Education + Literacy

Have you been reading about how our children are behind after all that pandemic quarantining? Find it discouraging? Wondering what you can do? Local mom and elementary certified educator, Niki Porter, shares some encouragement and tips with Columbia Mom.   Niki...

As I begin preparation for this November's National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, I reminisce about my own writing journey to becoming an author and publisher. As soon as I was able to scribble words, I began...

It’s both beautiful and complicated. Being part of two worlds…. Being the best (and, at times, the worst) of two people at the same time. Being from two different cultures and two different races. I, myself, do not have personal knowledge about...

When you became a mom there are all sorts of things you wish you knew or didn’t think you would need to know. Coming to grips with being a mom of a child with any sort of special need...

One of the most arduous tasks for a parent is choosing a school for their child. This task becomes seemingly insurmountable when you add to the mix relocating from a different city or state. Around Our Schools’ intent is...

As students and parents across the Midlands are adjusting to back-to-school routines, Richland Library is sharing a list of supplies to tackle assignments inside and outside the classroom this year. Take advantage of all the educational resources they are offering, such as: Elementary...

Last year I wrote a post about my daughter's anxiety when starting kindergarten. Well, let me tell you about her first day of first grade, and what a difference a year makes. Leading up to the start of first grade,...

As my little ones and I are finishing up our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten journey, my son's first day of kindergarten is fast approaching. He's going to be riding a new bus to a new school where he'll have...

Summer is coming to end. For some, it's already ended. New year, new chapter. This can be a very exciting time for many, but for some, a new year presents all the unknowns, which can cause anxiety for not...

It’s already that bittersweet time of year again. You are getting ready to ship your precious little one off to the land of crayons, recess, and homework. But first, you get to meet the lovely person with whom your...

Back to school is my favorite time of year! When I was a kindergarten teacher, I loved setting up my classroom in anticipation of an eager new group of students. Now that I’m the mommy of a rising first...

I can't believe that my oldest daughter is turning five soon! Seriously, how is time passing so fast? I just submitted her first set of kindergarten paperwork and reality is hitting hard. We may be in the middle of winter,...

What is amazing about television and books, is how much we are able to see or read about other people's life experiences. It is a way to remove ourselves from what we know, our own long-held beliefs, and see...

When kids hear the word “summer,” they immediately think, “No school!” Days are filled with outdoor adventures, relaxing vacations, and no homework. But just because kids aren’t in school doesn’t mean they should stop learning. Here are a few...