recess mandatory
A new California law makes a half-hour of recess mandatory for all elementary school students from kindergarten through eighth grade and prohibits educators from withholding recess as a form of punishment. Read more
Too much screen time
Teens spend an average of 8½ hours on screens per day, and tweens – ages 8 to 12 – are not far behind, at 5½ hours daily. Too much screen time can lead to problems. Read more
nearsightedness
For a young child whose eyes are still developing, spending too much time indoors can cause their eyes to prioritize near vision rather than distance vision. In turn, their eyeballs begin to elongate, triggering nearsightedness. Read more
build imagination
Children need continuous access to different imagination challenges and experiences. Open-ended playful experiences, time, and encouragement can help build imagination. Read more
kindness
Fourth and fifth graders were asked about how they think about kindness—and they were particularly attuned to generosity, compassion, and inclusion. Read more
Upper Body Strength
Upper body strength is the ability of the body to exert a maximum force against an object external to the body in one maximum effort of the upper body muscles. Upper body strength is important for the everyday demands that are placed on the arms, shoulders, and back.
indoor toys and games
Staying inside can be far from boring with these great toys for all ages. Here are some suggested indoor toys and games to inspire active play when outdoor play isn’t possible. Read more
Becoming independent
Becoming independent is a gradual process of allowing children increasing amounts of freedom, with parents there to teach skills, explain key information, and help the child understand consequences of their choices. Read more
fourth inductee
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the National Toy Hall of Fame, a fourth inductee will be chosen by the public from a list of five, multi-time finalists who have failed to make the cut in previous years: Fisher-Price Corn Popper, My Little Pony, PEZ, pogo stick, and Transformers. Read more
animal therapy
Pawsitive Friendships provides animal therapy to students with disabilities who seem to be immediately calmer. The animals help children express themselves with a more tranquil demeanor and consider their actions before lashing out. Read more
