendly and full of adventure. Please keep in mind to do your due diligence before venturing out as parts of Utah are at a pretty high altitude and some of the trails that I may mention are not for the novice hiker.

Start your adventure in St. George and Ivins

St. George ,Utah is a very charming city just a few miles north of the Arizona border and about 75 minutes from the Las Vegas airport. It has something for everyone! From adorable vintage, antique, and thrift shops to outdoor sports to please nearly everyone. One of my favorite places to stay is actually a wee bit north of St. George at the Red Mountain Resort. This place is not your typical hotel (and adults only)- but rather a resort that insists you relax and unwind. There are just so many spa treatments to indulge yourself in, healthy eating, and a pool and several spas to help you rejuvenate. While it is not cheap- it is worth every penny.

When you are in the area of Ivins- drive over to the Snow Canyon State Park. It will take you less than 10 minutes to get there. The price of entry to the park is $15 per carload. We stopped at nearly every area that had trails of mild to moderate degrees. My favorite is Jenny’s Canyon. Oh gosh, this place was amazing. Hubby really loved the Sand Dunes. And the area known as Lava Flow was very popular – especially with kids hopping the lava rocks. Johnson Canyon also was popular. The walk was not extreme, but pleasant. Sadly, very little of this park is wheelchair accessible. There are some paved areas near Johnson Canyon – but not much more than that. Two areas for restrooms are available and park rangers are in the visitor’s center to assist you.

Snow Canyon is filled with wild cacti and other amazing plants

Fall in Love with Zion National Park (ZNP)

Arizona may have Sedona and the Grand Canyon – but Utah wins the beauty contest in my book with Bryce and Zion. There are trails to hike at both places, but in the snow it is a bit dangerous and necessary equipment is needed for safety. Frankly, I was lucky to have my winter coat during this last trip.

There is something about Zion that makes it indescribable. I have been three times and each time I fall more in love with this park. Maybe because it appears differently each time I visit. This past trip the park was slightly dusted with snow. It was magnificent. I have written about Zion before and you can read more here.

To enter Zion NP you either need to take a shuttle bus from the various spots along the main route leading to the park in the town of Springdale or pay $30 and up to drive through. There is a third option for those who wish to drive through the park and that is to have the America the Beatiful National Park Pass. This pass allows you entry into the 2,000 federally owned recreation sites, such as national parks in Utah! The park opens early – 8 am. Be there when it opens to maximize the grand effect it will have on you with the quiet and stillness of the early morning. The River Walk is for novice hikers and accessible for wheelchairs. There are many more adventurous areas to explore such as Angel’s Landing. (not for the faint of heart or this writer.) A list of the trails, their ratings, and when they are open (some are closed due to weather, etc.) may be on this up-to-date website.

Below is a picture that hubby snapped while we were driving through the twists and turns of Zion.

We stopped to snap this lovely mountainside. Sadly, my shot doesn’t quite capture the grandness of this area.

Make sure to stop at the Visitor’s Center in Zion NP and also if you drive all the way out the east exit – keep going. There are so many wonderful little shops and places to visit within a few miles of the park. PLUS… it is the back route to Bryce Canyon National Park – a “short” 90 or so miles from Zion NP!

BRYCE CANYON – So much to say – so little time!

When you enter Bryce you may think it will be a nice little drive through a wooded area. But, then you are nearly gob-smacked with the awesomeness that surprises you around each and every corner. This is the majesticness of Bryce Canyon National Park!

I prefer visiting this park using a system that my family calls the Disneyland method! Start at the end and work your way to the front of the park. The drive from the entrance gate to the end is about 20 miles. Be sure to stop at the visitors center on your right-hand side right after passing through the gate. The price is pretty much as Zion – so getting that America Beautiful Pass is really worth it! At the center there is a preview movie about the area and a nice walk-through set of exhibits. The gift shop is really filled with practical items – like sunscreen and water bottles.

Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor’s Center

The map of Bryce is easy to find and also available here.

My favorite area is called the Rainbow Bridge. It is a marvel to look at. Hubby really enjoyed exploring the region call The Apitheater – and it truly does look like one!

While it is possible to cover both Zion and Bryce in a day- I don’t recommend it. You made it this far to visit two of the most beautiful parks in the world – why rush it? Stay a few days and enjoy!

And, meander around the local area as well. There is the town of La Verkin that has the River Rock Roasting Company – a must for those who love to eat! This place has awesome pizzas, quiches, and of course – COFFEE! Springdale also has numerous shops and restaurants for most palates. Hurricane, “known as the gateway to the parks” – is great to stock up on supplies and explore some antique shops.

Need more convincing as to why you should travel to Southern Utah? Well, I just happen to have a few more photos to show you! Enjoy and Happy Travels!

2022 – move over – it’s time for 2023

Published on December 22, 2022 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

As 2022 is about to come to a close – I breathe a sigh of relief. This was the year that the Covid 19 pandemic was supposed to take a backseat and our lives were supposed to be moving forward. In some respects that did happen. A little. But, as this year ends a “trifecta’ of viruses (RSV, COVID, and INFLUENZA) has been surging – leaving many realizing that 2022 was not the year of “going back to normal” we had hoped.

But wait – so much GOOD and perhaps GREAT DID happen during 2022. We need to applaud the “wins” of 2022. During this year some people found love. Couples who postponed their nuptials during the pandemic got married. Babies were born. And kids were playing outside with other kids again! Movie theaters opened their doors, events were “in person”, and we all were thrilled to hug friends and family!

2022 also saw vaccines that were made available for younger age groups. We dusted off our passports and traveled abroad (as well as locally). Restaurants (re)opened. Many went back to work. We laughed. We danced. We celebrated. We learned to LIVE again!

So, let’s say BRAVO to all who survived and perhaps thrived during the year that was fraught with its share of sadness. And, let’s jump into 2023 with positivity!

I’m ready! Are you?

Enjoy the photos snapped during 2022!

Happy Holidays!

~Louise

Who doesn’t love a light house!
Sunset Palos Verdes
Sunset – San Diego/ Coronado
The Coronado Christmas Tree – full of surprises – like owls
Look closely
in 2023 walk new paths
Movies are reopened
Read books to empower you in 2023
and don’t forget to make time to read to a child
Discover new coffee brands!
Start a new hobby or business
Laugh – as life has many funny surprises. Like this one!
At the end of the day remember – there is no place like home (photo taken from our home in LA)

Themed Gift Ideas for Kids for the 2022 Holiday Season!

Published on November 4, 2022 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

It is that time of year when parents and grandparents are looking for gifts for their cherubs that will remain of interest long after the last holiday cookie is eaten. For me, those gifts are ones from the heart and usually have a “theme”. This year I would like to propose giving the gift of “exploration” to a child.

Imagine your child learning about the world beyond their front doors. Where they can learn about different states, countries, or even space! Package books, a globe, a telescope, maps, arts and crafts activities, and even games for a multidimensional gift that will bring enjoyment (and sneak in learning) for years to come!

Maybe take these ideas for a “spin”…

Travel to the stars and beyond!

Have you ever spent more than a few seconds looking at the stars? Wondering what happens on other planets? In other solar systems? Here are some ideas for kids to learn more about the world beyond Earth.

A primer book about space for preschool and early readers. Great illustrations to help stimulate learning! Familius Publishing

**Montessori System and Planets puzzle**/ TouchwoodDesign via Etsy

A little “planetary” humor! This t-shirt can be a conversation piece and a party favorite! via Quality Appearance on Etsy

Pack Your Bags!

Traveling can be a challenge for children and their parents. After all, who loves the chorus of “Are we there yet?”. Not me! So, here is an idea to keep kids busy and parents sane. Wrap up small ‘gifts” to be dolled out during the trip on the half – hour of hour mark. Intersperse what kind of activity is presented. Coloring books, small electronic games, clever puzzles like a Rubric cube, card games, magic activities, and games that are a spin-off of family favorites such as “license plates” – all work! Here are some of my favorites –

E ngines Animated is an interactive book for young readers. This book has “engagement” value and is worth packing! by Familius/ Available on Amazon

Little navigators will love this atlas. Chocked full of maps, fun games, and activities. National Geographic is top-notch with its photography and informative, but interesting texts. Amazon

Special Places to Visit!

It is no secret that I love, love, love to travel! That is why when I found out about the Familius’ travel series for young readers that teaches interesting facts about states and fundamental skills (such as counting or the ABCs) – I am more than willing to share that information with all of you. (Yes, the publisher sent me copies of the books – all that I will give away!) Each book is different. There is no formula that is repopulated for each version. Instead, the author highlights key places such as ZION National Park for the Utah edition. This is a great gift for kids who are traveling to these states to “prep” before they land. Note that colors are matched with the “state theme”.

This year, Familus Publishing, gifted me with books that had Christmas themes, as well. These are not your ho-hum little kid’s books. Like many titles from Familius, these are written on two levels – with grownups AND kids in mind!

Case in point … The 12 Little Elves series is a hoot! I laughed for quite some time when I saw the Little Elves negotiating freeway traffic inside the California edition. (If you have ever sat in traffic on “the 405” you would be hysterical laughing, too!) For their full state collection click here. I also asked our friends at Familius to consider other holidays with slightly different characters, too!

Under the Sea!

Sneak in learning through technology

Here are some ideas to keep your teens and tweens happy, including while driving. We all know that this age group is glued to their phones – so why not give them constructive tech activities? Consider having your ‘co-riders’ track distances between points along the route, thus sneaking in some math and reading skills. Next, have them snap photos and organize them into folders with the goal of creating a memory album or photo book at the end of your journey (executive functioning skills are the bonus here!). And, to help with these endeavors try CANVA (education tab) and photo companies such as Shutterfly or Snapfish.

Now Your Ideas?

Do you have a great gift idea that maybe has educational and is large on the “fun value”, too?

Special Note: I do not receive payment for any promotions you see on this page. The most I am afforded are a few free games or books from publishers for review. I only add these books, games, etc. if the products are deemed of fun and educational value. If you see them here – they passed “my test”! Amazon is where yu will find the majority of what you see here. Familius Publishing is a company that I have an ambassador relationship with – but in all honesty – their products are TOP NOTCH!!