8 Ways Teaching in Nature Improves Learning

We’ve shared the importance of kids being outdoors before, but new research from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign identifies eight ways that incorporating nature-based instruction into kids’ daily school activities promotes better learning. The researchers were skeptical that nature-based teaching would be more effective than traditional teaching methods, so they were surprised at the convincing … Continue reading 8 Ways Teaching in Nature Improves Learning

The 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle

Remember the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle campaign? The new year is a great time to expand your sustainability mindset and move to the 5Rs: Refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. The first addition of refuse (just say, “No, thank you.”) can go a long way in preserving the environment. Many teachers and families use the … Continue reading The 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle

Nurture a Love of Nature and Health with These Resources

Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has a website to help nurture your child’s interest in the environment, science, and health. The site, Kids Environment Kids Health, provides resources for parents, teachers, and kids to explore these topics. Among the topics covered on the site … Continue reading Nurture a Love of Nature and Health with These Resources

Illinois PTA Convention Preview—Resolutions

The 115th Annual Illinois PTA Convention will be held on April 7th and 8th at the Hilton—Naperville. Convention is a great opportunity to attend interesting workshops and network with other PTA leaders, but it is also the time that the Illinois PTA conducts its business. Part of that business is directing the legislative and advocacy … Continue reading Illinois PTA Convention Preview—Resolutions

SB550 Becomes Law, Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water

Senate Bill 550 (SB550), the Preventing Lead in Drinking Water bill, was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on Monday, January 16, 2017. The bill has been a key focus for Illinois PTA advocacy this past year, and its passage is a win for the children of Illinois. It is also a reminder that … Continue reading SB550 Becomes Law, Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water

Lead in School Drinking Water—What Families Need to Know

Note: Illinois PTA has an advocacy campaign running now through January 10, 2017 to urge the Illinois House to join the Illinois Senate in passing SB550, a bill that would require testing every unique drinking water source in all Illinois schools and report high lead levels to families. If you were looking to make a … Continue reading Lead in School Drinking Water—What Families Need to Know

A Green Thumb’s Up for Science and Math in Your Garden

Spring is a time of renewal, and one great way to get children outside and connected with nature is through gardening. It’s an opportunity for them to learn not only about fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating but also about science, math, and language arts in a hands-on living laboratory. Whether your garden is a windowsill … Continue reading A Green Thumb’s Up for Science and Math in Your Garden