Why are we not teaching kids about money in school? It is the most valuable and needed skill set other then communicating! Educating and teaching all Americans the basics about financial education should be a major priority in our schools! You need these skills to buy a home, balance a checkbook, to invest, manage your 401k and many other aspects of our lives. We also need to teach our kids on how to make money!

The best way to teach financial intelligence is through games and family fun. Try a family game night! You will learn new money skills while enjoying every minute of it! They will be learning new skills while enjoying every minute of it!

The better games are from Robert Kiyosaki and Laural Langemeir. I have played both their sets of games and they are very different. Laural’s I find much better in teaching people not only about money but more about how to make money. Game players learn how saving helps people become wealthy. They develop skills to become a millionaire as they work through the game.This game teaches people real world application wealth building skills as they live the life of becoming an entrepreneur- where true freedom begins.

If you have ever wanted to help your children change their financial destiny – or even your own – here is your chance. The games are not cheap, they can range from $100 – $200. But what are the costs of not teaching them? Loral’s is $150.00.

Zyzyrgy is currently working with schools systems to introduce financial literacy at an early age.

Make an investment in your childrens future by purchasing The Millionaire Maker Game.

These board games come in all shapes and sizes. For those looking to get a game for their child that will trigger some intellectual stimulation, it’s only a matter of choosing a topic or field to work with. School age board games are not only tailored for the skill level of your child, but the interests they might have.

For as young as children aged 1 and up, there are games that challenge them to recognize and remember different shapes, colors, and objects. By enhancing their cognitive ability through a fun memory game, you are giving them a head start on learning when they get older.

For the older children out there, the options immediately diversify. There are exciting puzzle games like Dinosaurs and Things that won’t even seem like learning to a child intrigued by the giant lizards of eons past. History has a habit of being dry and boring when taught from a text book, but a board game in which the information might sneak up on a child and be exciting is the perfect way to make them want to learn.

For the math crowd, there are many options. Fraction, multiplication, and division playing card decks are available as well as various memory games. The educational board games on the market are so varied that no matter how your child learns, whether it is visually, audibly, or hands on, there’s a game out there to help them.

Sitting down and playing a board game with your children is one of those activities that families have been doing for years, often on a set night, in a big group. It’s a great way to spend some time with your loved ones after a long, stressful week and unwind. At the same time, you can help your children develop stronger logic and problem solving skills and have fun while doing it.

There are school age board games for children of all ages, in topics ranging from history and math to geography and literature. Whether they know it or not, an educational board game is the best way for you to sneak up on your child with a good dose of mind expanding fun.

Our country has long been a melting pot of ethnic diversity and amazing tolerance for cultural differences. Lately, however, our national ethnic stew has taken on the un-mistaken flavor of our neighbors to the south and I’ve developed a terrible case of indigestion. Mexican food just doesn’t sit well with me.

As a mother, I’ve noticed this influence of Spanish culture into my own home life, most noticeably in the programming my 4 year old watches. Dora the Explorer, Diego and Handy Manny are just a few of the shows peppered with Spanish seasoning, and I must say, I’m not sure if I’m for this or against it.

I’ve always been proud of my national heritage, the place where I was born, but lately, my patriotism has suffered a bit. Political correctness and tolerance have gone completely overboard and we are rapidly losing any sense of U.S. culture that may have actually once existed.

Regardless of what side of the fence you may be on this issue, pardon the pun, we all must admit that this trend seems to be here to stay.

With that in mind, I decided to learn Spanish. My kids are already doing it, and I don’t want to fall to far behind them like I did with the pesky computer and all that went along with that societal shock wave.

So I went online, of course, and did some research. There are really some great programs out there that can get the old synapses firing in the right direction to begin learning again. It’s amazing how early on in life we stop adding to our vocabulary and how that portion of the brain kind of just seems to shrivel up and die.

I put a link in my author’s bio for the program I actually ended up using. As this article is not intended to sell you on any particular course, I won’t focus on that aspect of my bilingual journey. What I will focus on is the absolute amazement I have that any of us can actually learn to talk at all. How in the world did early human beings, who were arguably much dumber than we current human beings, even develop ways of communicating effectively with one another?

And the English language with all it’s multiple word meanings and rules, has to be strong evidence that alien beings must have visited with us in the past and played some cosmic practical joke on us Americans! I feel sorry for those who are attempting to learn English as their second language because it really makes absolutely no sense at all! Back to the point though.

I feel that eventually to function in our ever changing society, everyone will need to know both English and Spanish. I will always firmly believe however, that English should remain the national language if for no other reason than to protect the last shred of our cultural identity we have left.

I don’t believe that to be a politically insensitive statement, but I could be wrong. I certainly never thought I would see the destruction of the religion this country was founded upon, so who knows, I guess I better not take the chance. The Spanish population will eventually be the majority and I have no doubt that they will stick together and protect their national heritage unlike we have, so we better get used to it now if we want to survive.

Our children will absolutely have to know Spanish, so I guess it’s okay to encourage them to do so. I’m not sure how we Americans are still getting away with English class being a required course in our public schools while Spanish, German, Italian and so forth are still considered electives. It’s just a matter of time before we get around to it I suppose, our law makers are still busy with killing Christmas you know.

I do understand the idea of people coming to our country and still wishing to hold onto their own culture. What I don’t understand is why I must give up mine to accommodate them.

When in Rome, I suppose…

For more on learning to speak Spanish visit www.abrandnewyou.org

Here are four ways to help make learning Spanish for kids a little easier.

1. Reading in Spanish

One of the main benefits for your child is to read to them every night before going to bed. This will help them learn new words and they can relate the words with the pictures in the book. If you want them to learn both English and Spanish at the same time, then read to them a few nights a week in English and a few nights a week in Spanish.

2. Listening in Spanish

The more often your child is surrounded with listening to Spanish, then it will be much easier for them to learn the language. One way to help them listen to Spanish is by playing a Spanish CD or turning on the radio to a Spanish station. The child does not always have to be actually focusing or listening to what is being said to learn the language. If they can here the language in the background on a regular basis, then this should help them understand the language sooner.

3. Interactive games in Spanish

Most kids probably don’t like to sit around in a chair all day and go over the flashcards of Spanish words. Learning Spanish for kids can sometimes get real boring very quickly. So, your challenge is to find some quality games that will help them to enjoy learning Spanish. There are many different software programs that you can buy to help your child have fun on the computer while they are learning the Spanish language. Try and make it a fun experience instead of forcing them to learn the language.

4. Encouragement

Finally, the most important thing that you can do to help your child learn Spanish is to give them plenty of encouragement. Learning Spanish for kids can be a frustrating and overpowering experience. Their may be times when you child may want to give up and quit learning the language. So, you need to be very supportive and remind them that they are doing a good job. The more positive you are with them, the more likely they will want to continue learning the language.

Although these materials would really be a channel for these kids to excel in Math, Science, Spelling, etc., many parents are reluctant to encourage children to use computer games. They are afraid they will waste their time.

For example, if you wanted to teach spelling to children, would they know where to start? A google search might be a good beginning. First parents could take a look, and then show their children how to search and how to choose a safe, easy, fun game. Can you really go on line and practice math or other skills? It can be of great benefit these days because kids need to learn internet savvy.

School is tough if new words show up and you do not know their meaning or how to spell them. It’s a better idea to start young kids with practices to be saturated with words. A new word or words per day would benefit them a lot!

The strategy is to immerse them in books, games that incorporate words, and enhance their listening skills by exposing them to theatrical plays, TV/radio newscasts. Even watching SCRIPPS national spelling bee on televisions would stir their interest on spelling and vocabulary.

Although you can encourage them to read books or magazines, many of them will not like to do this. In that event, let them play games on line through the use of SMART GAMES. Many sites and games on line are free or for pay, but be sure to test them first before letting your young genius use it.

These games will dominate your child’s attention so that they can get the knowledge they need. This is where on line games make a difference from other games for children. There is a high retention rate for those who are exposed to these games. Thus, the more a game is played, the more likely it would be a learning experience for kids.

For them it takes less effort to play, because they are having fun and the games are easy to learn. The rewards are great, an investment in your child’s future success. They get quality computer time and yet benefit from learning words or math. Consider learning games for any age child. You’ll be happy that you made this wise decision to invest in your child’s future.

The most important point here is make it a habit to watch your children’s development. Your seemingly small contribution can bring a large reward by honing your child’s abilities.

You will find that surfing net you will find yourself lost in this informative world and every new day of your life will be full of knowledge, so breathtakingly fresh. And if your little child hopped snugly on your lap showing interest to control the mouse or the keyboard she could understand the limitless enormity of the cyber space another new door opens on that day. Your child will show interest in playing games and this is the time when you can make use of the benefits of allowing your child to play online learning games that the world-wide-web has to offer. Therefore do not miss the chance to introduce your children to the world of online learning games.

Hop online and surf net with the help of a search engine like Google. You will come across several websites that offer games for kids that have two fold purposes. Education and Entertainment or you might say that your child gets her education through the medium of fun. As soon as you type the keywords “learning games for kids” you will come across numerous games that is full of information about Reading, Writing, Math, Manners, and many more topics that would have taken several days and months to acquire.

Among the various subjects that your child is subjected to, Geometry may be a tough subject if it’s learned the very same way kids learn social sciences, though this may not be the same for every child. Since kids learn better by associating things, so why not help them learn geometry by allowing them to visualize the problem. If they are able to visualize a problem they can easily understand the procedure involved to get the final answer. This is only possible with online games. Geometrical terms like coordinates, degrees, distance and etcetera that sound abstract to them are no more problems when they are able to visualize the problem through games. Presently educational online games help the kids to know more than basic geometry. They can learn general facts in just about any subject. They can also improve their memory through color coordination and so much more.

When you can get a child wanting to learn something you are doing great right away. You could begin with some very simplistic game options like Monopoly. Most adults tend to include Monopoly into the family game night and this is a great game to get your child to begin addition and subtraction. Most people don’t think that this is a truly educational game, but it does involve a lot of math so it is great for any child beginning to learn the wonders of math. Usually a child doesn’t even think that they are learning, but they are. Monopoly is a great way to hide the whole learning aspect, but has them learning from the beginning of the game to the end.

Math games are a fabulous option to get anyone interested in learning the techniques of math whether you are doing addition and subtraction, or multiplication and division. With the many different gaming options you can really get your child wanting to get a full understanding of their math skills and learn more and more each and everyday. If you can keep things fun you are bound to keeps their sponge like minds going.

When you are choosing math games make sure you select ones that have simplistic rules. You don’t want a game that is jam packed full of rules because this will distract them from learning the actual concepts of math and be more focused on remembering all the rules involved.

The games you should choose are ones that make the child have goals. When a child can determine what they are doing is successful or not they are going to want to continue playing it. Avoid games where it involves very little mind strength as they will quickly get bored and move on to something else. By selecting math games that have a goal at the end for the child they are going to strive to meet that goal and discover new invent ways to reach it every time they play. If a child feels too challenged though they may turn away from the game and want to do something they know already.

One thing you could do is actually let your child pick out a game. Give them several options for math game choices that are at a level where they will learn and you’ll see that they want to play these games. If you just randomly select different math games some might spike interest, but many will not.

To make this room more attractive people generally prefer Contemporary living room furniture as they love modern styles of living. Contemporary furniture usually fit any house style and presents a wide range to choose from. It suits any taste, comfort and style. Added to this, it sketches the contemporary hues to your living room.
Contemporary living room furniture has unique characteristics such as sofas, swivel bar stool, fireplace accessories, leather furniture, coffee tables, kids’ furniture, corner computer desk, area rugs, floor lamps, pool patio furniture, wood bar stools, armoires, etc. This furniture comes in monochromatic colours, modular elements that fit any corner with multiple usages.

Sometimes lustre is added to monochromatic colours of gray or black. Certain contemporary furniture makes use of modern decorative pillows or soft leather seatings for comfort zones. Other decorative accessories are also used to carve out a special niche for attraction.

Entertainment unit is inseparable part of living room and without it no living room is complete. Home theatre seating, speaker cubicles, CDs racks, TV stands come in a wide range of models with modern designs.

Contemporary living room furniture adds touch of stylishness and complexity to your living room. Styling and décor can be chosen as per your budget. Spacify modern contemporary furniture displays information about contemporary living room furniture, contemporary dining room furniture, contemporary office furniture, contemporary bathroom sets, etc.

Moms are normally like this impulsive. But, with the current economic condition, this should not be the case. You should not allow yourself to buy things according to your liking. Necessity or functionality should always be considered. One, you should consider buying them toys that are educational. These will help you in the personal development of your child. Two, buy them their own furniture? Surely, you will ask: why? As mentioned earlier, functionality is the key here. This is not about your child looking cute when using furniture. This is about making or buying things that are of high value to your home and to your kid. Now, what are these reasons you should buy kids furniture?

To promote safety
As a child, safety should always be the first thing on your mind. For one, why buy your kid his own kiddie chair instead of the ordinary chairs at home? It is because it fits him. Surely, it will prevent him from any accidental fall. This also goes to why you should buy a baby crib for him to sleep on, instead of bed already.

To promote comfort
Comfort is the next thing that parents should provide their kids. When children feel uncomfortable, they cry or they start throwing tantrums. When they do, you, as a parent, are the one affected. So, why settle for furniture that will not provide them comfort? Buy your child furniture for his use.

To promote mobility
Because they are comfortable and because you find your child safe using furniture, such as kiddie table and chair, and play pen, you can provide him the freedom to move on his own. For instance, if he has his own chair, he can sit on his own; you just have to watch him do it. If he wants to draw or eat, he can reach the table because it is made for him. For the play pen, he can have the freedom to roam around the area.

To promote a responsible behavior
Showing your child where to keep his things at an early age is already teaching your child become responsible. If you put his clothes in his own dresser and his toys in his own toy box, he will surely start to imitate these activities; hence, eventually becoming responsible of his possessions.

There are a number of positive attributes when kids use their own furniture. But, these four – promotion of safety, comfort, mobility, and responsible behaviour – are basically the most valid reasons parents should purchase one or two for their kids. Cost should not restrict parents from doing so. You can buy second-hand furniture in garage sales, repaint them and so, you have furniture for your child!

In all our Quantum Learning teachings we build an awareness of an important concept? we use it at SuperCamp and we use it in our teacher training and in-school programs?and it’s also worth remembering when creating a positive study environment at home. Everything Speaks means that everything in the environment sends a message that either enhances or detracts from learning. Think about tidy vs. cluttered chaos, light and airy vs. dim and dark, inviting and functional vs. any old place.

Location

As they say in real estate, location is everything. Find a place that’s quiet and free of distractions?so, if possible, not the family room or the dining room table! The ideal is a defined study area in your child’s bedroom.

Furnishings

Make sure home study areas have good lighting (ideally, natural light and a lamp), shelves for reference books and supplies, and a computer, if needed. Obviously, they’ll also need a desk or table with space for their study materials as well as a work area that’s not cramped. And a comfortable “sit-upright” chair will help them stay alert and focused.

Resources

Make sure your kids don’t have to waste valuable study time looking for a pen! Help them stock up on pens, paper, and pencils, and have them all within reach, not just somewhere in their room! Also make sure they have whatever reference material they need.

Music

Some classical music is “brain friendly” and enhances the study environment. Baroque music helps students to focus and to access their most resourceful learning state. The music optimizes the functions of the brain that store and retrieve information. Many (most?!) children will think that their own music is best, but try to convince them to try baroque?they may well notice that it makes their study time easier, and want more! Suggest that they try some Bach, Handel, or Vivaldi while they’re studying and save their own music for breaks. If your kids are resistant, a first step might be to suggest that they choose music that does not have words?words interfere with the part of their brain they need to study effectively, even if they’re not consciously listening to the words!

Affirmative signs

Positive signs will remind your child’s subconscious mind of his or her potential to learn. Help your child create an inspiring atmosphere by making some signs?use lots of color (our brains love color!) and the following ideas to get you started:

- I BELIEVE IN MYSELF

- EVERYTHING I DO DESERVES MY BEST EFFORT

- LEARNING IS FUN AND NATURAL!

- EVERY CHALLENGE OFFERS A GIFT

- I AM UNIQUE AND VALUABLE

- I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I CREATE

- I CAN LEARN THIS!

- EVERYONE HAS THE RESOURCES TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Another good idea is to have an achievement area (a bulletin board would work well) for awards, papers with good grades, and lists of accomplishments. A bulletin board would also work well for posting study schedules and reminders of project due dates.

Homework support

Your show of interest, support, and guidance in helping your child create a positive study environment at home will go a long way toward establishing great homework habits. It’s also a good idea to create and agree on homework guidelines so you can continue to work together toward success. Why not have a special lunch together and set up a plan that will work for both of you? You could also consider a reward for consistently following “the plan.”

- Homework time: Sometimes it’s not easy because of extracurricular activities, but try to define a specific time each day that homework will be started.

- Distractions: Fewer distractions equals more productive time. Make a plan with your child about the timing for phone calls, internet “browsing”, and play time.

- Breaks: Breaks are important. Research shows that students remember more of the information learned at “beginnings” and “endings” of study periods. Thus, better retention is experienced when frequent breaks are taken. A ten-minute break after each hour of study time will enhance learning. (For younger children who don’t have such long study periods, a five-minute break every half hour will work well.)

- Flexibility: You will both need to agree to be flexible?sometimes homework will have to start a bit later, sometimes a family commitment will mean starting a little earlier, sometimes a break may need to be slightly longer than five or ten minutes. Flexibility keeps you and your child connected!

But what if you don’t know the first thing about helping your child to cultivate and develop their exceptional talent? You don’t have to be a childcare expert in order to encourage your child to reach his or her full potential; just follow these tips and your child will be able to fully realize his or her special talent!

1. Find a mentor in the community with the same talent that your son or daughter is displaying. For example, if your daughter is exceptional at volleyball, find a coach or athlete nearby who will be able to play role model to your child. Apart from parents, role models have a profound influence on the development of a special talent, and will be able to best encourage your child’s talent or skill to flourish.

2. Depending on your child’s special talent, enroll him or her in a program specifically designed for that talent. For example, if your son is academically gifted, ask his school if there is a designated program for gifted students. If your school doesn’t have this kind of program, not to worry: there are plenty of learning centers and tutors who are available to academically challenge your child in order to keep his or her mind sharp.

3. Additionally, if your child displays a creative talent, get him or her enrolled in community programs that will help that talent to flourish and grow. There are lots of after-school and community programs which teach art, creative writing, dance, theater, etc. to children for free of charge. Let your child’s creativity roam free in these programs, and you’ll see his or her talent blossom.

4. Make sure to get your child’s teacher actively involved in encouraging your child’s special talent. For example, if your son or daughter displays an exceptional ability to write, set aside private time with his or her teacher and ask if special assignments can be created for your child. That way, your child will be able to further hone his or her skills without being enrolled in a gifted program.

5. Create a supportive environment at home where your child can feel free to display his or her talent. For example, if your child is academically gifted, create a quiet study space to encourage maximum productivity; if your child is artistically or athletically inclined, encourage activities after school that will allow him or her to practice their talent. Your child will feel love and appreciation when you’re 100% supportive of their talent, no matter how messy or noisy it may be!

Above all of these tips, be sure to praise and compliment your child for his or her special ability. For example, if your child paints you a fantastic picture or writes a song, praise his or her creative thinking and imagination. Praise is essential for producing the kind of confidence that encourages the blossoming of talent – so get ready to encourage your little Picasso or Dickens so that he or she will be able to realize the full extent of his or her special ability!

We call this basement space the “Art Area,” but a lot more than art is made here. The art easel is used to play school, our kid’s computer teaches keyboarding, the art desk sets the stage for creative exploration, a band plays using the available instruments, and the kid’s table and chairs are perfect for crafting and other projects. Once I filled the space my kids moved right in and began to play. Today, it’s a “hot spot” in our home. Everyone small loves to do what they do best in our “Art Area.”

When I was a kid I lived at the kitchen table. I liked the space the kitchen table gave me. I could go back and forth between activities there. At one end of the table would sit some test questions that needed review. At the other end a watercolor painting might be drying. More towards the middle of the table an afternoon snack would, perhaps, sit half consumed. I was a kid, so my stuff had a way of spreading like spilled milk. By the end of the day the table was often buried in all my projects. I’m lucky my parents tolerated my tendency to spread out. The freedom to fill the kitchen, with all the activities for the day, allowed me a greater opportunity to learn and create.

I am thankful that my parents allowed me to take over the kitchen table. Today I like to offer my own children the same freedoms. This is pretty easy since there are so many new ways to set up a space that’s just right for busy kids. My favorite new space maker is a kid’s table and chairs. Children don’t have to prop themselves at the kitchen table, or sit on their knees anymore. These tables are just the right size for comfortable sitting. The kid’s tables are just the right height for a child, and chairs that are “just right” are easy to find. Today you can find matching table and chair sets, or you can mix and match if you prefer. You can also bring home a child sized kidney shaped table just like the ones in a preschool classroom. These tables are just the right height for children and they have loads of space for multiple projects. Chairs that match are readily available. You’d be amazed at the options that are out there.

When I set up a space for our kids to learn and create I was deliberate. I considered everything I had learned about kids, because I wanted to give my own kids a really good place to grow. I traveled back to my undergraduate years, when I studied art and education, and I thought about what I had learned about environments that fostered creativity. I visited my graduate school days when I read text books filled with suggestions for helping kids learn to read and develop their basic academic skills. I reflected on the many classrooms that I taught within. I remembered the spaces I created for students and I remembered the students that filled the spaces. I drew on my own experiences as a teacher and a creative person. I pulled all of this knowledge together to make the perfect space for my own children to learn and create. There’s never been a day that I’ve regretted the energy and resources I tapped into to make our “Art Area.” My kids love their “Create and Learn Space” and they use it every day. It’s just perfect for them.

As I sit at my computer I can look at all the evidence. It’s the evidence that my kids are learning and creating. Their art desk is covered in paper airplanes, buttons glued to construction paper, pipe cleaners loaded with beads, and feathers poked into a three inch diameter Styrofoam ball. The art easel is dressed with a newsprint pad that is opened to a drawing of stick figure people playing roller hockey. There’s also a table, about two feet high, that’s stacked with unfinished crafts that will soon get attention. A little chair sits and waits for someone to fill it. It won’t take long before someone does fill it, because my kids can’t wait to use their space to learn and create. They know it’s just perfect for them, because they’re the ones that use it and they’re the ones that love it.

Take some time to make a “Learn and Create Space” for your children. You’re children will love it and they’ll use it. It’s an investment you won’t regret, and it will bring a lifetime of returns.