10 Things to Look for When Buying a Laptop

With help from my friends at MSI, I’ve put together this helpful laptop buying guide to educate and empower you choose a laptop that’s right for you and your budget.

Below I break down what CPUs and GPUs are, along with why it’s important to pay attention to the amount of RAM, storage, and ports. Keep reading to answer questions about battery life and screen quality. Since price is a factor in any buying decision, I’ll help you think about the long-term investment in build quality. If you’re waiting to buy a laptop until prices go down, keep reading for my honest opinion about why prices are only going to go up!

Why should I get a laptop instead of a desktop?

There was a time when desktop computers used to be preferred due to separate components (screen, hard drive, and accessories) and the ability to upgrade things like RAM. As laptops have gotten better, more powerful, and the need for portable computing has increased, the market has changed.

When you think about a laptop, it’s an all-in-one machine that serves as your workspace, research tool, communication hub, and entertainment device.

A laptop enables us to telework. Students can take it to class, the library, a coffee shop, or a friend’s place to study. For families watching their budgets, it also means one purchase instead of several— no separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, or tower to buy and find space for.

Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Terms When Buying a Laptop

But what should you look for when buying a laptop? Keep reading to better understand the alphabet soup of computer terminology.

What is a CPU?

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the core of your laptop and are often made by Intel or AMD. Think of the CPU as the decision-maker— the faster and more capable the CPU, the more tasks your laptop can handle at once.

The CPU is responsible for every action your laptop takes, whether loading a webpage, running a spreadsheet or editing video. If your computer is freezing or takes a long time to open programs, the CPU is struggling with the demand being put on it and showing signs of being overworked.

Certain software places a higher demand on the CPU. Engineering tools, video editors, and coding environments, put sustained demand on the chip. Since you often get what you pay for, look for the most current models of CPUs when shopping for a new laptop.

Tip: Buying a generation or two behind current CPU models might seem like a good idea to save money. However, an older chip at the same price will almost always underperform a current mid-rance option within a year or two of regular use.

What is a GPU?

While the CPU manages general processing tasks, the GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit handles the visual side of computing. Often called the graphics or video card, the GPU works to render images, video, and anything that requires heavy graphical output.

When buying a laptop, the question isn’t which GPU to get, it’s whether you need a dedicated one at all. Dedicated graphics cards are separate components with their own memory and processing power, built for demanding workloads such as: gaming, 3D modeling, video production, and increasingly, AI-accelerated tasks. If you’re studying architecture, animation, game design, or are a serious gamer, plan to game seriously on the side, a dedicated GPU is worth the additional cost.

Integrated graphics are built directly into the processor chip and share system memory. They handle everyday tasks like video calls, streaming, browsing, and basic photo editing without any issues.

If you’re buying a laptop for academic or professional productivity, an integrated GPU is best and will help extend battery life.

Tip: Laptops with dedicated graphics cards tend to run hotter, drain your battery faster, and cost more. Only pay for what you’ll use.

What is RAM?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is your laptop’s short-term workspace. It holds data so you can edit a document, stream a video, and switch between browser tabs quickly. It helps your laptop multitask and lets you move between tasks instantly. When your laptop starts feeling sluggish with too many things open, insufficient RAM is usually the culprit.

RAM comes in gigabytes or GB. Here’s what to know about how much RAM you might need when buying a laptop:

• 8GB is the minimum RAM found in any laptop purchased today. It’s fine for light use but its limitations will be realized quickly
• 16GB is the comfortable standard for students and working adults who multitask regularly
• 32GB makes sense for anyone doing video editing, running virtual machines, or working with large design files

Tip: RAM in many modern laptops is soldered directly to the laptop’s motherboard, meaning it cannot be upgraded later. With the price of RAM skyrocketing due to AI, investing in enough RAM now can save more money down the line since the only way to upgrade would be to buy a new machine.

How much storage do I need?

Gone are the days of hard disk drives that used spinning magnetic discs for data storage. These days computer storage is mostly SSDs, or solid state drives with no moving parts.

Laptops need permanent storage for the operating system, applications, files, photos, and projects. Unlike RAM which is short term storage that is forgotten when a laptop is turned off, items in permanent storage stay intact when the laptop is powered off.

Tip: Like RAM, storage is measured in gigabytes (GB). 512GB is a workable starting point for most students. 1TB is the smarter long-term choice for anyone storing media, large projects, or a significant software library.

What type of display do I need?

The display, or screen, is the component you interact with the most but is the most overlooked feature when buying a laptop. Screen quality has a direct impact on eye comfort during long study sessions, the accuracy of colors in creative work, and the usability of the laptop in conditions with varying light.

Screen resolution determines sharpness. Full HD at 1920×1080 is the acceptable minimum, but a 2K or 2.5K display offers noticeably crisper text and images. Having a higher resolution screen makes a huge difference when reading dense academic papers or reviewing detailed work.

Here are 3 things to know about displays when buying a laptop:

• Panel type— In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels offer accurate colors and wide viewing angles, making them the standard for most quality laptops. Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) offer richer contrast and more vibrant color than IPS panels and typically appear on higher-priced machines.
• Refresh rate— Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and determines how smoothly motion appears on screen. 60Hz is fine for everyday use and coursework. 120Hz and above is primarily relevant for gaming.
• Brightness— Measured in nits, a display’s brightness affects visibility in different environments. 300 nits works well indoors, while anything above 400 nits becomes important if you regularly work near windows or in bright spaces.

Tip: Since the display directly impacts eye comfort and cannot be upgraded after purchase, it’s wise to invest in a high-quality display. I always look for Corning Gorilla Glass, the gold standard for display glass in any device.

How long should a battery last?

A laptop’s battery determines whether it lives up to the promise of portability. For students who need to get through a full day of classes, a laptop rated at 12 or more hours gives a comfortable buffer for actual mixed use. Independent reviews that include real-world battery benchmarks are the most reliable source for this information. Companies like MSI test real-world battery by continually playing video on a laptop to gauge battery life.

The MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M boasts an impressive 24 hours of real-battery life and when it starts to run low, it that charges quickly thanks to 100W PD 3.0 and fast charging.

MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M features a 24 hour real-battery life

Since I’ve been discussing tech specs, the MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M is worth looking into because the specs are everything a business professional or student majoring in a STEM field would need it. Click here to test your knowledge of tech specs to see how it checks all the boxes and more thanks to the versatile flip design, sleek form, stunning display, and aluminum alloy chassis. Spoiler: The build quality of the MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M  is amazing and keep reading to learn about the importance of build quality below!

Tip: If you plan on taking the laptop with you on an airplane, TSA guidelines limits capacity of lithium-ion batteries to 100Wh for carry-on bags (larger batteries may be accepted with prior approval). To get the best battery life while traveling, it’s best to pick a laptop that has a battery capacity that’s close to, but not exceeding, 100Whr.

Is good build quality worth paying more for?

Build quality is the physical durability and construction of the laptop itself. It covers the materials used for the chassis, outer housing, frame, or shell that holds all internal components together. It also includes the precision of the assembly and how well components like hinges and ports hold up to daily wear.

It’s one of the hardest things to evaluate from a product listing when buying a laptop but one of the most important for long-term value.

Hinges on MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M

Plastic chassis are the most common in budget laptops. Plastic keeps costs down but is prone to flexing, cracking over time, and feel insubstantial. Aluminum alloy is the standard in mid-range and premium machines. It tends to be rigid, scratch-resistant, and more durable for daily use. Magnesium alloy offers a lighter alternative with similar rigidity. It’s often found in business-class laptops where weight savings are a priority.

MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M has an aluminum body

Tip: For students who carry their laptop to and from class and take it in and out of a backpack multiple times every day, a well-built chassis is essential. It’s the difference between having a laptop that holds up for four years and one that starts to feel worn out after twelve months.

What ports do I need for my laptop? 

Ports are one of the easiest things to overlook and one of the most annoying things to discover you’re missing after buying a laptop.

A laptop with a minimal port selection might look sleek, but often means carrying a hub or adapter to do basic things like connecting a flash drive, hooking up to a projector, or charging a second device.

Beware the sleek laptop without ports! They always require an adapter to get the ports you need.

The most useful ports to look for are:

• USB-A for standard accessories
• USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer and display output
• HDMI for projectors and external monitors
• Headphone and microphone jack for audio as a backup to Bluetooth connected devices
• SD card slot is a bonus for anyone who works with a camera regularly

Why are laptop prices going up?

Most buying guides skip over the reality that laptop prices are going up but this matters for anyone trying to make a smart financial decision right now. The components inside laptops, particularly memory and solid-state storage, have been getting more expensive. This is due to a combination of rising global demand, constrained manufacturing capacity, and trade tariff policies that affect semiconductor supply chains.

MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ C3M

Technology such as NAND flash (inside every SSD) and LPDDR5X RAM, the current standard for laptop memory, are produced by a small number of manufacturers. When production costs rise or supply tightens, those increases flow directly into the retail price of finished devices.

Tip: Prioritize the components that have the most impact on daily use and longevity. A fast processor, sufficient RAM, an NVMe SSD, and a quality display will serve you far better over four years than a machine that cuts corners on any of those to hit a lower price point.

In a market where costs are rising and budgets are tight, spending deliberately on the right things is more important than ever.

All recommendations in this guide reflect general purchasing guidance. Specific specs and pricing vary by brand, model, and availability. MSI provided content for this piece but all opinions are my own. 

The post 10 Things to Look for When Buying a Laptop appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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Even though Mother’s Day is often a day about moms and motherhood, it can be used to honor the amazing women in our lives- blood related or not. This May show aunts, sisters, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, godmothers, grandmothers, and dear female friends how much they truly mean to you by giving them a gift they might not get themselves.

Best Gifts for Amazing Women

This year I’ve categorized items in my list of best gifts for amazing women to make shopping easier but I’m also fully aware that no one woman fits neatly into any single box.

Below you’ll find gifts for amazing women who love to entertain but also love to just be cozy at home. I’m sharing my new favorite athleisure line for those who love a great adventure or like to be comfortable working from home. My tech picks are perfect for the tech-savvy and not so tech-savvy. There are also wonderful products for women always on the go, those working to be more mindful about self-care, and ones for new moms embracing motherhood. 

Gifts for the Women Who Love to Entertain

There’s an art to being an amazing hostess and gifts for amazing women who love to entertain need to be as thoughtful as she is. 

Limited Edition Gift Tin from Bonne Maman ($26.90)

After a night of entertaining, it’s always wonderful to wake up and feel like you’re treating yourself at breakfast. Bonne Maman’s Limited Edition Gift Tin makes my list of gifts for amazing women thanks to nine limited-edition flavors and honey in a reusable metal tin that she’ll love. Scrumptious flavors include Strawberry Guava, Pineapple & Passion Fruit, Mango Peach & Lime, Blueberry & Blackcurrant, Cherry Hibiscus, Grapefruit & Dragon Fruit, Lemon & Yuzu, Fig Cardamom, and Honey.

The Everything Wash from Beiin ($28)

A good hostess knows that a great hand soap makes all the difference and Beiin’s The Everything Wash is my new favorite. 100% organic neroli, palmarosa, and cedarwood essential oils give this hand and body wash a light but luxurious scent while the creamy gel formula hydrates to leave skin cleansed and moisturized. It’s honestly amazing how it instantly transforms any home bathroom into a spa!

Fizze Soda Maker from Fritaire ($119 or $99 on Amazon)

Elevate her hosting game with effortless sparkling drinks at home. Whether she’s serving up mocktails at brunch or refreshing spritzers for backyard gatherings, this sleek soda maker adds a celebratory touch to every glass, no heavy bottles required.

8-quart Digital Air Fryer from Kenmore ($203.99)

Whether or entertaining a crowd or cooking family dinner, Kenmore’s 8 quart Digital Air Fryer lets her do both with ease. This powerful 1700W air fryer features a large 7.8 liter nonstick basket, digital touch controls, and 12 presets. There’s also the ability to “customize” a cooking program to suit any food thanks to a temperature range of 34-200°C, 0-60 min timer, and optional “turn food” reminder. The view-through window and interior light let her keep an eye on your food throughout the cooking process for a flawless, crispy finish without over- or under-cooking.

Recyco Swedish Dishcloths (starting at $13.99)

Cleaning will feel less like a chore with Recyco Swedish Dishcloths in hand. These beautiful, sustainable, and incredibly practical dishcloths are ultra-absorbent. They’re designed to replace paper towels and sponges with a reusable, biodegradable alternative. This small but mighty gift is a wonderful addition to any gift being given to the woman who cares deeply about her home and the planet. I personal love the Figs and Pears Oversized Swedish Dishcloth set and Tropical Fruit Fiesta set!

Gifts for Women Who Love Gadgets

There’s just something about shiny new technology, even if she doesn’t consider herself the most tech-savvy. A sleek highly portable new laptop with amazing specs or a way to enjoy memories screen-free are always most welcome.

HP Sprocket Studio Plus 4×6 Photo Printer $149.99

The HP Sprocket Studio Plus Printer is an all-in-one printer that gives her the power of at-home printing to finally print all the amazing memories she has on her phone. The printer can be set up in seconds by downloading the easy-to-use and free HP Sprocket app and connecting her smartphone to the printer via Wi-Fi. The HP Sprocket app (iOS or Android) can be used to edit and customize photos before printing bright, glossy, 4×6” pictures, perfect for her to share with friends and family.

Prestige Series Laptop from MSI (from $1,400) 

The Prestige Series of laptops from MSI are my current pick of the best on the market for anyone  looking to upgrade their laptop. The Prestige 16 AI+ (coming soon to Costco, $1400) and the Prestige 16 Flip AI+ have an immediate wow factor right out of the box thanks to the sleek, lightweight design and high-end aluminum finishes. Once she powers her Prestige Series laptop on, she’ll find this ultra-portable package contains a workhorse of a machine for business or creative work.

MSI, well known for engineering powerful gaming laptops, levels up the consumer laptop game thanks to an Intel® Core Ultra Series 3 processor, Vapor Chamber Cooling that works to dissipate heat faster, vivid OLED display featuring Corning Gorilla Glass, integrated Nano Pen (select models), customizable Action Touchpad, plus a true 30-hour battery life. There’s so much more to say about why I love the Prestige series from MSI which you’ll find in a full review coming to the blog soon. But trust me when I say you can’t go wrong with the MSI Prestige Series laptops as a gift! If you’re looking for more information about MSI Prestige Series, check out their blog here.

Gifts for Active Adventure-Loving Women  

Between working from home, Orangetheory workouts, and dog walks, I find myself wearing athleisure most days. I have a mix of high-end brands and pieces from mass retailers because I’m all about comfortable pieces that fit my body and style.

Stelle Customizable Gift Box (pieces start at $14)

I was recently introduced to Stelle, a woman founded company with a woman-led team, and fell in love with their pieces that are truly designed for real women. Pieces are comfortable, functional, and stylish so they seamlessly transition from home to studio to on-the-go.

This May, Stelle is offering a customizable Mother’s Day Gift Box to make gifting effortless and personal. Customers can curate their own set of activewear, including customer favorites and everyday essentials, then add a signature pink gift box to make gifting feel personal, elevated, and effortless. 

This buy more, save more promotion is a great value with 15% off 2 items, 20% off 3 items, and 25% off 4 or more select styles. It’s a flexible, meaningful way to give something to moms while they treat themselves, too. The customizable gift box reflects Stelle’s core belief: the best gifts aren’t just beautiful—they support how women move, live, and feel every day.

Some of my favorite pieces include:

• SoftLuxe Yoga Pants with Pockets
• Ruffle V-Neck Sleeveless Polo Shirts
• Short Sleeve Basic T-Shirt
• Ruffle Ace Tennis Skirt
• High-Waisted Wide Leg Lounge Pants
• Sleeveless Tennis Dress

Pieces are beautifully made, buttery soft, incredibly affordable (even more so with buy more, save more gift box promo) and ones she’ll reach for every day. Consult the size chart for sizing but I’ve found pieces are true to size.

Gifts from PrAna

PrAna makes stylish and functional pieces that are designed to be durable, making them a solid investment for the money. Two new pieces that I find myself reaching for in this transitional period between spring and summer are the Halle Pants and Fernie Shirt Dress.

Fernie Shirt Dress ($88) from PrAna

The jade green Fernie Shirt Dress caught my eye on the PrAna but its multifunctionality as a shirt dress or a pool cover up and pockets (!) makes it a keeper. The green lightweight crinkle fabric is just the right weight between being breezy but not see through (note white-ish Alba Currents is see through on the site). It hides wrinkles perfectly, so it can be worn straight from her bag whether heading out to dinner or the pool. Since this dress has a very relaxed fit (consider sizing down if you’re between sizes), the cinchable waist tie is essential for a more custom fit.

Halle Pant ($98) from PrAna

Low-waisted boot cut Halle Pant feature great 2-way stretch so they move with her and are abrasion resistant so they can withstand any activity. Built in SPF-50 provides sun protection while water repellency keeps her dry in the event of showers. The versatile style means she can wear them on a hike or dressed up for a nice dinner out.

Gifts for Amazing Women Who Love to Be Cozy

These cozy picks are for women who love to nest, regardless of the season. From fuzzy blankets, fur lined slides, herbal tea collections, to the softest PJs, here are my picks for year round cozy.

Ridgeline Faux Fur Throw Blanket from Evergrace Throw Blankets ($55.99 on Amazon, regularly $79.99)

Even though warmer months are upon us, give her the gift of a sustainably made, luxuriously soft throws that turn any moment into a sanctuary. The Ridgeline Faux Fur Throw Blanket is a chinchilla-like sculpted fur that provides texture and visual appeal to elevate any room. This machine washable blanket is perfect for reading time, movie nights, or simply taking a well-earned pause.

Women’s Wellness Variety Pack ($49.99) from Traditional Medicinals

There’s something to be said for cozy tea rituals that nurture wellness and the herbal teas in the Women’s Wellness Variety Pack do exactly that. Sustainably sourced herbs in Raspberry Leaf, Mother’s Milk, Ginger, and Nettle teas support wellness at every age and stage. The  Echinacea Tea Buddy allows her to secure the tea bag and string during steeping and provides a safe way to squeeze the bag without burning your fingers. Belly Comfort Lozenges support digestion and can relieve occasional nausea caused by motion. Items can be sent on their own or when you add a gift box for $4.99, they come beautifully packaged in a special Traditional Medicinals box.

Drier Nights Sleep Tee & Pants with Pockets Set from Piper & Mint ($126)

Initially launched as pajamas for hot sleepers or those who are suffering from hormonal night sweats (postpartum, perimenopause, menopause), Piper & Mint’s new luxurious pajama line is not only soft, but wicks sweat away and dries quickly to keep her comfortable at night. Made with Lenzing Modal with Mentha rayon, a plant-based fiber infused with natural mint essence for cooling, this proprietary fabric also offers hygienic benefits through its naturally antibacterial mint-infused yarns. Bonus- sizes are true to size and pants have pockets!

Tasman II from Ugg ($125)

Tasman II Uggs are a lightweight slip-on shoe with a plush real sheep or lamb fur, making them a cozy and stylish choice for relaxing at home or stepping out in style. The highly coveted and iconic shoe blends soft materials with timeless design to transcend the seasons. The Tasman II is similar to the original Tasman model but more sustainable thanks to outsoles made with sustainable Sugarcane EVA, the signature UGGbraid made of 100% recycled polyester, and textile binding made from 100% polyester fibers.

Gifts for Amazing Women Who Are Always on the Go

As I write this, I’ve reached a crusing altitute of over 10,000 feet on a cross country flight for work but on the go doesn’t always have to me in the air or car. Busy women need products that work as hard as she does whether on the go for work, pleasure, or daily life.

Travel Essentials and Lotion Variety Pack from PlaneAire ($28.16 each, regularly $32 each)

Whether flying, road tripping, or enjoying a weekend getaway, curated collection of travel wellness products from PlaneAir keep her feeling refreshed and healthy on flights, road trips, or weekend getaways. The Travel Essentials includes everything she needs to stay clean and refreshed on the go—Surface & Air Mist, individually wrapped Clean Surface Wipes, and a moisturizing hand sanitizer of your choice. The PlaneAire® Hands Lotion Variety Pack features TSA-approved 2-in-1 lotion hand sanitizers that sanitize and moisturize.

The Minis from Iles Formula ($52)

Endless work travel often sounds more glamorous than it is so help her hair feel amazing on the go with The Minis from Iles Formula. Designed for all hair types, The Minis is a travel-friendly boxed trip that instantly transforms dry, dull, lifeless hair into sumptuous, lustrous, unforgettable texture. Iles Formula Shampoo, Conditioner, and Finishing Serum, is designed to cleanse, repair and protect every hair type as part of a 3-Step Ritual: Cleanse + Repair + Protect.

Grocery Tote 28L Messenger from Chrome Industries ($125)

It’s time for you to upgrade her tote bag with the Grocery Tote from Chrome Industries. This  durable and versatile bag is built to haul groceries, work gear, a day’s worth of snacks and water for sports tournaments, or other weekend essentials without the bulk. Made of silicone coated polyester it features three front pockets for quick access and a center pocket with magnetic closure. Inside she’ll find a 17” unpadded laptop sleeve, two interior bottle pockets, and a zip pocket for organization. An adjustable shoulder strap means it can be carried on one shoulder or cross body. Plus it’s backed by Chrome Industries’ lifetime warranty which is great because she will have this workhorse of a bag forever!

Best Self-Care Gifts for Women

It’s easy for self-care to fall by the wayside but seemingly small things that are included as part of a daily ritual can make a huge impact on her mental health. Encourage her to take care of herself with the gift of any of the products below that promote wellness.

Pure Biocellulose Under Eye Masks from Kandesn® ($39.61) 

Make self-care easy with Kandesn’s Under Eye Masks that are designed to refresh tired eyes in minutes. Inspired by Korean skincare, this spa-quality treatment delivers intense hydration and brightening benefits thanks to biodegradable bio cellulose that delivers intense moisture, making them ideal for self-care moments or pre-makeup prep.

Stress & Relaxation Variety Pack from Traditional Medicinals ($52.99)

Sometimes a good cup of tea makes the world of difference in providing a moment of calm, especially when they’re from Traditional Medicinals, the beloved herbal wellness brand. The Stress & Relaxation Variety Pack is a calming collection of herbal teas crafted with herbs that support resilience to everyday stress well as ones that promote relaxation. This beautifully packaged gift set includes Stress Ease Immune, Stress Ease Tension Relief, Stress Ease Calm, Stress Ease Focus, Rosy Mood, Cup of Calm, and a Nighty Night Tea Buddy that secures the tea bag and string during steeping and is a safe way to remove and squeeze the bag safely without burning your fingers. 

Mānuka Honey Mask from Activist ($75)

 If you know mānuka honey, you know it is a powerhouse ingredient serves as a natural healing treatment. I was recently introduced to Activist Mānuka Honey Mask and if I hadn’t already been a believer in the powers of Mānuka Honey, these products would have convinced me. Activist Mānuka Honey Mask works to hydrate, regenerate skin, repair celluar damage, calm inflammation, and lesson the appearance of scars. It can be used topically as a spot treatment or as a face mask that you leave on damp skin for 20-30 minutes. Lather Mānuka Honey Botanical Soap ($30) before applying the mask and let it use its antimicrobial properties naturally cleanse skin.

Neck & Shoulder Massager from ibreo ($79.99)

The portable N5 mini Neck & Shoulder Massager may be advertised for neck and shoulders but the bionic deep massage heads also work on back and legs to provide whole body relief.  Four massage modes (kneading, master, scraping, or mixed) work to provide a deep massage like one from your favorite massage therapist while two heat settings deliver warmth to tense muscles. Adjustable neck width and back straps, plus pull handles, allow it to be worn comfortably like a backpack for hands-free relief at home, at work (or on calls since it’s incredibly quiet!), or while traveling. The N5 mini charges with an enclosed USB-C cable and its long-lasting battery helps you get 15 massages per charge.

Self-Care Set from Blu&Green ($98, regularly $134)

Sometimes self-care can come in the form of washing your hair with high quality ingredients that are designed to restore balance, shine, and strength. That’s exactly what The Self Care Set from Blu&Green is designed to do. This complete clean hair care ritual is designed to balance scalp health and hydration for all hair types. It comes in concentrated form- meaning lots of nourishing ingredients in low-waste, plastic-free packaging.

The Essentials Trio from Beiin ($115, regularly $139)

I already raved about The Everything Wash above and The Everywhere Lotion and The All-Over Oil are just as spectacular! The Beiin Essentials Trio is a complete 3-step body care system that layers to cleanse, hydrate, and seal in lasting moisture for soft and luminous skin. Designed for all skin types, these products transform everyday care into a ritual of connection, balance, and calm for anyone woman wanting more of that in her day.

Gifts for Amazing Women Who Love Enhancing Their Natural Beauty

Glamour comes in all forms and looks different to every woman. Every day items can make her feel just as beautiful as ones reserved for special occasions. Here are a few gift ideas for women who love to enhance their natural beauty.

Diamond Studs ($22) and Diamond Confetti Hoops ($30) from Pip Pop Post

As wonderful as it is to wear the “good” jewerly, there’s something very practical about having a great pair of ultra-comfy flat-back screw-back earrings that she can keep in all day and sleep in too. Pip Pop Post Diamond Studs are an affordable choice for everyday wear. They’re made of hypoallergenic surgical-grade stainless steel and designed to be worn 24/7, so they hold up from beach days to bedtime without irritation.

For multiple piercings, their Diamond Confetti Hoops are also a comfortable and their new Tropic Edit set is perfect for summer vacations, camp, and pool days.

Sheer Glow Dew Balm & Lip Dew Balm from Kandesn® ($32.89)

This beautifully versatile duo that enhances natural radiance. The Sheer Glow Dew Balm provides a luminous, dewy finish with buildable color to the lips, while the Lip Dew Balm nourishes and adds a subtle glow—perfect for on-the-go beauty lovers. I’m personally loving the Mulberry!

Dr. Chen® UrbanShield Nourishing Serum and Night Renewal Serum ($86.89 each)

As I’ve gotten older, I love a good serum! I recently added Dr. Chen UrbanShield Nourishing Serum and Night Renewal Serums to my skin care arsenal and they’ve made all the difference in a short amount of time! I love that these featherlight serums are infused with plant-based probiotics, peptides, and antioxidants to support a healthy-looking complexion. UrbanShield Nourishing Serum provides deep hydration, softens fine lines and pores, and shields my skin skin’s from environmental stressors to provide a barrier between my skin and the world. Dr. Chen Night Renewal Serum works overnight to improve the appearance of tone, texture, and firmness so I wake up to skin that looks as refreshed. Both work under makeup for SPF lotion or night creams.

Stripment Lash Intro Set from TAD ($44, $94 value)

I’ve always been curious about false lashes and Stripment Lash Intro Set is made for women like me! This limited-edition introductory set features TAD Beauty’s signature Stripments lashes for a stunning lash look in minutes. The easy to apply, 3 segment lashes are a deal for a DIY lash beginner or busy women who love the look of professional lash extensions. The set includes 5 pairs of lashes, Brilliant Bond Adhesive, Pristine Seal, and Clean Touch DIY Lash Tweezers.

Elevated Essentials Set from TAD ($99, $163 value)

This luxury gift set is for the woman who loves a gorgeous lash look that lasts for up to 10 days. Featuring TAD Beauty’s innovative 3D printed lashes in a choice of 3 natural looking styles, the kit includes everything she needs to create her own signature lash look. The gift set includes 3 or 5 pairs of lashes, makeup bag, Pure Cleanser and Brush, Brilliant Bond, Til Next Time Lash Remover, and DIY Lash Tweezers

Gifts for Women Embracing New Motherhood

My kids are now almost 22 and 20 so it’s been quite awhile since we had little ones in our house. For new moms or moms-to-be there is no shortage of new products that use the latest technology and are designed to keep babies close, comfortable, and healthy. Celebrate the new mom in your life with any of these products that allow her to embrace motherhood.

hope&plum Baby Carriers (from $90)

When my kids were little, I loved wearing them to keep them close and wish hope&plum had been around in those days. These beautifully designed and ergonomically supportive carriers allow parents to stay close while staying mobile. It makes my list of gifts for amazing women because it’s perfect for walks, travel, and everyday multitasking. 

Bombi Stroller (from $175)

This all-terrain stroller is built for women who don’t slow down. From park trails to city sidewalks, it supports an active lifestyle while keeping little ones comfortable.

Smart Changing Pad from Woddle ($299)

This all-in-one nursery solution is on my list of gifts for amazing women thanks to a built-in scale and smart tracking features. The smart tracking technology simplifies early parenthood and offers peace of mind during those sleep-deprived months.

No compensation was received for this post. Samples were received for testing purposes as always, the opinions are my own and based on things that I’d like to give to the women I know or love or get! 

The post Best Gifts for Amazing Women appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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When I first started this website in 2008, my goal was to help parents navigate the constantly growing landscape of digital learning experiences for their kids. There were very few educational websites that existed to provide quality age-appropriate content but ABCmouse was one of them. Today ABCmouse has been updated for a new generation of explorers, thinkers, and creators and their parents who want their kids to have the best safe personalized learning experiences. Keep reading for a full ABCmouse review of their free Basic Access and how it supports special education needs.

About ABCmouse 

Created by Age of Learning, ABCmouse has been providing engaging, research-driven, digital experiences for ages 2-8 for over 15 years. Current content includes 13,000 reading, phonics, math, science, art, and music activities along with puzzles, interactive books, and more. Open-ended play through the app fosters early STEM skills, coding fundamentals, and critical thinking skills.

An impressive 50 million children have completed over 13 billion learning activities and ABCmouse has supported more than 700,000 teachers and has been trusted by 40 million families.

ABCmouse Plans: Free Basic vs Paid Premium 

ABCmouse offers two plan options: Basic Access (free) and Premium Access (paid). Both Basic and Premium provide safe, engaging learning experiences. Here’s an overview of how they differ, although this ABCmouse review focuses on free content available through ABCmouse Basic.

ABCmouse Basic (free) offers daily access to a selection of 10 learning activities per day without the worry of being charged. Basic is designed to give families meaningful access to engaging activities with no subscription or payment required. With ABCmouse Basic, there’s no trial and no charges—just safe, educational ways to learn every day, without the worry of being charged.

ABCmouse Premium (paid) provides access to the full curriculum, unlimited play, and added features for families with multiple children. Premium includes more than 13,000 engaging activities and personalized Learning Paths for up to three children. ABCmouse Premium content can be enjoyed through the website or app. The current cost of ABCmouse Premium is $14.99/month with a 30 day free trial or $45/year.

ABCmouse Review: Opening the App for the First Time

Upon first opening ABCmouse, the mouse character, ABC Mouse, or also referred to as ABC, appears on a yellow background before disappearing to show the ABCmouse logo with the name of the app.

The mouse appears again upon the launch of the home screen greeting kids with “Hello, it’s good to see you” or another salutation while its hand glows for a high five. This friendly welcome encourages immediate interaction, even before kids begin to explore learning through the app.

Learning with ABCmouse

The ABCmouse home screen is broken up into four different sections: Daily Learning Quest, My World, My Classroom, and My Learning Path. Each section is either a rectangle or square with a small amount of text and characters. All sections appear on the home screen, eliminating the need for scrolling. Having all available content on a single screen makes ABCmouse streamlined for learning and it helps get kids learning faster. 

A white gloved hand with an outstretched pointer finger highlights suggested activities kids can complete to work towards a surprise. Most kids probably won’t need the app’s suggestions because the captivating visuals entice them to tap to find their first learning activity.

ABC, in the lower right corner of the screen also provides verbal suggestions. At any time, kids can tap on him for app guidance.

ABCmouse allows parents to change child settings to customize learning.  For the purposes of this ABCmouse review, activities were selected based on a 4 year old named Sally with a pre-K reading and pre-K math level.

ABCmouse Review: Daily Learning Quest Section

The Daily Learning Quest section occupies the most screen real estate on the home screen and features content that rotates daily. The written name of each activity is overlayed on the colorful visuals enticing non-readers to tap to play.

Most of the Daily Learning Quest activity names are self-explanatory to adults. Visuals provide clues to kids about what they’ll be learning, even if they’re not quite reading. Over time, early readers will start to learn the name of the activity through sight word recognition, a key early reading skill.

Kids will be enticed to tap on content based on visuals and will enjoy the discovery aspect of the app.

On the first day I used ABCmouse, Daily Learning Quest appeared with the words New for You! It highlighted educational experiences developed in partnership with companies such as NASA, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and Major League Baseball.

On the second day, Daily Learning Quest featured activities such as Printing Skills, Shapes, My Classroom, Winter Sports, Word Fluency, Music, Logic, Letter Names, Vocabulary, Numbers, Life Skills, and more. There were also tiles navigating to the My World and My Classroom sections of the app. These two sections also appear on the home screen. Keep reading for information about the My World and My Classroom sections.

Here’s a look at some of the Daily Learning Quest activities provided to my fictional 4 year old, Sally during my ABCmouse review.

Daily Learning Quest: Logic

Instead of spoken instructions, a directional arrow with a pointing hand appears on the screen to indicate to kids to swipe up, left, or right to practice fine motor skills as they move their penguin through a maze of snowy boulders.

Along the way, there’s a train that travels from left to right, a river, rolling snowball, and other obstacles that require local thinking to help their penguin reach the end.

Daily Learning Quest: Life Skills

The Bright Smiles Safari activity requires kids to help Harper the Hippo brush and floss her teeth. Music with subtle but catchy lyrics repeat the word brush while kids drag their finger to move the flossing pick or toothbrush to make the gunk in Harper’s mouth disappear.

This activity reinforces the importance of tooth brushing and flossing in a fun way while requiring kids to practice fine motor skills. It really took a lot of scrubbing finger motions to get Harper’s teeth clean!

Daily Learning Quest: Letter Names

During this activity, kids drag Sparkle the Unicorn from side to side to catch the featured letter while avoiding the incorrect ones. The featured letter appears 3 times at the top of the screen, indicating the number of times kids need to catch it. The repetitive nature of having to recognize the same letter multiple times as other ones drop is helpful in teaching letters. 

To reinforce letters, each letter is said as Sparkle catches it, whether it’s the correct one or not. Correct letters are celebrated with stars whereas incorrect ones bonk Sparkle on the head and cause swirls to appear.

Daily Learning Quest: Word Fluency

Word fluency requires a knowledge of letters. In this activity, kids are given a word like ‘cake’ to spell. Each of the 4 letters appears at the top of the screen in a box with the letter written in gray. As the ABCmouse character jumps to catch a letter in the word, the letter color at the top of the screen changes from gray to black.

Daily Learning Quest: Space Partnership with NASA

The ABCmouse Space Collection in partnership with NASA helps young learners build fundamental knowledge in science and space through a variety of different learning activities. Branding is minimal but it’s distinguishable from other content because ABCmouse appears dressed in a space suit with a space shuttle.

As a mom who has written about the importance of encouraging STEM learning and has two college-age engineering majors, I’m always interested to see how app-based digital learning experiences in STEM can foster curiosity in young ages. I was pleased to see such a wide variety of activities targeting various learning styles. Here’s a look at just a couple of the many learning tasks through the NASA partnership.

The Wonder Files: The Moon

Since The Wonder Files: The Moon was my first activity for the day, the ABCmouse app let me know I had 9 activities left to play. Basic users are allocated 10 learning experience each day and users are reminded of how many remain during play.

This animated video features a girl asking her dog, Rocky, questions like: Why does it change shape? What is the ground of the moon like? She pondered possibilities that maybe the surface of the moon is rocky, hilly, or could be covered in space grass and said the more she thinks about the moon, the more questions she has.

This short video featured a perfect age-appropriate introduction to space ages 2-8 would understand. Thinking about the moon and having questions encourages kids to be curious about the world around them. It also introduces the first step of the scientific method: Ask a question. The end of the video also teases a book called the Wonder Project, a place to write questions and find out answers together, like a scientific notebook used by scientists.

Meet Our Moons- Part 1

Meet Our Moons is an animated non-fiction text featuring a character named Ben who provides facts about the moon and the moon’s phases. Text is highlighted in yellow as it’s read by Ben. This helps beginning readers make the connection that there for each written word, there is a spoken word. Learning to recognize sight words and understanding 1-1 correspondence is an essential skill for learning to read. Additional animations layered on the story’s visuals enhance learning.  

While learning can be done in any order, content in Meet Our Moon- Part 1 answered questions about phases of the moon from the previous activity, The Wonder Files: The Moon.

ABCmouse Review: My Learning Path

The My Learning Path section of ABCmouse provides kids with a choice to complete sequential lessons in either reading or math. Customized learning levels for kids selected by parents through Settings appear under each subject. For our 4-year-old, Sally, I selected math. Keep reading for information about how to customize your child’s learning level through Settings.

The first My Learning Path math lesson involved teaching to count to the number 20. The series of 6 lessons involved watching, listening, reading, and playing to reinforce numeracy through each short lesson that provided essential math concepts.

Writing the number 20 by tracing the number 20 with your finger on the screen served as a quick first lesson to introduce the number in an engaging way. Upon completion, the learning path screen appeared and the character moved to the next stepping stone.

The next activity featured a video with Miracle. As Miracle counted, each number from 1-20 appeared on the screen and was highlighted as spoken. 

To reinforce learning, the counting was repeated but this time with cookies. As cookies appeared on the screen, the number appeared on it as it was counted.  

The Learning Path took us to the next activity which was a digital 2 player Connect 4 game. Just like the real-life game, this involved using hand-eye coordination and strategy to get 4 of the same color in a row. When beaten by the app, the words You Lost were accompanied by cheery balloons.

Next on the Learning Path was a book called Counting Fingers and Toes, a math-based story that combined literacy and numeracy in a nice way. Bonus: Words were highlighted as they were being read, something I always appreciate as a former first grade teacher who taught my students how to read!

The final activity was called Show What You Know, an interactive assessment to determine how well kids knew their numbers up to 20.

A question appeared at the top of the screen, was read, and then number choices appeared below. Kids were required to figure out what number came next to complete the sequence.

Each number was read aloud and could be read again if tapped. Four questions were asked in total before the entire Learning Path was completed and kids earned tickets for their work.

Despite many learning activities, the entire My Learning Path only counted as 1 out of the 10 daily activities allowed through the ABCmouse Basic plan. I highly recommend making sure your child completes either reading or math lessons in their Learning Path each day to maximize the 10 activity allowance.

ABCmouse Review: My Classroom

 The My Classroom section is where kids can discover learning by subject area including Reading & Writing, Math, People & Places, Science & Health. These subjects are depicted on “shelves” on a screen with a classroom-like appearance. Icons for these subjects appear in the center of the screen with the words underneath them.

Smaller shelves on the right-hand side of the screen feature games, videos, art, and reading icons. Aboard to the right of the teacher highlights a subject for the day which was Reading Readiness on one of the days I was working on my ABCmouse review.

Upon opening My Classroom, a friendly teacher character appears saying, “Welcome to the classroom, Sally. Here we can explore reading, writing, and math.”

Gentle guidance is provided if kids hesitate to select a learning area to start with through prompts like, “I think you’ll like the activities in the Reading and Writing shelf. Let’s look in the Math shelf.”

Always interested in STEM learning for the youngest ages, I explored Math and Science & Health.

As an ABCmouse Basic user, I could access content under Featured Activities. Scrolling down, I could see topics like Animals, Human Body, Weather and Climate, Earth and Space, Habitats and Environments, and Healthy Habits.

There were 109 Science & Health and 434 Math activities that I couldn’t access without the paid Premium plan but there was still plenty to choose from among the Featured Activities through the free Basic version.

Here’s a look at some of the Math and Science & Health activities presented to our 4 year old, Sally.

Pet Vet: Bandages

This health lesson about cleaning and bandaging wounds also incorporates shape matching and fine motor skills. Kids are required to practice hand-eye coordination to clean scratches with a cotton ball.

After wounds are clean, a selection of different shaped bandages appear and kids must match the best shaped bandage to cover the wound.

Snack Stack

Snack Stack is a virtual version of stacking blocks but in digital form with food shapes like square cubes of waffles and cinnamon buns, rectangular glazed donuts and bacon, along with irregular shaped foods like t-shaped broccoli, curved bananas, round apples, and wedge-shaped carrots.

Screenshot

Items fall from the top of the screen and can be manipulated by using the arrows to the right or left of center to turn them however, some items, like the banana, are tricky to manipulate to stack more food on top, making the snack stack fall. 

Kids get multiple tries to stack snacks, making it a fun digital version of blocks for a new generation.

Mixed Up: Seasons

This activity requires kids to categorize items associated with different seasons into bowls labeled with the name of the season. For this game, Sally was looking for items used in winter, spring, and summer. As items appear on the conveyor belt, kids can tap on it to hear the name of the object before correctly sorting it. Each season required 3 items to be correctly sorted before the chef would disappear.

 Once all chefs had full bowls, a progress bar graph appeared and kids were given the opportunity to choose a treat to feed the cat on the final screen.

ABCmouse Review: My World

Through My World, kids can explore five thematic topics that address certain learning objectives and customize an avatar.

Bot Beats Coding

Bot Beats involves dragging blocks of code to program different parts of the robot to complete an action. Kids can tap on the robot’s head, feet, or arms to program them to make music or dance. For the head, kids choose among 6 different blocks of code with various facial expressions and drag them into 8 distinct spaces to program the robot’s head to make distinct beats.

A single block of code dragged into place will make the robot’s feet dance. Kids can program the robot’s arm movements by choosing among two different blocks of code to drag into four spaces.

This visual, block based interface is an effective way to introduce young children to coding concepts that they’ll be exposed to later through platforms like Scratch, ScratchJr, Tynker, or Code.org which is what I used in my 8^th grade middle school computer science class.

Safari Life Science

This activity allows kids to explore an animal park by tapping on different icons on the safari map. They’ll learn facts about giraffes, lions, and many other animals while acting as zoo veterinarians in charge of their care.

Some of the tasks include washing and caring for a giraffe’s health, keeping a lion cub still to be weighed by choosing calming music, and figuring out what toys and foods active lion cubs need to stay healthy.

The numerous activities in the Safari Life Section of ABCmouse serve as an interactive way to learn science in an age-appropriate way.

Hamster Spatial Logic

Every child who has always wanted a hamster will love choosing a pet hamster and selecting various tubes and accessories to design a hamster habitrail. Kids drag and drop straight and curved to connect already existing pieces or can choose a tube with a bubble as a hamster lookout tower.

Having to think logically about the space and what is needed to get their hamster from one part of its habitat to the other is a great spatial logic activity that is important for STEM learning. 

Other topics in My World include Pet Town for Narrative Play and Aquarium for Social and Emotional Learning.

Customizing Learning with ABCmouse

Under the ABCmouse Basic plan, your child will be listed as Friend in the upper left corner. To change the name, tap on Settings, enter your birth year, and the square that says Friend.

From the Edit Child screen, you can edit your child’s name, birthday, reading grade level, and math grade level. I appreciate that reading grade level and math grade level are separate and can be adjusted for more relevant learning experiences since reading and math skills can vary widely for ages 2-8. 

How ABCmouse Supports Special Education Needs

A wide variety of features support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs. Audio narration, interactive visuals, and self-paced activities support different learning styles. The flexibility to set or change the grade level to match needs is also important since app content can be used to supplement classroom learning through specialized education plans determined by a child’s educational team.

ABCmouse Review: Summary

In a world where free versions of apps are known for providing extremely limited learning experiences for kids unless parents pay for costly subscriptions, free ABCmouse Basic is a welcome change. Parents will appreciate the high quality safe personalized learning experiences while kids ages 2-8 will find the content engaging and easy to navigate.

With a myriad of topics that are relevant, there’s no shortage of learning that can be done through the 10 activities per day limit under the Basic plan. Parents might also appreciate having a limited number of activities to help moderate screen time in favor of healthy digital habits.

As a mom who used to teach middle school computer science and engineering, I have to say I was extremely impressed by some of the STEM learning provided by ABCmouse. Activities such as Bots Beat Coding and Hamster Spatial Logic are great ways to familiarize kids with programming concepts in an age-appropriate and fun way.

The content partnerships with NASA, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and Major League Baseball (MLB) produce impressive content that is a value-add for ABCmouse and young learners. My only criticism of the content was I wanted more! Content from all 3 partners appeared on my first day of using ABCmouse but because Daily Learning Quest content rotates, I didn’t see any partner content pop up during the next two days of app use.

Even though I would have loved to continue exploring this content, there was still plenty to choose from and it keeps me wanting to go back to ABCmouse for more.

Download ABCmouse Basic for free here. At any time, you can upgrade to ABCmouse Premium at the cost of $14.99/month with a 30 day free trial or $45/year.

While this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own and based on my perspective as a former teacher and parent. Images courtesy of ABCmouse.

The post ABCmouse Review: Free App Personalizes Learning for Ages 2-8 appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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10 Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Tech

Spring clean your tech by starting with any of these 10 simple tasks. From hitting the unsubscribe button on the way too frequent marketing emails, affixing a label on a new device, or washing your overused screen cleaning cloth, all are quick tasks to help you feel lighter as a new season approaches.

Declutter Devices and Accessories

Spring clean your digital life by decluttering things related to your digital devices. Start by tackling that one spot in your home serves as your electronics graveyard.

It’s time to get rid of old phone cases, screen protectors, and chargers for phones you previously owned. That free PopSocket or webcam cover you picked up and haven’t ever used? Chances are if you haven’t used it by now, it’s time to let go of it.

It’s also time to evaluate your earbuds. If they no longer hold a charge for a decent amount of time, give yourself permission to get rid of them. Grubby smart watch bands should also go, especially if they don’t fit your current timepiece.

Anything rubberized that feels sticky is not worth keeping. I found a portable charger that felt gummy and was just collecting dust and lint. Rubber gets sticky with age and even though some say rubbing alcohol can fix it, it’s a very temporary fix.

Give Favorite Devices a Glow Up

Time spent giving your favorite devices a glow up can extend their life and save money by replacing a part instead of the entire thing. Here are some ideas on how you can give devices a glow up as you spring clean your tech.

Evaluate Bluetooth headphones

Chances are your favorite over-the-ear style Bluetooth headphones work just fine but the vegan leather earpads may be disintegrating. Fortunately, it’s easy to replace them. Just search over ear replacement pads on Amazon to find ones that fit your current pair.

Pairs of replacement pads generally run $12-20 a set making them a budget friendly way to breathe new life into your current pair.

Clean your keyboard

We don’t usually think about what collects in between the keys of our keyboard but giving your keyboard a good dusting can do wonders! Start by putting your computer to sleep and spraying a soft cloth with a little Windex to wipe down your keyboard.

While this gets rid of grimy residue, a can of Dust-Off pressurized air will do wonders to rid of dust and crumbs hiding between keyboard keys.

Replace broken screen protectors

Even though phone glass is engineered to endure falls and drops, screen protectors can help. But if your screen protector is cracked and broken, it becomes less protective and a hazard to use. Do yourself a favor and spend 5 minutes removing the old and applying a new one. After all, you deserve to stop looking at and using your phone through the broken screen protector!

Check out what I learned about phone glass engineered by Corning Incorporated during my trip to their Research and Development facilities in Corning, New York!

Label devices and accessories

As we get new devices, we often forget to label them. Affixing a label from Mabel’s Labels helps ensure your iPad, Kindle, portable charger, AirPods, etc. finds its way back to you.

Replace cases

Take a look at your cell phone or tablet case. If your digital device is housed in something that is cracked, worn, or just shabby, consider replacing it. Cracked and worn cases will only protect your device so much. If you’re looking for cases in fun prints and patterns that hold up well, I’ve had one from Casely on on my iPhone for 3 years now and it’s held up beautifully! 

Wash your screen cleaning cloth

If you use a cloth to clean your screen or glasses, throw it in the laundry. There’s only so much dust and grime it can take before it needs to be cleaned too! 

Dispose of E-Waste Responsibly

Sort through items and dispose of them responsibly to spring clean your tech. Items that are in good used condition that are of no use to you but could be used by someone else are great to give away on a local Buy Nothing group. Old electronics should be deposited in e-Waste bins for proper disposal.

Google to find how to properly dispose of e-Waste by you. Many Best Buy locations have e-Waste drop offs close to the front of the store. Just be sure to wipe all data from your devices before recycling them.

Edit Your Inbox

If you find yourself deleting too many marketing emails without even wanting to read them, it’s time to unsubscribe for good. Time spent selecting and deleting emails you don’t want to read can be better spent doing something else.

This post contains affiliate links.

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About the National Building Museum

The National Building Museum has always been a family favorite, especially when my kids were little. Conveniently located just across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro stop (red line), it was a place where we could spend an entire day.

I have the best memories of my kids running from end to end of the vast Great Hall before heading upstairs to investigate exhibitions. Hands-on learning opportunities that fostered curiosity about the world we design and build were perfect early STEM experiences for my kids.

About The Big Draw at The National Building Museum

For the third year, visitors of all ages are invited to come to The Big Draw at The National Building Museum. This free event will feature a full day of playful, hands-on creativity with artists, educators, and cultural partners to celebrate the power of drawing.

“At The Big Draw, we see drawing as a powerful tool for communication and understanding,” said Maggie Wald,  Manager of Early Childhood Programs & Community Partnerships for the National Building Museum. “It’s not just a finished product, but an essential part of the design process—helping us share perspectives, solve problems, and build connections in the wider world.” 

Plus, David Macaulay will be there doing live drawing demonstrations and free, 30-minute small-group workshops for participants ages 10 and up who pre-register here. Visitors can bring their own sketchbooks or use materials provided by the Museum.

You may know David Macaulay as the renowned author and illustrator of The Way Things Work: The Ultimate Guide to How Things Work but he’s also a lecturer at Dartmouth Engineering! I love how he talks about the importance of sketching as a way of seeing things in this video.

My kids would study David Macaulay’s illustrations in The Way Things Work for hours.

They’d lie on the floor, heads together, book between them, talking about what they saw. The inner workings of the most mundane things in our everyday lives captivated them, especially when explained by David Macaulay.

It’s probably not surprising that an early fascination of how things work led them to majoring in engineering as current college students!  

Additional experiences in the Great Hall include workshops, storytelling, and local artists. Book giveaways, virtual reality drawing, and hands-on activities will showcase how drawing can deepen our understanding of the world around us.

The Big Draw Schedule of Events

Below is a schedule of the events for The Big Draw

10:00–11:30 am- Illustrator Trap Bob Coloring Book Workshop
Hands-on coloring workshop led by Illustrator Trap Bob.

• Participants 7 and older are encouraged to pre-register herefor FREE coloring book workshop with illustrator Trap Bob. The first 40 participants will receive a copy of Trap Bob’s new coloring book. 

10:15–11:45 am- Storytime
Storytime is packed full of reading, songs, and activities designed to promote language and literacy skills.

11:00–11:45 am- David Macaulay Drawing Demonstration
Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay shares sketches and techniques.

1:15–1:45 pm- Polish Embassy Storytime
The Polish Embassy presents stories celebrating culture, history, and international connections.

1:15–4:45 pm- David Macaulay Guided Workshops
30-minute hands-on illustration workshops with David Macaulay, suitable for all ages and skill levels.

• Participants 10 and older are encouraged to pre-register for FREE, 30-minute drawing workshops with David Macaulay. See the full workshop schedule and pre-register here.

Featured Participants at The Big Draw

The following organizations will be at The Big Draw at The National Building Museum this Saturday from 10-5pm:

• Turning the Page – Engaging families for student success through workshops, museum experiences, and free books.
• DC Public Library – Bringing stories and activities to inspire young readers.
• Illustrator Trap Bob – Celebrate her new coloring book launch with a life-sized coloring book! 
• Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) MFA Program – Showcasing innovative illustration and artistic practice.
• National Building Museum – Hosting activities and exhibitions that celebrate design and architecture.
• National Museum of Women in the Arts – Championing women in the arts through engaging programming.
• National Postal Museum – Sharing history, creativity, and cultural storytelling.
• Polish Embassy – Experiencing the work of VR drawing with Tomasz Wiktor, and celebrating the cultural and international connections.
• Positive Chalk DC – Creating spaces for children and families to imagine and inspire their communities.
• Urban Sketchers – Sketching the Museum from new perspectives.

The Big Draw is free however, there is admission for current exhibitions separate from The Big Draw.

All images courtesy of The National Building Museum. No compensation was received for this post. Amazon affiliate links are included.

The post The Big Draw at The National Building Museum Celebrates Drawing (free Sat 3/14) appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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• Building a Fast Pinewood Derby Car: 14 Tips from My Former Scout

 

Tips for Building a Fast Pinewood Derby Car

Pinewood Derby cars are an expression of a child’s creativity and blend science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun, hands on activity. Kids learn real skills as they race aerodynamic cars down a track fueled by gravity.

As a mom of a Pinewood Derby veteran who participated in the race for years before moving on to Scouts and eventually becoming an Eagle Scout, Thomas had plenty of wins. He won his share of heats as a younger Scout. His years of participation led to more car building experience and there were even a couple of first place pack finishes and the chance to represent our Troop among others in the area at the district-wide race.

But just like many things in life, winning isn’t everything. As proud as I was of Thomas and his cars that performed well on the track, there were also disappointments. Lessons learned one year were helpful in building a fast Pinewood Derby car the following year.

Since Thomas graduated from Scouts, he thought it would be helpful to share lessons learned with other families participating in the Pinewood Derby. Whether you’re a new racer or an experienced veteran, here are some tips for getting started and Thomas’ tips for building a fast Pinewood Derby car.

5 Things to Do Before You Start Building Your Pinewood Derby Car

Look at the Calendar

When is your Pinewood Derby race and what is your work style? Our pack’s race was always in early March. This meant Thomas started thinking about his car in January and then would spend February working on his car. He preferred to work on his car over a long period of time but knew other Scouts who thrived under pressure and completed their car the weekend before. Knowing your child, knowing yourself, and knowing your family’s schedule can keep Pinewood Derby car building fun while minimizing time-related stress.

Get Inspired

What is your child’s vision for their car? Search on Google or Pinterest for inspiration but a less overwhelming gallery of images can be found on Boys’ Life where they showcase car photos submitted by Scouts for each year of the competition. The body design of a Pinewood Derby car impacts its performance on the track because some shapes are more aerodynamic than others. Derby Monkey Garage believes “a Pinewood Derby car should be designed to move as little air as possible as it speeds down the track” and compares two body shapes to give you the lowdown on which is more aerodynamic.

Learn About the Physics of Car Design

The laws of physics can affect the speed of a Pinewood Derby car on the track since any friction can slow down your car. 5 Keys to Pinewood Derby Performance discusses how gravity is a constant force but how elements such as friction and momentum come into play when racing. Tip from Thomas: The most aerodynamic designs tend to be faster so make sure your car isn’t too tall.

Assemble Materials

Most packs provide Pinewood Derby Kits but what other things does your child want to use to execute their vision? Talk about paint colors, raid the Lego bin, buy stickers, and hit up the neighborhood Buy Nothing group and former Cub Scout families for supplies. Use what you have around the house to use before buying anything. 

Know the Rules

According to Boy Scouts of America, each local Pinewood Derby committee determines the rules for building and racing cars so be sure to know your Pack’s rules before you start building.

Construction Time: 6 Tips for Building a Fast Pinewood Derby Car

Now that your child has figured out their design, it’s time to build their dream car. Here are some suggestions to help the building process go smoothly.

Come Up with a Construction Plan

Based on your child’s idea, what do you need to do to make it come to life? Talk about what shape they want it to be. If it will need to be cut, what tools will be needed? Assemble the tools you need, including paint colors. Tip from Thomas: Make it look fast with a cool paint job.

Figure Out Who Will Do What Task

As you talk through the construction plan, talk about what parts of the construction they can do and what they might need help with. Younger Lion and Tiger Scouts can be given the responsibility of hand sanding their block of wood and hammering in the axles while you assist with sawing. Lions and Tigers who are new to the process are likely to need more hands-on help from parents while Webelos can draw upon previous Pinewood Derby experience.

Talk About Safety

All Scouts need to know that safety comes first. Younger Cub Scouts need guidance and but as they get older, be as hands off as possible if you can trust that your child will be safe.  At the bottom of the BSA’s Pinewood Derby Rules page is a Safety section with 10 helpful tips for families.

What About Weights?

Some kids like to incorporate the weights into the car design while others prefer to keep them hidden. There are many different kinds of weights, like tungsten weights, sphere weights, tapered weights, adhesive weights that can be easily cut with scissors, moldable tungsten putty, and more that can be bought for Pinewood Derby cars but you can also get creative and add quarters or washers as weights. Just make sure some of your weights can be easily removed from the car in case it happens to be overweight on Derby Day check-in. Tip from Thomas: Put weight at the center and back of the car to make it faster.

Pay Attention to Detail

Boy’s Life says a little extra time and effort with an adult’s help can result in the ultimate Pinewood Derby car and shares why you might want to extend the wheelbase, create glue holes, sand your car a bit more, and lubricate the wheels. Tips from Thomas: Polish the axles with sandpaper to make them smooth, use an old toothbrush to clean the wheels with toothpaste, and fine graphite powder applied the axles can make your car faster. Thomas recommends this graphite powder because it has a fine applicator!

Review the Rules

Know the rules words written on ripped paper with red background. Conceptual know the rules symbol. Copy space.

I know I mentioned this before but you don’t want to be surprised by the rules when you check your car in on Derby Day!

3 Things to Know About Making Modifications at Car Check-In

Even when you know the rules and build your car accordingly, you might still need to make modifications before race day. I watched Thomas plan his car design, create it, tweak it, and tweak it some more. Thomas learned certain modifications to your piece of wood can make the difference between a fast or slow car on race day but sometimes changes need to be made at check in right before the race.

A Scout might be told their car is too heavy, too tall, or too wide in order to meet race requirements. As a Scout mom who has worked the check-in table before the race, sometimes the fixes are quick and other times it means modifying the car to the point of frustration and tears. Here’s how to minimize the heartbreak of being told your car is too heavy, too tall, or too wide.

Be ready to modify your Pinewood Derby car if it’s too heavy 

All cars are weighed upon check in. There’s no right answer to the perfect weight for a car since there are multiple factors that contribute to speed but it can’t exceed the weight limit. Prepare your child for the fact that their car could be too heavy. Talk about what that means and have a game plan if this situation arises.

Decide how much you want to alter the design of the car

Depending on the design of the car, it can be tricky to remove weight. I’ve seen occasions where kids pull off all the weights, come re-weigh their car, and it’s still over! One solution is to drill out the bottom of the Pinewood Derby car but be sure to discuss this with your child first. If they’re not comfortable drilling into their car, allow them to take some ownership by showing you where they want you to drill into their vehicle.

Car too light? It’s ok to just let it be!

There’s no reason why you have to push the weight limit to make your car the required weight. There’s something to be said about maintaining the design as your child planned it.

The main goal for Cub Scouts participating in the Pinewood Derby is to have fun and learn about car design through hands-on engineering. It’s great to want to win but there are lessons to be learned about building a fast Pinewood Derby car each year your Scout participates. Focus on the process and the lessons learned and have a great race!

Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post.

The post Building a Fast Pinewood Derby Car: 14 Tips from My Former Scout appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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Now that my kids are older, I know even the smallest things my parents taught me that I’ve done as a mom have mattered. My college-age kids understand why I’m constantly armed with our handheld vacuum a few days before the start of the new year. Cleaning the house is symbolic for driving away bad luck from the year before. My daughter cleans her dorm room in advance of the New Year, knowing that cleaning on the first day of the new year will sweep away any good luck that could come with it.

With our kids being in college now, I love that they’re continuing to observe Chinese New Year and share the traditions with their friends. We send li see envelopes filled with cash, sweets to start the year, and order Lunar New Year paper products to celebrate the day with her friends.

Lunar New Year gift boxes at Kee Wah Bakery in Los Angeles

If you’re looking to celebrate Chinese New Year in your home, here are some of the traditions I grew up with that are easy to do with your family to commemorate a new year. Please note that these are Chinese traditions that I grew up with as a Chinese American. Other Asian cultures celebrate Lunar New Year with different traditions.

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Growing up in California, recognition of the coming New Year began well before the actual date it started. My mom and I would go shopping for oranges to give as gifts to friends and family to bring them luck and wealth.

When given with leaves, oranges and tangerines send wishes for a long life

Besides the color, the Chinese word for orange sounds similar to gold. Sometimes we’d throw tangerines in too because that word is like luck. If we could find oranges and tangerines with leaves, even better! Leaves signify longevity and long life.

When I was younger, the orange and tangerine exchange always seemed a bit silly. We’d visit my grandparents or another friend or relative with our bag of oranges and tangerines and they’d give us one too. We’d always come home with about the same number as we took but as my mother always explained, it was more the significance of the act of giving rather than getting rid of the fruit itself.

In addition to the orange and tangerine exchange, we also had to be sure we cleaned the house prior to the start of the New Year.

“We want to sweep out the bad luck but keep the good,” my mother explained. It’s important to sweep out the bad luck from the previous year but customary to not clean for the first week to avoid sweeping away any good luck the New Year may bring. You’re welcome for the excuse to avoid cleaning for the next week!

For a look at what other things you should avoid to prevent accidentally bring in bad luck for the year, check out my girl Rosie’s (aka TheHustlingMama) Instagram video and be sure to click to read her caption!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rosie |SoCal Blogger (@thehustlingmama)

With a clean house filled with oranges and tangerines, we were ready for the start of a New Year. I’d wake up and put on a new piece of clothing, greet my parents with “gung hay fat choy” (Happy New Year in Cantonese), and be presented with a li see, or lucky money.

Li see envelopes and gold coins for Chinese New Year

Tucked inside the red bearing our last name written in gold in Chinese, would be a bit of money to represent prosperity and good luck. I was eligible to collect li see until I got married at which time the tables turned. Now my husband and I are on the giving side, with li see envelopes ready give unmarried children like our nieces and nephews.

In the evening we’d join my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and good family friends for a Chinese New Year banquet. Of course there was the orange exchange and the giving of li see to me and my brother from all of our married friends and relatives before sitting down to a long dinner with many courses.

The sweetness of beng, or cookies is said to bring a sweet life in the New Year

Arranged months in advance, our banquet was a time to come together and eat traditional Chinese foods that bring good luck in the New Year. Whole fish with their head and tail attached to represent abundance, the vegetarian Jai dish made with ingredients to bring good luck, long noodles for long life (also popular at birthday banquets), and a sweet red bean soup accompanied by oranges and fortune cookies were just some of the dishes we enjoyed during our long meal.

In the absence of relatives and my parents living all the way across the country, I used to wonder how well I’m doing sharing the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year with my own children. There were times when I felt like I was doing well and other times when I felt I’m faltering. Now that my kids are older, I can see how incorporating the customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year have become an important part of their lives. If you’re a parent of young kids and are struggling, know that anything you do to maintain knowledge of your culture is better than not doing anything at all!

Teaching Kids About Chinese New Year & Family Traditions

Los Angeles Chinatown

If you’re curious about Chinese New Year and want to learn more about the customs, traditions, and foods associated with the celebration, here are some resources along with some of our favorite books.

• Find out what Chinese zodiac animal is associated with your birth year
• Learn about Chinese red envelopes. Referred to as li see or  hong bao, read about the significance of red envelopes in How to Give Red Envelopes 
• Brush up on your Chinese New Year greetings thanks to The Woks of Life. They feature 23 greetings in both Mandarin and Cantonese and my favorite recipe for cha siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
• See Lunar New Year celebrations from around the world thanks to The Guardian who shares how The Year of the Ox is being welcomed in China, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, North and South Korea, Russia, England, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and more countries in Asia and beyond. 

Favorite Books About Chinese New Year and Culture

Don’t forget to read about Chinese New Year and get to know about AANPHI culture, history, and traditions through picture and chapter books! Here are some of our favorites!

Picture and Board Books About Celebrating Chinese New Year for Young Readers

• My First Chinese New Year
• Chinese New Year Colors
• Ruby’s Chinese New Year
• Chloe’s Lunar New Year
• Dragon Dance
• Our Lunar New Year
• The Tray of Togetherness
• Playing with Lanterns
• A Sweet New Year for Ren
• Asian Adventures: Delicious Asian Foods from A-Z
• Dim Sum for Everyone
• Yum Yum Dim Sum

Books about Celebrating Chinese New Year for Elementary Readers

• Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year
• Sam and the Lucky Money
• Bringing in the New Year
• Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Graphic Novels for Older Readers

Fighting to Belong! A History of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Vol. 1.

Fighting to Belong! is a brand new book just released yesterday that introduces students to Asian American and Pacific Islander history as an important and dynamic part of American history. This graphic novel will take readers on a trip through time with middle school protagonists and their guide, Kenji, as they observe key events in AANHPI history from the 1700-1800s. This is the first book to be published in the Fighting to Belong! series. I wish this book existed when my kids and I were in the middle grades because it’s great for AANHPI students and their peers to see themselves in history books.

Bilingual Titles:

• 12 Lucky Animals: A Bilingual Baby Book
• Home for Chinese New Year: A Story Told in English and Chinese

Favorite Cookbooks for Celebrating Chinese New Year

Woks of Life

During the pandemic I decided I wanted to learn how to make more Chinese food, especially char siu bao, the baked pork buns our family loves. I found the Woks of Life blog and was instantly hooked. Everything I tried tasted like favorite dishes from restaurants frequented in and around the San Francisco Bay Area where I grew up and like those my parents always cooked. When I heard there was going to be a Woks of Life cookbook, I preordered it and anxiously awaited its arrival. These days it’s a trusted resource that I turn to for delicious meals at home and still subscribe to Woks of Life emails to be the first to know about their new recipes. 

Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. All opinions are my own.

The post Celebrating Chinese New Year: Teaching Kids About Lunar New Year & Family Traditions appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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Despite living in the Washington, D.C. area for almost twenty years, an invitation to The White House is always special even if you’ve been before. Last week I went to the White House for the third time where my two day visit involved spending a glorious fall day planting basil, peppers, green beans, and sweet potatoes in the White House Kitchen Garden alongside Debra Eschmeyer, Executive Director of Let’s Move! and Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy, members of the National Park Service, and other volunteers before sitting down with First Lady Michelle Obama the next day.

Yes. I got to sit down for a conversation with Michelle Obama herself.

Prior to the visit, I did what any good reporter would do. I prepared for meeting Mrs. Obama by reading the latest news about Let’s Move and the White House Kitchen Garden, queried my audience for their gardening questions, and practiced deep breathing to calm my nerves to avoid being too fan-girl nervous upon sharing the same air space with the First Lady of the United States.

But despite the coveted invite to one of the most exclusive residences in the United States to sit down with an icon, visiting Michelle Obama was refreshingly real and like visiting the house of a very good friend.

Why Interviewing Michelle Obama Felt Like Seeing a Good Friend

Start by Ringing the Doorbell 

Just as you would ring the doorbell at a friend’s house to announce your arrival, the same is true at the White House. The smart doorbell at the White House gates isn’t too different from my own. When you push the button, it activates audio and contains an embedded security camera to provide a video feed. The only difference is that the Secret Service answers Mrs. Obama’s door and you’ll need to pass your driver’s license or passport to them on a sliding tray to get a badge that lets you inside.

With driver’s license and press badge in hand, the rest is much like TSA security proceedings. Watches, cell phones, and keys go in a tray to be put on the belt along with your purse, backpack, etc.

Just don’t put your press badge in the tray. You’ll need to scan that to get through the turnstile. Even though I made that mistake the first day, I sure didn’t the next day!

And once you get through security, you may or not be able to walk to the house by yourself. On past visits, I’ve walked pass Press Row (where the major networks have their equipment set up for those great shots with the White House in the background) and waited in the White House Briefing Room. This time I met my group and we waited for a Secret Service escort.

Get a Dog Greeting

When people come to our house, they tend to meet our pets first. If you come to the back door, you’re likely to be greeted by our trio of backyard chickens (aka feathered security detail) and Oliver, our 8 year old Yellow Labrador. Oliver may or may not bark at you but he will definitely give you the sniff test, hoping you brought him a cupcake. Or a steak.

I have to say the First Dogs are much better behaved.

While it was a gorgeous fall day, we were kept in a holding area past the Press Briefing Room right at the side of the house. This was my view.

Beautiful when looking up but otherwise, a not-so-pretty part of the house. I likened this spot to the one (ok, many) embarrassing part(s) of my house that I hope no one really notices when they visit.

But I was quickly distracted by the appearance of Sunny and Bo, the First Dogs. The much-admired Portuguese Water Dogs came sauntering out of the doors off-leash with their handler and my contact for this visit saying, “We hear you’ve been waiting awhile so I thought I’d bring you some visitors.”

And in an instant I was smitten. Sunny and Bo were friendly, fluffy, oh-so well behaved, and absolutely willing to take a selfie!

The surprise appearance of Sunny and Bo was like the cherry on top of what I knew would already be a great day.

Also? It caused Oliver to give me a full sniff test upon returning home to figure out where I was and who I had been playing with during my time away.

Pass the Time by Admiring the Décor While You Wait

Sometimes friends aren’t ready when you come by to meet them and you’re left looking around their house trying not to pass the time by snooping too much while they run back upstairs to get ready.

This is how I felt once we were inside the White House. I got a quick peek at the famed corridor flanked by the Rose Garden that’s the location of many famous photos of current and past presidents walking with The Oval Office in the distance, then being ushered through the Center Hall where portraits of former First Ladies hang, past the Diplomatic Reception Room, up the stairs to the grand Entrance Hall, and into the Family Dining Room where our interview was to take place. I wanted to stop and linger in these places to absorb their history but didn’t want to be too nosy either.

Once we were upstairs in the Family Dining Room and the doors behind us closed, I took a moment to soak in the details of the room before pulling out my camera to capture the details.

The stately Federal chest with a modern silver tea set.

A china cabinet holding the Obama’s pattern with place settings from past presidents.

The neatly arranged table bearing place cards for each of us and spots set with White House note paper, pens, and water glasses that sat on glass coasters lined with a ruffle paper edged ones bearing the presidential seal.

This was no ordinary dining room but it felt warm, comfortable, and friendly. The only way you could tell that we were nervous was by the quiet that overtook the room as we were waiting for Mrs. Obama to enter.

Greet Each Other with Hugs

With each door that opened, we wondered if it could be her until it was. There she was. Tall, graceful, and even more stunningly beautiful in real life, Michelle Obama could be incredibly intimidating if she hadn’t been so warm as she welcomed us into her home.

I wasn’t sure what the protocol was for meeting Michelle. Handshake? Move into a hug and risk getting separated by her security detail? Luckily those ahead of me worked out the kinks although no Secret Service intervention was necessary.

As a true hostess does, she greeted each and every one of us with a hug and a kiss on the check, while thanking us for coming. She even complimented me on my necklace before we posed for a photo. No selfies necessary!

First Lady Michelle Obama greets Leticia Barr of Tech Savvy Mama prior to a “Let’s Move!” initiative roundtable with parent bloggers in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House, Oct. 5, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Catch Up Over Great Food

A get together with a friend is always better over tasty food and Michelle didn’t disappoint. In a corner of the room sat a gold rimmed china plate with yellow squash and zucchini quiche rectangle and veggie bundles wrapped in the thinnest of cucumber slices with a dollop of herbed yogurt on top. The only difference was that these tasty morsels were made by Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa herself, using vegetables from the White House Kitchen Garden.

Like Michelle, I love using seasonal produce from my garden and sharing the bounty with guests. I just wish I had Ina to help in my kitchen! And note the stack of cocktail napkins bearing the presidential seal fanned out next to the delectable treats. 

Acknowledge Your Time Together was Short but Wonderful and Good for the Soul

Seated around the table with our place cards, White House note paper with a basic ballpoint pen beside it, and water glasses upon fancy coasters, Michelle welcomed us and reiterated how glad she was that we could join her.

For the next hour, we had a lovely conversation about the many successes of the Let’s Move initiative, the future of the White House Kitchen Garden, and how we, as parents, are effective change makers when we begin by changing things about our own lives. Through our conversation she talked about the importance of being good role models for our kids, acknowledging our good habits while trying to change the bad, and starting small, rather than being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the big picture.

As I sat across from Michelle, I spent the entire hour we had together completely mesmerized as she spoke. Not only was she eloquent and passionate but her words resonated with me. Like so many other parents, I’m a mom who tries to be the best role model I can be for my kids. I know I’m not perfect but I know that I can create effective change by starting in my personal universe that begins at home with my family first.

Just as time with a good friend can validate the good job that you’re doing but also provides food for thought, Michelle did just that. Our conversation was like a pat on the back. We talked about the tough challenges that families face around food in our country like wanting healthier school lunches, trying to cook more and eat out less but feeling like there’s never enough time in the day, food deserts, etc. These challenges were certainly acknowledged as difficult challenges that we face as parents but at the same time, they’re also not insurmountable if we start small with the things we have the power to change

When my time with Michelle came to an end, I had to take a moment to acknowledge that 1) I was in the same room as the First Lady of the United States, 2) she loved my necklace and told me “I have to get on that” when I described my blog and what I write about, and 3) my time with her was good for my soul because it provided a much needed perspective on parenting.

And whether or not that perspective comes from Michelle Obama or a good friend, it’s one that each and every one of us needs from time to time.

The post Why Interviewing Michelle Obama at the White House Felt Like Visiting a Good Friend appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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In 2016 I went back to Memphis for the first time in years, first during my visit to St. Jude and then with my family a month ago to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. More important than joining me in Memphis to watch me run a race I had trained so hard for, I felt it was critical for them to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. I wanted my kids, then ages 13 and 10, to better understand the historical milestones that marked the struggle for freedom and justice that continues today.

The museum is laid out like a timeline, starting with the history of slavery in America, highlighting each poignant event that was part of the civil rights movement, and ending with visitors peering into the room where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed before he was assassinated. Preserved as if he’s going to re-enter at any minute, it’s a sobering reminder that despite the progress our country has made, we still have a long way to go.

How to Teach Kids About Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights

We remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday but does it have meaning for our children other than being a day off from school? Do our kids know of Dr. King’s contributions to the history of our country and how his beliefs inspired so many?

Knowing Dr. King from classroom lessons isn’t enough. Do a deeper dive to further their understanding about who Dr. King was, his beliefs about equality for all, and his impact on the civil rights movement in an age appropriate way. If you’re struggling with how to talk about Dr. King with your child and how to help them wrap their heads around what Martin Luther King Day means, start small and reflect as Coretta Scott King encouraged people to do when she King provided a vision of how the holiday honoring her husband should be observed:

“The holiday must be substantive as well as symbolic. It must be more than a day of celebration . . . Let this holiday be a day of reflection, a day of teaching nonviolent philosophy and strategy, a day of getting involved in nonviolent action for social and economic progress.”

—Coretta Scott King to The Washington Post, 1983

In honor of observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in a way that Mrs. King hoped we would do, here are resources for kids of all ages that can aid your conversation about Dr. King and topics of race, privilege, equality, and civil rights to further their education today and throughout the year.

Teaching Preschoolers About Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., head-and-shoulders portrait, facing right, at microphones, after meeting with President Johnson to discuss civil rights, at the White House, 1963 / WKL courtesy of Library of Congress

Though young, preschoolers have an incredible amount of empathy and compassion towards others. There are many lessons from Dr. King that can be shared in impactful ways but one of the best ways is just to have a conversation and embrace the teachable moments throughout the year as your preschooler has questions.

Here are some age appropriate conversations you can ask your preschooler to teach them about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s beliefs:

• Dr. King inspired so many individuals throughout his life through his speeches, actions, and beliefs that he was a role model. Talk about what a role model is and ask them who inspires them. It could be anyone- a family member, community leader, friend, etc. The possibilities are endless!
• Dr. King stood up to others to create social change. Ask your child to talk about a time that they wished they could change something at home, school, or in your neighborhood and how they would go about creating change.
• Dr. King spoke about freedom, peace, and love. Talk with your preschooler about what each of the words means to them.

Books to read: Picture book loving preschoolers learn best through stories so take a trip to the library to check out books that introduce them to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My friend, Thien-Kim Lam of I’m Not the Nanny, recommends Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because “the author uses quotes from Dr. King’s speeches to tell the story of his life in this biography geared towards young children.” She recommends taking of the timeline and additional resources in the beautifully illustrated picture book and shares other diverse picture book biographies in her post, 11 Inspiring Multicultural Biographies for Kids.

Complete a day of service: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” MLK Day is also The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, making it the perfect day to engage in family friendly community service activities in your area by simply entering your zip code at AllForGood.org

Teaching Early Elementary Ages About Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., half-length portrait, facing left, speaking at microphones, during anti-war demonstration, New York City / World Journal Tribune photo by Don Rice courtesy of Library of Congress

Kindergartners through second graders can develop a deeper understanding of who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and his importance to the civil rights movement through a myriad of activities that get them thinking and reinforcing growing academic skills as part of their learning. Before you begin, Learning for Justice encourages families to ask their kids what they know about Dr. King to start the conversation. This helps you know what they have learned in school and the kinds of things you should be talking about at home.

NORTH FRONT ELEVATION – Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home, 501 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Fulton County, GA courtesy of the Library of Congress

Take a virtual tour of Martin Luther King’s home in Atlanta and look at photos and thanks to the National Park Service

Read this National Geographic Kids’ Martin Luther King, Jr. article. It’s perfect for fluent readers interested in knowing who Dr. King was. The kid-friendly layout makes it easy to read and meaningful photos are interspersed throughout the text.

Integrate some math by watching Britannica’s video featuring a timeline of Dr. King’s life. After you watch the video, write down the dates and events, mix them up, and use the dates to discuss ordering numbers according to the tens and ones place.

Read age appropriate historical fiction and fictional stories about Dr. King.  A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr., My Dream of Martin Luther King, The Story of Ruby Bridges, and National Geographic Kids’ Rosa Parks are some of my favorites.

Incorporate geography by pulling out a map of the United States to show your child where you live in relation to where Dr. King grew up in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. where he gave his iconic I Have a Dream speech.

Help them understand why it’s important to engage in service activities on Martin Luther King Day and how Dr. King’s birthday evolved into a national day of service with videos by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Examining photos from the March on Washington at the National Civil Rights Museum

Look at these 12 Powerful Images of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a family. Taken by LIFE’s photographers and compiled by TIME.com, it’s an incredible collection of images.

Watch these Top 7 Martin Luther King, Jr. Videos on YouTube curated by Amiyrah Martin of 4 Hats and Frugal and then read her post on teaching your child to be an advocate for change.

Reinforce literacy with this MLK Find-a-Word free printable from Mama Knows it All.

Teaching Tweens and Teens About Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King press conference, Marion S. Trikosko, photographer courtesy of Library of Congress

Tweens and teens know about Dr. King and the civil rights movement are at the age that they want to know more. Take advantage of multimedia resources that gives them a sense of what it was like to live during that time in history and will personalize their learning in a way that makes sense for them.

Participate in a virtual non-violent protest. What was it like to be part of the non-violent protests during the civil rights movement? The National Civil Rights Museum has an eLearning Sit-In Activity where kids walk through the protest experience through a series of questions. It’s a powerful learning activity that gives tweens and teens a chance to get a feel for what it was like to live in that moment in history in the United States and living in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Experience what it was like to face discrimination on bus rides. Rosa Parks is well known for refusing to give up her seat on the bus which led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Before the Boycott eLearning Activity from the National Civil Rights Museum has kids serving as a newspaper reporter. From this perspective, they’re guided through a series of bus stops where they’re given scenarios of unfair treatment and conditions that blacks were subjected while riding buses in Montgomery, Alabama. After completing Before the Boycott, take a look at these incredible photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Freedom Riders.

Learn more about other civil rights leaders. John Lewis. Ruby Bridges. Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. These are just some of the individuals who were also civil rights leaders. The Corporation for National and Community Service has a playlist of videos where tweens and teens can hear them speak about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Help the connect the past with the present. While our country has made a lot of progress in terms of equality, we have a long way to go. Help tweens and teens connect the dots between our country’s history and current events through meaningful discussions. You don’t need to have the answers but an open mind to help them think through what is happening in today’s world.

Encourage the use of historical primary resources. One of the best ways to encourage this age to learn is through historical primary resources like those from The King Center and the Library of Congress. These national treasures serve as powerful records of history as it happened and looking up primary resources helps reinforce research skills tweens and teens are learning in school while promoting critical thinking. The King Center’s digital archive features nearly a million documents associated with the life of Dr. King and for those interested in Rosa Parks, the Library of Congress has many resources including photos, notes, fliers advertising a lecture, and even a pancake recipe!

For additional resources about how to continue the conversation about Dr. King, read “Going the Extra Mile for MLK Day”, and take a look at my post: Teaching Kids About Race, Privilege, Equality & Civil Rights in an Age Appropriate Way.

No compensation was received for this post. Photos were taken at the National Civil Rights Museum during my hosted trip to Memphis with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the trip that was personally paid for when I returned to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. Photos of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are used with permission from the Library of Congress‘ digital archives. Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post. All opinions are my own.

The post How to Teach Kids About Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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Kids of all ages learn best through engaging age-appropriate experiences designed to captivate their interests. With over 3,000 activities designed by experts in early childhood education, the Lingokids app features interactive games, songs, and videos that combine play, entertainment, and educational experiences. Keep reading for a full Lingokids review featuring an in-depth look at how the app is a safe, ad-free,  interactive way for kids to learn and be entertained at the same time. 

About Lingokids

Lingokids PlaylearningTM methodology seamlessly turns screen time into meaningful play to help young kids develop academic and practical life skills. With over 185 million families trying the Lingokids app and engaging more than 20 million kids every month worldwide through its platform (not only the app), Lingokids is the #1 entertainment platform for young kids. 

The company continuously updates its educational curriculum that’s designed in-house by early childhood learning experts. Subjects like literacy, STEM, physical activity, socio-emotional skills, daily habits, and more cover 750+ learning objectives through age-appropriate content in one safe, interactive, and ad-free hub. 

Lingokids content includes a neurodiversity section for children with autism, ADHD, dyscalculia & dyslexia. Content has been approved by the Child Mind Institute, The Autism Cafe, and multiple experts on neurodiversity.

This multi-IP platform is rich with curated content where beloved characters from globally recognized brands like Mickey and Friends, Moana, Frozen, Blippi, Pocoyo, and more come together with Lingokids original content to providing diverse educational offerings. Current partner companies and organizations include The Walt Disney Company, American Airlines, Moonbug Entertainment, Animaj, BBC Earth, NASA, Oxford University Press, and the World Literacy Foundation.

Since Lingokids makes safe and healthy screen time a priority, the app is ad-free. Parental control features guarantee a 100% safe digital environment for children. It’s also certified by kidSAFE, follows The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and information about game play stays on your device. 

Beyond the app, families can enjoy Lingokids content across multiple formats. The platform includes podcasts for kids, physical workbooks, curiosity episodes videos on YouTube, and music available on all major streaming platforms.

Lingokids Review: Opening the App for the First Time

When you open the Lingokids app for the first time, you start by customizing your child’s experience by choosing their age and topics you’d like them to focus on.

I set my child’s age to 4 and selected math, literacy, life skills, art, science, and music. I left English and technology unchecked.

After customizing my child’s experience, I was taken to a payment screen for Lingokids Plus. Lingokids offers a free week as a trial and when it ends, a year is currently priced at $74.99 (normally $191.88) or $15.99/month.

I selected to try Lingokids for a week. Then I was shown a highlight reel of Lingokids content and asked to enter my birthday. 

I was also given the option to create a profile to save my child’s progress on all my devices by entering my email, connecting it to my Apple account, or through Gmail. To get started, you can download Lingokids hereand begin customizing your child’s learning experience.

Customizing Learning Through Lingokids

The next screen asked me to enter my child’s first name or nickname. For the purposes of my Lingokids  review, content is geared towards a 4 year named Sadie.

Lingokids asked if I wanted to make Sadie’s learning interactive. Through written text on the screen, the app told me “For Sadie to get the most out of Lingokids Plus, enable access to the microphone, camera, and gallery. It’s 100% safe- this data never leaves your device.”

I appreciated the message about safety, especially knowing that it will stay on my device. Without this, I probably would have chosen Maybe Later instead of Enable.

I tapped Allow three times to grant access to Lingokids to access my phone’s microphone, camera, photos, and use speech recognition. After about 10 minutes of initial set up, I had gained access to Lingokids Plus, the premium version of the app. 

Learning with Lingokids

The Lingokids home screen features Your Daily Picks, Topics, Worlds to Explore, and What’s New sections. Each activity is centered around learning through Lessons, watching engaging animated videos through Theater, or activities encouraging social learning and collaboration via Family Time.

According to Lingokids, millions of children have completed at least one Lesson, showing a significant +90% increase in cognitive skills.

At first glance, the app is vibrant. There are many different things for kids to choose with a single tap after scrolling horizontally and vertically to see all choices.  

Lingokids Review: Daily Picks

Daily Picks occupy most of the screen real estate. Daily Picks are shown through large rectangular icons that display characters and words indicating the subject. Daily Picks lessons are guided learning journeys that provide structured, engaging learning experiences. 

There are guided lessons in key subjects including Math, Literacy, Socio-Emotional learning, Science (in collaboration with NASA), Nutrition (in collaboration with Stanford scientists), and Dinosaurs (in collaboration with BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs), among others. 

4 year old Sadie’s Daily Picks included:

• Health featuring Elliot, the Lingokids panda
• Household Chores with Mickey & Friends
• Spelling with Elsa from Frozen
• Sorting featuring Moana
• Dinosaurs 
• Animals
• Counting
• Division with Elliot 
• Design with Billy, the Lingokids bird
• Addition, also with Elliot

Design- The Robot Game 

I thought about what would have been of interest to my daughter when she was in preschool at age 4 and tapped on Design. This took me to The Robot Game, a game requiring dragging and dropping various parts to build a robot. 

As robots parts are selected, the name of the body part is said aloud and the written word appeared in the upper right corner. I appreciated the inclusion of this early literacy skill for a 4-year-old, a former first grade teacher who knows the importance of kids making the connection between a written and spoken words.

The Robot Game involves decorating the robot’s body with colors (color names are spoken and shown on the screen as they’re used), activating the robot’s body parts, and making it dance. Verbal instructions, engaging interactions, and lots of positive feedback make this game a fun early STEM activity.

After completing the first Daily Pick, kids are given the option to choose another activity or go back to the Home Screen. I was presented with Adjectives with Lingokids characters or Sequencing with Moana. 

Adjectives with Lingokids Characters

Since most 4-year-olds can’t read words like Sequencing or Adjectives, they’d probably choose an activity based on the characters represented on the icon. 

Some might choose Moana due to familiarity, but I wondered what Adjectives might look like for a 4-year-old so chose that as Sadie’s next activity.This Adjectives game was centered around hats. 

Players are required to drag one of two baseball caps- a clean hat or a dirty hat- to place it on the head of the friend on the screen. The next set of hats were big and small. 

As hats were tapped and dragged to be placed on the character’s head, the adjective appeared on the screen and was spoken, making this an interactive vocabulary lesson. It took less time to play Adjectives than The Robot Game, but I appreciated how much learning was packed into this game in a short timespan that could hold a preschooler’s attention.

Lingokids Review: Topics

Located below Lingokids Daily Picks are Topics. Topics are lessons arranged by subject area. The 7 topics for 4-year-old Sadie included:

• Lessons
• Gratitude
• Literacy
• Math
• Art
• Engineering
• Life Skills

As a mom of two college students majoring in engineering, I selected Engineering.

Engineering Spatial Cognition Puzzles: Problem Solving

Under the Spatial Cognition area, I tried Puzzle Path: Soccer, Engineering Tools: Technology Vocabulary, Engineering Materials: Recycling, and Engineering Tools: Tracing. Below is a Lingokids review with details about each of these mini lessons.

Puzzle Path: Soccer

Having taught middle school computer science, I love this game as a beginning coding experience! In Puzzle Path: Soccer, players are required to drag and drop pieces on a soccer field to help Lisa score a goal. 

Straight and curved pieces are presented at the bottom of the screen to teach sequencing. These commands can be moved on and off the field easily as kids learn debugging. When ready to execute the program, players tap Lisa for her to run to the goal and score.

Engineering Tools: Technology Vocabulary

Technology Vocabulary caught my eye because I was wondering what words would be helpful for 4-year-olds to know to encourage a love of STEM.

The game is focused on camping in the forest and putting everything where it belongs. Objects such as a tent, fishing pole, campfire, flashlight, tree, and lake appear on the left side of the screen and outlines of each appear on the screen to indicate where they should go.

As objects are tapped, Lingokids says the word as they’re dropped into place. Unlike The Robot Game and Adjectives in Daily Picks, no written word to accompany these objects appeared on the screen. 

I like this game for building fine motor coordination in preschool ages, but it would be more effective if kids this age could learn vocabulary words as part of the activity. 

Engineering Materials: Recycling

Not all Lingokids experiences are interactive such as Engineering Materials: Recycling. Considered part of Lingokids Theater offerings, this 90 second video reinforces the importance of recycling different materials such as paper, food, plastic, and glass. 

Kids learn how to sustainably dispose of materials through recycling and composting. This teaches them to take care of our planet with a catchy song: “Pick up a paper and put it in, in the recycling bin.”

I appreciated the relaxed and immersive content experience. The high-quality educational videos featured engaging storytelling, music, and characters. The only thing that would have made this recycling video and song better is if the words appeared at the bottom as they were being sung to teach kids the written word that accompanies the spoken one. This teaches vocabulary and one-to-one correspondence, essential skills for early literacy and pre-reading.

Engineering Tools: Tracing

Tracing a wheelbarrow appeared as an option so I selected it next. This is a simple activity that requires kids to trace an outline with their finger, building fine motor skills. 

As the wheelbarrow was traced, the line turned green, was filled with dirt, included additional animations, and celebratory confetti. 

This activity did contain the written word on the bottom of the screen and was spoken when the outline was completed. A small sound button to the right of the word also indicated it could be pressed at any time for the word to be spoken. 

Lingokids Review: Worlds to Explore

This section features Mickey and Friends, Elsa, Moana, and other characters from Lingokids faces featured in round icons. Kids can select learning experiences with their favorite characters from Worlds to Explore.

Lingokids Review: Most Played Activities & What’s New

Most Played Activities includes learning games already played through Lingokids and the What’s New section provides kids and parents a chance to see the newest activities available.

Lingokids Review: Summary

With so many ways to learn about a variety of topics in age-appropriate ways, Lingokids serves as a single, safe, curated destination you can feel good about having your up to 8-year-olds kid use for both learning and entertainment. While Lingokids may categorize their educational experiences for kids as Lessons, Theater and Family Time, any time spent on the playlearning platform can reinforce learning and skills.

Collaborating with top children’s media brands uses kids’ existing affinity to known characters. This draws them into the platform to learn and keeps them engaging with Lingokids own characters as they learn. 

As a parent and former teacher, I appreciate that the Lingokids’ catalog is constantly evolving to provide new and different learning experiences. As kids get older and need to focus on different skills, it’s good to have a platform that can age with them, instead of having to find another app that’s less familiar and could jeopardize their safety. 

Lingokids offers a free week as a trial and a year of Lingokids is currently priced at $74.99 (normally $191.88) or $15.99/month.

Is Lingokids worth the cost? 

My honest answer is yes. I spent extensive time looking at Lingokids and think if you’re giving your phone to your child for playlearning, you can’t beat Lingokids for high-quality educational content through a safe platform you can trust.   

Download Lingokids here. 

While this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own and based on my perspective as a former teacher and parent. Images courtesy of Lingokids.

The post Lingokids Review: Effective Playlearning App for Young Kids appeared first on Tech Savvy Mama.

      

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