Melissa Maypole

Debunking Myths About Combination Classrooms

Debunking Myths About Combination Classrooms

Have you heard of the combination classroom? If not, then it may be just a matter of time before it debuts in a school near you. With education budgets tighter than ever, these types of classroom environments are becoming more prevalent. So just what are they, exactly? Combination classrooms, also referred to as multi-grade classrooms, are those that accommodate students of different ages and grade levels under the instruction of a single teacher. Most parents panic when they learn of the possibility that their child may be put in the same classroom as children older or younger than them, but research has shown that there’s really no reason to fear. To put those worries aside, let’s examine and debunk some of the myths surrounding combination classrooms.

By Melissa Maypole, ago
Shower Your Kids With Love - the Love of Reading!

Shower Your Kids With Love—the Love of Reading, That Is!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share some unique ways of showering your child with love on this special holiday while simultaneously encouraging his love for reading. Am I suggesting you forego the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates? Not necessarily. Just consider adding a little something special to your child’s Valentine’s gift this year, something that will remind him that you not only love him but are supportive of his literacy acquisition as well. Remember, your Valentine’s Day “gift” doesn’t necessarily need to be something  your child can hold.

By Melissa Maypole, ago
Online Resources for Homeschooling

Online Resources for Homeschoolers

If you’ve been following the blog, then you know that I’ve been seriously considering homeschooling my 10-year old son. Although there are many, many concerns that need to be addressed before I make such an important decision, chief among them are the issues of time and resources. Although I work from home, I actually do put in a lot of hours, so much of Billy’s learning would need to be self-guided. And, like everyone else these days, we are clamping down on our household budget, so we don’t want to hand over large sums of money for a homeschooling curriculum.

By Melissa Maypole, ago
Is Homeschooling Right for my Child?

Is Homeschooling Right for My Child?

This is the question I have been asking myself for the last few months. Before this school year started, I wrote this post about the growing number of families who are opting for educating their children at home rather than sending them off to public school. Ironically, I may soon be joining their ranks. Since I believe that homeschooling is good for some, but not all children, I’m not considering homeschooling all of my school-aged kids, just one.

By Melissa Maypole, ago
School and Extracurricular: How to Juggle It All

School and Extracurricular: How to Juggle it All

My oldest daughter Kelsey started marching band this year, and she has loved every minute of it—well, almost. If you’re a band parent or if you were in the band yourself, then you know that the typical season starts out with summer band camp—a grueling two-week process in which you attempt to learn the entire show for the season, under the blistering sun no less.

By Melissa Maypole, ago
We're Learning to Read Again!

We’re Learning to Read Again!

Katie brought home a decodable book from Kindergarten yesterday, and she read the whole entire thing by herself. I was ecstatic! Yes, most of the words were the same, and some of the “words” were actually pictures, but do not think for a moment that this small detail stifled any of my excitement or the pride I felt welling up inside me! I was beaming, and more importantly, so was she!

By Melissa Maypole, ago
Do Happy Kids Equal Smart Kids?

Do Happy Kids Equal Smart Kids?

Any child development expert will tell you that a child’s well-being and his or her capacity for learning are intrinsically linked. From the earliest of ages, children require a basic sense of comfort and security in order for their developing brains to be receptive to other stimuli. Most parents and educators realize this, but what many fail to acknowledge is that this prerequisite for learning continues into childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood! Enter social and emotional learning, a model advocates affectionately refer to as SEL.

By Melissa Maypole, ago