How to help your child with math.

Learning can be fun with a few free resources. All you really need is a willingness to think outside the box. Becoming a parent has encouraged me to seek answers to homework questions in an effort to help the kids. Sometimes, I get stuck and I am unable to guide them with their homework assignments. When this happens I "GOOGLE" it! I would call myself the master of googling educational topics. Okay, maybe not a master. I do however have MAD skills in research. In this post, I will share a few of my go to Educational online resources that will help with understanding math. 

Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. All opinions and ideas are all my own. 

A few years ago I began a journey. It began with one thought. "How can I help my children become life-learners?" This began a series of events. I began turning to blogs, forums, groups and libraries. What I found out was that there is an enormous amount of material because education is changing rapidly. Just take a look at Pinerest to discover classrooms/homes are being transformed into exciting learning centers by educators and parents. 

Pinterest gives you a glimpse at what educators around the world are doing to engage and help students reach their potential. For example, meet Mrs. Olson, an educator from Minnesota and her selfies. She networks with other teachers to come up with interesting lesson plans and classroom activities. I invite you to take a quick peek at Mrs. Olson's blog to give you an idea of the learning possibilities:

http://www.luckylittlelearners.com/p/meet-mrs-olson.html

Homework time can be very difficult for some students and parents. Lucky for us, we have the internet to help. On a very desperate day, I Googled, "math homework" and I found a new way to understand and explain math. "E" is for Explore, an educational site that offers an easier approach to math learning. The blog offers material on teaching and learning art, math, social studies and much more. It is a colorful and fun site for parents as well as educators. (By the way everyone needs to learn how to balance a checkbook! Look below to see what I mean.)

I highly recommend that you take a look and explore the endless possibilities of math. 

http://eisforexplore.blogspot.com/

My next great free online resource is on YouTube....MATH ANTICS! BEST short video lessons on math! I looked through many, many videos to finally find this gem. You could say I did the research for you. The videos are short stories of math with a catchy tune. We usually watch 10 minutes in the morning to kick off the day with a review. This helps us to wake-up the brain.  Math Antics has several videos on YOUTUBE on different math subjects. They do offer more math practice on their website to help students gain more understanding. My kids attend a regular school schedule, so we use Math Antics as a refresher course. http://mathantics.com/ 

The internet has changed how information is received and dispersed. Let me tell you what I mean. One day, at the local school, a classmate of my son's was sharing his test scores in science. In amazement I complimented his high grades. He mentioned that YOUTUBE had helped him review for the test because his parents were not able to help. He further explained that he used YOUTUBE anytime he felt stuck. The young man was very smart in taking care of his school work with the internet. He was thinking outside the box. I am sure one day he will do great things. 

I hope this post helps you understand a little more about how to help your child with math. 
Follow us on social media and find more great tips and ideas on family and travel. Thank you, Alma

San Diego, California is hosting the WOW Summit.

San Diego here we come...this fall we are attending the #WOWSummit a place for parents to learn about healthy choices and a better way of living. The event will host several guest speakers to discuss healthy food choices and workshops on GIY (Green-it-Yourself). This is an incredible opportunity to talk to experts and other parents. We invite you to come out with us this October 23-24th, 2015.
(Disclaimer: Sponsored post. We have been invited to attend as guests.) 

Take a glimpse at the topics  that will be discussed this coming October:

1. Lunch Lessons: Changing the way we feed our children
2. The Mom’s Guide to Present Moment Awareness: Unlocking your untapped loving power
3. Motherhood: We’re all in this together
4. The New Puberty: What is To Blame?
5. Real Solutions for Real Problems: How one nutrient can change your family forever
6. Rid, Restock, and Reorganize: Simple ways to detox your home
7. G.I.Y. (Green-It-Yourself): Practical tips for greening up your home, diet, and lifestyle
8. http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/summit2015-schedule

We are excited to be part of  this learning opportunity. We hope that you are able to come and join us. 

Get more information by visiting us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Guardian Bicycle Company with SURESTOP Technology.

Let me introduce you to new technology and the future of bike riding.....

Located in Irvine, California,  there is a new company who is making safer products for children, Guardian Bicycle Company.  They have partnered up with Surestop technology to design a stylish and safer bicycle for kids.  What does this mean?   Children will no longer come to a sudden stop and fly over the handle bars becoming injured as well as ensuring right sizing for all ages. Surestop will help reduce potential injuries in a child and make it safer to ride.  

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post, our family was provided a meal by a Food Network's "Chopped" culinary chef and the opportunity to be the first to ride these amazing bikes.  All content and opinions within remain our own.  We did not receive any financial compensation for this posting.

Guardian Bicycle Co. has built a beautiful product designed for children ages 6 yrs. through 12 yrs.  The bikes will come in fun bright colors that catch the eye. This bike is designed to grow with the child and it's designed to be light in weight. The weight was very significant and noticable to our boys as they rode around the park.  It comes in a 20" inch and 24" size frame for both boys and girls to ride and has a longer seat post to ensure a fit for every age.   Right now this incredible product is sold online and specialty shops. Everyone may own one for $399.00.

Consider what the Center for Disease Control says about bicycle related injuries: "Children (5-14 years), adolescents, and young adults (15-24 years) have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries, accounting for almost 52% of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments.3"

Our family had an opportunity to experience this new technology and learn about why this new product will change how we experience safety. (To see more pictures and information use #GuardianBikes)

Both of our children tested the new bikes and they were surprised by how easy it was to ride. The other thing they mentioned was that it felt light weight and easier to make turns.  We recommend Guardian Bikes for your up coming birthday and holiday purchases. 

You can find out more information by visiting: https://guardianbikes.com/

What we are working on: Pinterest Christmas 2015:

Follow Alma Bosek's board Christmas 2015 on Pinterest.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Don Roberto Jewelers.

Hispanic Heritage month can be traced back to 1968, celebrations begin on September 15th, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period.  The celebration lasts all month long between September 15th through October 15th.  Latinos all around the world will host parties, giving gifts to mark this occasion.  For my family, we give gold or silver items to mark the day special.  We discuss the meaning behind the "GRITO de Dolores".  This year, Field Trip Mom is helping you save money for your celebration.  Continue reading to receive a discount code on your next online purchase and enter for a chance to win our giveaway. 

Disclaimer:  The opinions in this article are my own.  I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.  I have a relationship with Gigasavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

We are sharing our favorite picks from the Don Roberto Jewelers collection: 

DENOVA

Don Roberto Jewelers has been around all my life and is well known in the Hispanic community for offering great designs and beautiful pieces.  The Denova design is offered exclusively through Don Roberto's Jewelers online shopping.  These beautiful earrings are made out from yellow gold linking three gold circles that dangle when you wearing them.  The diamond cut of the piece captures the natural light allowing for the jewelry to emit a friendly sparkle.  This is a must have piece for this season.  Find it now by using sku: 4217501608

Latino culture has a strong connection to gold and silver.  Most of the time, we wear pieces that have been handed down from our previous ancestors.  My family holds that tradition very close to our hearts.  My sister and I proudly wear pieces that my mother use to own.  I found the 10K Yellow Gold Polished Open Circle Flower Earrings to have a feeling of latin tradition.  Consider this item when shopping for your next pair of jewelry. I think they will hold the test of time for you and your family dynasty. 

Men love jewelry as well.  This 14K Yellow Gold bracelet is perfect for the man in your life.  This piece is something he can keep for years to come and hand down to family through the years.  In the months of September and October, it is important continue traditions and even establish new ones.  Gold and silver gifting is one of the best ways to begin.

Your Mom will love this handcrafted rosary with Swarvoski Crystals from Austria.  The center piece carries an image of Holy Lady of Guadalupe on one side and one the other side the image of The Sacred Heart of Jesus to help with her prayers.  This is a great piece for Catholics all over the world who meditate and pray as part of their daily lives. 

All the pieces I mentioned are timeless and classic that can be handed down to family members as heirlooms.  Don Roberto Jewelry has been serving the Hispanic community since 1972.  They take special care to continue the Latino traditions and you can always count on them to have that something special for you and your family. 

We are happy to be able to offer a discount code for 25% off your online shopping.  Also, we are offering an opportunity to enter for a chance to win (1) one Don Roberto Jewelers $50 Gift gift card. 

Several locations to in Southern California to find your next family heirloom.

• Main Place Mall  2800 N Main Street Space 2064 Santa Ana CA 92701 (714) 542-5598
• Santa Ana  120 West 4th Street Santa Ana CA 92701 (714) 558-3366
• Santa Ana II 1442 S Bristol Street  #1E-F Santa Ana CA 92704 (714) 662-0393
• Santa Ana III 1619 W 17th Street Santa Ana CA 92706 (714) 834-1884
• Santa Ana IV 3770 W McFadden  #D CA 92704 (714) 839-1334 Santa Ana
• Orange Mall 1500 East Village Way. Suite 2176, Orange CA 92865 (714) 602- 3689
• **Newly remodeled  Bakersfield 2701 Ming Avenue #136 Bakersfield CA 93304 (661) 836-1441

Exclusive discount code for FieldTripMom readers: BP25FP (25% off first purchase). *Discount is only valid online and must be be entered at checkout when purchasing online.

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El Grito de Dolores -On the morning of September 16, 1810, the parish priest of the town of Dolores, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, declared himself in open revolt against Spanish rule from the pulpit of his church, launching the Mexican War of Independence. He exhorted his following to take up arms and join him in his fight against the injustices of the Spanish colonial system and within moments he had an army of some 600 men. This action became known as the "Grito de Dolores" or "Cry of Dolores" and today Mexicanscelebrate September 16 as their Independence Day.
Reference: http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/latinamericaindependence/p/09gritodolores.htm

California Science Center

Peanuts: Emmy Honored Collection Giveaway!

Charlie Brown, Snoopy along with all of the Peanuts gang have a new Emmy Honored Collection coming this September 15th, 2015.  The Peanuts gang is part of American history that began in the 1950's with Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Take a field trip to another time and place and find out why Charlie Brown has made kids fall in love with all of the characters. (List of Characters. See below.)

We are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to offer a chance to enter to win a Two-Disc Collection Featuring Over Four Hours of Peanuts Specials. Continue reading and enter your name in the drawing. A random name will be selected from all the entries. Must be 18 years or older to participate. 

The Peanuts: Emmy®Honored Collection includes 11 animated television specials on two discs.  All of the specials featured in this release were recognized with either an Emmy® Award win or nomination.  These specials have been remastered for gorgeous picture and sound quality.  It’s a collection full of big laughs, best friends and life lessons that will delight the whole family.

Titles include: What Have We Learned, Charlie Brown? and It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown and more....

Meet the characters of the Peanuts gang and discover good clean fun that is timeless.

1. Charlie Brown: the main and lovable character
2. Snoopy: Charlie Brown's ubiquitous Dog
3. Joe Cool: Alter ego of Snoopy with sunglasses
4. World War I Flying Ace: Another alter ego of Snoopy, always shown flying against his nemesis the Red Baron
5. Andy: Snoopy's brother
6. Marbles: Snoopy's brother
7. Spike: Snoopy's brother
8. Olaf: Snoopy's brother
9. Belle: Snoopy's sister
10. Linus van Pelt: Charlie Brown's Blanking-Sporting best friend
11. Lucy van Pelt: Linus' lovable fuss-budget of an older sister
12. Woodstock: Snoopy's best friend
13. Sally Brown: Charlie Brown's younger sister
14. Marcie: the bespectacled character
15. Peppermint Patty: Marcie's best friend
16. Schroeder: the piano-playing character
17. Franklin: the first African-American character
18. Pig-Pen: the dirtiest character
19. Frieda: the only player in Charlie Brown's baseball team not to wear a cap
20. Rerun van Pelt: Linus' younger brother
21.  Patty: an early character
22. Shermy: an early character
23. Violet Gray: Patty's best friend
24. Charlotte Braun: an early character
25. 555 95472: a character who has numbers for a name
26. Unseen characters including notably, all of the characters' parents, Linus van Pelt's teacher Miss Othmar, Charlie Brown's baseball hero Joe Shlabotnik, and Linus' blanket-hating grandmother.  The Little Red-Haired Girl (Charlie Brown's crush), seen in many animated television specials where she was known as "Heather", but was never seen in the strip itself (except once in silhouette).

Disclaimer: Must be 18 years or older to enter. No P.O. Box addresses will be accepted. Only for residents who live in the continental USA.

REF: Character Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Peanuts_characters
http://www.uniquecoloringpages.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Snoopy-Coloring-Pages-Free-Printable.jpg

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TED Talks that will inspire you!

This year I want to encourage you to be a champion for children. I am sharing some TED Talks that will inspire you. 

"Every Child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. " Rita Pierson Click on the video below to get inspired. 

Be a storyteller as well as an involved parent. The magic begins at home. Engage, involve and inspire your child to love learning. Parents are a child's first teacher. Click on the link below to hear a great TED Talk on education:

"The most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child's home." 
William Temple

Read more about education around the world.  Teacher in South Korea earns $4 Million dollars.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324635904578639780253571520