News, Tips & More

Hi Dear Friends, I hope your summer is off to the most wonderful start. Here in New York, we have ten glorious weeks stretching ahead of us. The sun, the open sky, the sound of birds singing — it's everything we look forward to all year long, a welcome trade for my...

Several years ago, we had a cucumber plant growing in my backyard. As I observed how it grew from seedling to blooms, it taught me so much. It reached out — and grew these tiny, delicate, determined little curls. Tendrils. They wrapped around whatever they could find,...

Hi, Spring has its way of making us think. The temperature changes. The buds blossom. The heaviness of winter starts to lift. And for educators and parents, spring brings a quiet reminder: This is a good time to reconnect. Not by becoming a calmer, wiser, more...

Hi, It’s the time of year that is oh so busy— cleaning the chometz crumbs and eliminating it completely, running around to a million errands, outfitting the entire clan for a new season, turning over the kitchen and cooking up Yom Tov meals and desserts, all while...

Hi, Last week, my daughter asked if she could go to his friend's house after school. "Sure," I said. "What's your plan?" She looked at me like I'd asked her to solve quantum physics. "My... plan?" "Exactly. You have homework, you need to set the supper table, and...

Hi, To all new subscribers: Welcome to the SMARTIE Buddy Newsletter, brimming with strategies that bring clarity and practicality! Today I’ll address two questions we got: Here's one: As a classroom teacher, I have many students who are struggling with organization:...

Hi, Black Friday is here, and as coaches and educators dedicated to helping every struggling student find their breakthrough, we know that the right tools can make all the difference. This Black Friday, I’m sharing educational games, toys, and tools that are on sale....

Hi, The beauty of discovery lies not just in the outcome, but in the journey and the little milestones. This week, I witnessed a simple but inspiring example of how children learn when given the right encouragement. Week One: Drawing a Heart I showed my daughter how...

Welcome, Hope you had a beautiful Yom Tov. Today, everyone is saying "New Year, New Me" with enthusiasm. The uncomfortable truth: How many of us prefer to pull the covers over our heads? 🙈🙈🙈 Wishing to fly to Florida rather than to our regular work schedule. (With no...

Hi, It’s the time of year that is simply beautiful— upgraded seudas in a decorated Sukkah under star-filled nights, and fun-filled Chol Hamoed trips with the entire clan. As a parent, though, Yomim Tovim is tough, too. You want to ‘‘make memories” and share the beauty...