Transitioning Back to School with Creative Lunch Box Notes

Going back to school is not always easy for kids. I loved school as a child, but The Jersey Momma's Boy doesn't hold the same affection for education! I'm a former teacher, yet the teacher's kid doesn't like school. Figures! Anyway, my daily lunch box notes actually help make the transition a little bit easier. Read on to see how.

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A Review of ABCmouse - Is It Worth It?

ABCmouse's Black Friday Sale is live! 

Before I tell you about ABCmouse.com, let me just point out that this is my honest review from a mom's point of view.  I was not  asked by ABCmouse to review their service and I paid for their service just like anyone else!! This post has become very popular, so I try to keep it updated with accurate information and suggestions.

*Added note: Be sure to read the comments left by my readers at the bottom of this post. Their experience and advice is just as helpful as mine! And feel free to add your own comments about successes (or failures) with ABCmouse. I update this post often and try to answer all questions. 

**Note that I do not approve comments regarding billing or credit card issues. I do not feel this is a safe forum to discuss those matters. Thanks for your understanding! 

** I always try to update this post with the most recent sales - usually around the holidays. Their latest sale is in celebration of the brand new ABCmouse 2. You can get a year's subscription to ABCmouse 2 for $45 a year (until cancelled) plus a year of ReadingIQ free. Sale runs now through 9/7/25. Link to sale here.  

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Adventure Academy Review: One Mom's Honest Opinion

Adventure Academy is a brand new online learning platform from Age of Learning (the experts who brought you ABCmouse and ReadingIQ). I was given the opportunity to beta-test it, and I have the scoop for ya! It's geared towards kids ages 8-13 (so for all of you who loved ABCmouse but felt your kids 'grew out of it,' this one's especially for you!). Read on and I'll tell you what you can expect, and if it's even worth your time and money.

*Note that this post is continuously updated and I try my best to respond to all comments in the comment section! 

** I always try to update this post with the most recent sales - they usually happen around the holidays (stay tuned to see if they have a Labor Day sale). Check my sidebar ads for the latest deals, too! 

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End of Year Teacher Gift Ideas: 'Orange You Glad it's Summer?'

Are you searching for an easy end of the year teacher gift?  Do you need ideas for a special teacher gift but you're not sure where to start? Well, look no further! This 'Orange You Glad it's Summer?' gift pack is so easy to make, and it's super-cute, too! All you need is a soda bottle and some goodies and you're all set!

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Quick and Easy Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Week is almost upon us, and being a former teacher myself, I can tell you that this week does mean a lot for teachers. Well, at least it did for me. So if your child has a great teacher and you want to show them a little love, here are some quick goodies you can put together in a flash.

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Why Your Classroom Needs a Magic Sticker Box

If you've read the About Me section of this site, then you know I used to be an elementary school teacher. And I loved my classroom. It was like my second home and I filled it with as many fun things as I could, for my students and for myself  (I am still a kid at heart, you know). A friend of mine recently mentioned how much her 8 year old boys love stickers as incentives, and it made me remember my Magic Sticker Box. Do you have a Magic Sticker Box at home or in your classroom? If you don't, let me show you how easy it is to make one, and why you need to have one!

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Back to School Night: Tips for Teachers and Parents

If you've read the About Me section of this blog, then you know I used to be a teacher. Back to School Night (also known as Open House), is a teacher's chance to tell you all about the school year. It's also a parent or caregiver's chance to learn about their child's teacher and classroom.  I thought I'd share some tips for both teachers and parents for this important evening, since I've learned some things about holding a successful Back to School Night over the years,  If you're scrolling, you'll find the teacher section here at the top, and the parent section towards the bottom. Happy reading!

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10 Fun School Supplies You'll Want to Add to Your List

It's hard to believe that it's Back to School time again. Many of us already have huge supply lists from our school districts to contend with, but let's not forget about the fun stuff! Let's bring the joy back to school supply shopping! Take a look at some of these cute, unique, silly, or just plain fun items to add to your back to school agenda. And guess what? You can buy most of them (if not all) online! So you don't even need to leave your house. Do I have you covered or what?

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6 Ways to Help Kids De-Stress

Being a parent is certainly a stressful job, but sadly, so is being a kid these days. Children, tweens and teens today are faced with enormous social pressures, global changes, violence, and so much more.  So as a mom and former educator, I'm always on the look-out for good stress-relievers and new coping methods. Here are five of my latest finds for helping kids to de-stress.

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Easing First Day Jitters: Back to School with Mac Book Review

Heading back to school is an exciting time for kids. There are new friends to make, new routines to try, and plenty of new facts to learn. But for some kids, the idea of heading back to school in the Fall causes anxiety and stress. Whether your child is excited or anxious about the first day of school, Mac the Apple is here to help with a brand new family tradition called Back to School with Mac! Read on to see how this cute plush apple and matching storybook by Kim DiLoreto can help ease first day jitters and put the cool back in school. 

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Get Outside: Create a Neighborhood or Backyard Safari - Free Printables Included!

No matter what the situation, we are always looking for ways to spend more time outdoors, right? It's hard to encourage kids (and adults!) to unplug and take a walk or bike ride. For added inspiration, I created an idea for neighborhood interaction (although you can do this in your own yard, too). I hope you'll join me and spread the GET OUTSIDE initiative!

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6 Fun and Educational Toys That You Need to Check Out

There are so many educational toys on the market that sometimes it's hard to know which ones are the best and which ones are right for your kids. I had a chance to try out some fun new educational toys from different companies over the past few months, so here are my favorite picks to share with you. And just a reminder that no one pays me to tell you this. If I try out a toy and I don't like it, I certainly won't tell you to go buy it. And I try to tap into my inner educator (I was a teacher for over 10 years, you know), as well as my mom radar, to determine what you all might like. So read on for my educational toy picks!

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Educational Activities at Home: Homeschooling Ideas at Your Fingertips

Are you looking for fun, easy, educational ideas to do with kids at home, during school breaks, or for homeschooling lessons? I've got you covered! I've gathered up some of my favorite posts and ideas (from here at The Jersey Momma and from my blogging friends), so start making some plans and get excited about learning!  I even organized them into handy subject areas for you.

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Back to School Shopping Guide: Games, Labels, Cards, Toys, Books, and More!

Back to School can be a stressful time of year for parents and kids. But it can also be exciting and fun! I've gathered some of my favorite items in The Jersey Momma's Back to School Shopping Guide to help you stay organized, calm, happy and educated. What more can one ask for in a shopping guide, right?  

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ReadingIQ app and ReadingIQ.com Reviews: Is it Worth the Money?

If you're looking for an honest review of ReadingIQ.com, you've come to the right place! I know you're probably wondering if ReadingIQ is worth the money or maybe even curious about what it is. I tried out ReadingIQ, and as a mom and former teacher, I've got the lowdown for you! Read on for my full review. No time to read? Watch my 5 minute video at the end of the post!

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9 Simple Ways to Get Your Kids to Love Reading

Before you became parents, you probably imagined your children being excited for school, ready to learn, loving education and reading. But the reality is, many kids don't love to read or have a passion for education. But there are some quick tips I can share to help get your kids on the road to loving literature! A love of reading starts at home, and you can certainly be the key to its beginning.

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Hot New Educational Toys for Kids

It's no secret that I'm a toy enthusiast (you can see all of my toy posts here), but being a former teacher (and a parent), I especially appreciate good educational toys. I received samples of some amazing new educational toys that are perfect for homeschooling, classrooms, or just at-home learning fun! Check out all of my new finds for the season!

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Are These Mistakes Stopping Your Child from Turning the Page?

Reading from a young age can provide any child with a wide range of known and proven benefits, including supported cognitive development and improved language skills to name just the top two. Unfortunately, while early exposure to books and reading can factor in the development of a lifelong love, many parents who have spent hours reading the same picture books over and over still find that there comes a time when their child’s reading passion dwindles. This can happen at any age and, sometimes, developmental or hormonal changes can mean a temporary shift that quickly resolves itself. However, if your child looks like they’re off books for the long haul, it might be worth considering whether these surprisingly common mistakes are to blame.

How to Survive the Emotional Rollercoaster of Sending Your Child Off to College

Sending your child off to college can be an emotional roller coaster for a parent. You're filled with pride as you watch them walk across the stage and accept their diploma. But you're also feeling a mixture of sadness and excitement as you realize this is a massive milestone. You know that you'll miss them, but at the same time, you're excited for them to start this new chapter in their lives. Here are a few tips to help you survive the emotional rollercoaster of sending your child off to college.

National Geographic Live Explorer Academy Adventures

Calling all explorers of tomorrow! National Geographic Live has a fun new opportunity for kids ages 8-11. Explorer Academy Adventures encourages kids to engage with streamed videos to embark on a series of themed experiments, activities, and games. Fans of the Explorer Academy book series by Trudi Trueit will recognize some of their favorite characters and themes. Check out my review of this new program and see if its right for you! It's a wonderful way to supplement homeschooling or at-home learning from some of the most respected experts on the planet.