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Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa's Summer Tradition is Back Starting June 24th! A San Diego summer tradition is coming to Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa this summer on the shores of Mission Bay! This annual Sunset Luaus is a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music, and dances perfect for families. The memorable luau experience is happening Tuesdays and Fridays, from June 24, 2022, through September 2, 2022, and includes a lei, Mai Tai, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and entertainment. Local luau group Pride of Polynesia provides authentic island music and dance, featuring hula and fiery torch dancers. You will be transported to the islands with an impressive display of luau dishes, including Kalua roast pig and pork loin, spicy shrimp and grilled pineapple salad, and Hawaiian sweet rolls. And for the dessert, you can find treats like coconut cream cake and more. See the complete program here. About Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is a tropical hideaway in San Diego's Pacific Beach community, only 8 miles from San Diego International Airport and a 2 to 2 1/2 hours drive from Los Angeles, making it a perfect spot for a family getaway! The resort is also close to all the popular attractions in San Diego. You are just 3 miles from SeaWorld San Diego, 12 miles from the world-famous San Diego Zoo, 25 miles from Sesame Place San Diego, and 28 miles from LEGOLAND California. The Rooms All of the 310 suites, studios, and hotel rooms at Catamaran provide the comfort and amenities to enjoy the beachfront lifestyle. The rooms feature a balcony or patio with breathtaking views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Beach neighborhood and coastline, or the property’s lush tropical gardens. Dog-Friendly The Catamaran Resort Hotel is a dog-friendly resort. You can take one housebroken dog per guest room weighing 50 lbs. or less, or two smaller dogs. There is a room cleaning fee of $125 on the day of check-in for guests with dogs. There are no charges for service animals. Dogs must be leashed at all times while outside of your guest room. Activities at Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa From lei-making and movies on the bay to poolside entertainment and happy hour specials, the Catamaran has a full lineup of resort activities for the entire family to enjoy. Water Sports With two on-property locations, Action Sports Rentals offers the best rental equipment available for exciting outdoor activities including standup paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and biking around the bay. Splish Splash Surrounded by towering palm trees and lush scenery, the inviting pool atmosphere at the Catamaran is a great way to unwind and have fun with your family during your vacation. Arcade A favorite activity for the kids, the hotel’s arcade offers wholesome entertainment with classic gaming fun. The arcade is located in the pool area for a convenient shaded activity option when a break from the sun is needed. Exclusive Beach Bonfires Toast the sunset and roast s'mores under the stars when you book a private bonfire with our local partner, Bayside Bonfires. Bayside Bonfires provides firewood, chairs, and s'mores for a convenient setup and relaxing fireside evening on the grass lawn by the beach. Best Beach Day Lounge on the Catamaran’s beach chairs and enjoy the gentle sea breezes and relaxing views of Mission Bay. The chairs are on a first come first serve basis and are set up with an umbrella, so you can choose shade or sun for your beach day. Kids Keiki Club Children of all ages can show off their creative side during their stay at the Catamaran Resort Hotel. Families can head to the pool for the Keiki Club’s fun and interactive Hawaiian-inspired arts and crafts activities. Bahia Belle Cruises The Bahia Belle, provides 45-minute sightseeing cruises on the waters of beautiful Mission Bay. The 74-foot, 3-story turn-of-the-century boat offers an observation deck to view the stunning sites of the 4,200-acre aquatic park. Bird Encounter A unique experience at the Catamaran, you can gather with colorful talking macaws at the resort, and take special photos with these beautiful exotic birds. Fitness Center Just steps from the beach overlooking Mission Bay and the boardwalk, the on-site fitness center features the latest workout equipment and lets you take in the view while you spend time focusing on your wellness. Whirlpool The on-site whirlpool is a welcoming setting for warming up, soaking, and relaxing. Located in the pool area, you can switch between the whirlpool and the pool depending on your mood. Food and Drinks at Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa Snacks On-the-Go Perfect for a caffeine pick-me-up or quick bite, Lava Java is the on-property grab-and-go café offering a selection of specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and more. Champagne Brunch at Oceana Coastal Kitchen Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu complete with Champagne and mimosas, or choose your own brunch experience with a delicious selection of á la carte menu items at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. Happy Hours at Moray’s outdoor lounge Located steps from the shores of Mission Bay, Moray’s outdoor lounge features a tropical setting lined with tiki torches, fire pit tables, and lush flora. Relax over a casual meal, happy hour, or late-night cocktails overlooking the bay or inside the bar to enjoy the beautiful saltwater aquarium with exotic, tropical fish. Seasonal Dining Open seasonally, the Oasis Snack Shack, as well as the Pool Bar and Grill, offer delicious snacks the whole family will love. Click here to see the menu. The Spa at the Catamaran Resort Hotel From the gorgeous location to rejuvenating treatments, The Catamaran Spa is a truly unique escape. Enjoy a relaxing facial, massage, or pedicure, and take a moment to focus on self-care. Your rejuvenating day at the spa includes the use of the relaxation lounge, sauna, steam room, locker rooms, and more. You need to make an appointment for the spa by calling (858) 539-8820, or reserve online. Also, click here to check out seasonal spa and wellness offers. Nearby Attractions & Activities San Diego offers a variety of family activities for families, which are all a short distance from the resort: SeaWorld San Diego Located only three miles away from the Catamaran, SeaWorld is the destination for kid-friendly fun, with rides perfect for the whole family, including Tentacle Twirl, Sea Dragon Drop, and many more. From a soaking raft ride to a thrilling coaster to a leisurely gondola ride, SeaWorld San Diego’s mix of rides is one of the best in California. San Diego Zoo The 100-acre Zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. Exhibits range from an African rain forest featuring gorillas to the Arctic taiga and tundra. LEGOLAND Legoland California is an interactive playground for both kids and adults, filled with more than 60 exciting rides, all-ages shows and hands-on activities. Family favorites are Fun Town Police and Fire Academy, LEGO Factory Tour and the Adventurer’s Club, XBOX Family Game Space, the Miniland, and more. Belmont Park An iconic San Diego amusement park with a dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Belmont Park is a one-stop-shop for all-day family entertainment. For adrenaline junkies, a ride on the Giant Dipper wooden rollercoaster is a must. The New Children's Museum The interactive art installations and hands-on art programming at The New Children's Museum provide creative and educational experiences for children and families. Ghost and Gravestone Tour Explore San Diego by trolley and learn about the history and stories about some of the most haunted locations. Listen to exhilarating accounts of paranormal activity and visit city landmarks for a thrill any time of the year. Living Coast Discovery Center From the mountains and deserts to deep ocean waters and salt marshes, San Diego County contains more biodiversity than any other region in the contiguous United States. Encounter local wildlife from endangered sea turtles to the rare Shaw’s agave, all within the peaceful setting of a National Wildlife Refuge on San Diego Bay. San Diego Zoo Safari Park The Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Entertainment and activities include Frequent Flyer show, Robert the Zebra, Cheetah Run, Animal Tales, Animal Presentations, Kids Activity Station, Keeper Talks, Animal Movement Moments, and more. Sesame Place San Diego Sesame Place is a new theme park in San Diego that brings all your favorite Sesame Place characters to life. From your child's first roller coaster to exciting water slides, there will be plenty of whirls, twirls, splishes, and splashes to experience at Sesame Place San Diego. Live Cams at Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa To get a sneak peek of Catamaran Resort & Spa on Live Cam, click here. The camera pans from the beautiful bay and the resort’s property to the nearby Mission Beach and the Pacific Ocean. You can also meet the friendly parrots at the resort. Bianchi, Chadwick, Cornell, Mercer, and Scooter are available every day between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. pacific time, depending on the weather to visit via Bird Live Cam. Contact Information and Reservation Catamaran Resort Hotel is located at 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109. You can make reservations by calling (858) 488-1081 or reserve your room online. To learn more about Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, visit their official website.

Three new interactive Build and Race zones have opened at LEGOLAND California just in time for summer! Featuring a life-size LEGO Ferrari F40, Build and Race puts you in the driver’s seat as you make your way through a garage to the racetrack, using your creativity and imagination to build, test, and race your own LEGO Ferrari. Once inside the garage, you can have your photo taken inside the LEGO Ferrari Garage with a life-size Ferrari F40 model built from thousands of LEGO Bricks. Then you get to design and build your own LEGO Ferrari inside the Build-Zone, and race your creation through three different test tracks. And finally, you’ll be able to digitally scan your custom-built LEGO Ferrari and digitally compete against other racers on an interactive virtual track. LEGOLAND Resort is composed of LEGOLAND® Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and LEGOLAND® Water Park. To visit LEGOLAND, you can choose from a 1-day ticket, which only includes admission to LEGOLAND® Park, a LEGOLAND® + SEA LIFE Park Hopper® ticket with 2nd Day Free that includes admission to both LEGOLAND® and the SEA LIFE Aquarium, or a Resort Hopper ticket with 2nd Day Free that includes admission to LEGOLAND®, SEA LIFE aquarium and LEGOLAND® Water Park perfect for the spring and summer months! The LEGOLAND® Water Park is open seasonally from March through October, including daily during peak summer months. We recommend checking the LEGOLAND® operations calendar when planning your Carlsbad vacation. You can save on your LEGOLAND® tickets through Get Away Today! Tickets at Get Away Today start at $92 per ticket for ages 3-12 and $98 per ticket for ages 13+. To purchase your tickets from Get Away Today, click here. Advanced reservations are required to visit. To review all Health & Safety protocols, please visit LEGOLAND.com/California. To find more Theme Parks to enjoy this summer with your kids, click here. Photos: Courtesy of LEGOLAND California

Celebrate the iconic site by creating a one-minute video that may be selected to be screened! This summer, your kids have an opportunity to show how La Brea Tar Pits inspires them with a short video, which will be screened outdoors in the heart of Los Angeles during the Fossilized and Realized: Tar Pits Video Festival, happening on July 22, 2022. Videos chosen can qualify to win a sabertooth cat skull cast awarded for Favorite Video. Photo: Courtesy of Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County The Fossilized and Realized: Tar Pits Video Festival will take place on July 22, 2022, at La Brea Tar Pits featuring a selection of videos chosen from those submitted by the public, a screening of a new film about La Brea Tar Pits by moderator and host Nic Cha Kim, and a discussion on LBTP's significance in art and popular culture with the Natural History Museum’s Archivist Yolanda Bustos and artist in residence Mark Dion. La Brea Tar Pits has been a place of not only discovery but one of fascination and inspiration. It's been showcased in movies, depicted in art, and referenced in memes. How to Submit Your Video Write a script for your dire wolf puppet, choreograph a tar dance, create a montage of all your favorite tar pits-inspired movie scenes, or whatever else comes to mind to show why this site is special to you, to Los Angeles, and to the world. The videos can be animated, live-action, shot on your cell phone– and they don't need to be filmed at Hancock Park. International submissions are welcome! Videos should be one-minute or shorter. The maximum video file size is 1GB Either post your video and tag @THELABREATARPITS on Instagram or @LABREATARPITS on Twitter OR submit your video via GOOGLE FORM. The submission deadline is July 1, 2022. Videos shown during the film festival will be chosen from those that are submitted by the public. Winners will be chosen by a jury of NHMLAC staff and Mark Dion. For more information about the festival and your video submission, please visit La Brea Tar Pits' official website.

You may have heard about libraries offering summer reading programs where kids are encouraged to read books during the summer months. But did you know that you can borrow books, ebooks, audiobooks, and even watch movies right at home using your library card? Libraries offer many different ways to keep learning during summer including borrowing books online or through their mobile app. Find out more about your options here! Most students have been assigned a library card during the school year, and you can use the same card to borrow books at home. If you don't have a physical library card and don't know the PIN, you can email Los Angeles Public Library to verify the student’s name, address, and school, and they'll look up your library card number and PIN for you. Libby There are thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, hand-selected by your library, available for reading for free using your library card. Explore the collection through catalog guides, subjects featured titles and curated lists. Overdrive Kids A collection of e-books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, and videos—just for young readers. Spring Into Reading Put some spring in your step and get reading! Log your books and complete fun at-home activities to earn badges. Ready, set, bloom! Kanopy Kids Your kids are free to explore enriching, educational and entertaining films and TV series with unlimited plays. Hoopla Borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone, and even your TV! Storytime Online Enjoy recorded storytimes featuring Miss Lauren, Miss Ednita, Miss Graciela, and many more from around the city to watch at home. There is a guided storytime so you can create your own version at home. Tumblebooks An online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love. Read and listen to a variety of books in 7 different languages. BookFlix Read, watch and listen to books and book videos. For ages 4-8.

Your child is about to go to university and start living in a new world. While this is a great opportunity that will help your child achieve their long-term goals, it comes with a host of responsibilities and emotions. Supporting your child through assignment deadlines, preparing for exams, and working on difficult projects is not a walk in the park. This also comes with a huge volume of new terminologies and extra classes, and study timelines for your child. Learning how to help your children choose the best university is not easy. What are the parameters when choosing a university? To have an easy time during this process, you need to create a solid plan that will enable your child to have an easy time during the move-in day. Here are five simple tips for parents that you should learn. 1. Come up with a financial plan One of the things that most parents overlook when their children are heading to university is their need to be financially healthy and understand how to use their money. Let’s face it. College life can be quite expensive. This is especially true if your child is studying while paying off student loans. One of the best ways to address this is by sitting down with them and coming up with a solid financial plan that will help them have a stress-free life in college. Thanks to rapid technological advancement, you can easily find budget planners online using your phone or computer. These student budget planners can either be free or low-cost. You should download the ones that interest you and go through them. Think of some of the best ways your child can make money in college and then calculate the cost of living and school supplies on campus. Once you and your child have a clear idea of how to afford the necessities and leave room for luxury, you’ll help your child go to college in a confident and relaxed manner. 2. Ensure they have up-to-date tech The second step to preparing your child for college and university applications is ensuring that their technology is up to date. This includes installed software and gadgets that they use regularly. Since your child will be attending long lectures and spending most of their time studying, they’ll need a good computer and smartphone that can keep up with learning, campus exam, online studying, and different subjects such as mathematics. You should also ensure that they have adequate storage to write and store teachers studying notes, formulas, and integrals and a powerful processor to save time and energy. There are a lot of reputable manufacturers that have created good gadgets for students. These gadgets are not only powerful but also affordable. With the right gadgets and access to the WritingBros database for online essay help, your child will be confident to take on any challenge that he faces in college. Knowing the course that your child will study and what’s included will help you figure out which software is ideal for them. 3. Find student accommodation When is the best time to start looking for student accommodation? The earlier you start; the more options you’ll have. Since most university cities are popular, the more you delay, the lesser the chances you have of finding good accommodation for your child. There are different types of accommodation in college. The most popular ones are hostels and apartments. In most instances, parents choose to have their children live in hostels due to their affordability and proximity to the college. While apartments are pricier than hostels, they come with lots of freedom for your child. Since you and your child have chosen a university, you need to start by looking at the available options. Take note of the facilities that satisfy the needs of your child and contact the provider to book viewings. Don’t fall into the trap of paying for a hostel or apartment that you haven’t viewed. Always choose a provider who is ready and willing to answer your queries and attend to the needs of your child. 4. Come up with a packing list As a parent, it’s important to ensure that your child has everything they need before heading to university. However, most student accommodations include university starter packs as part of the package. This includes items such as pans, pots, and bedding. When you are preparing your child for college, you need to sit down with them and come up with a list of essentials that they’ll need. The list should consist of practical and luxury items. Practical items make their apartment or hostel functional. These include computers, pots, printers, and pans to name a few. On the other hand, comfort items make their accommodation feel like home. These include soft furnishings, photos of family and friends, warm blankets, and cushions. Remember, small touches such as indoor plants and drawings can make a huge difference, especially during the first few weeks away from home. 5. Go shopping After creating a solid financial plan, investing in the right tech gadget, and writing a packing list, you should go shopping with your child. Shopping with your child offers a great opportunity for you to bond with your child before they go. What your child will need will largely depend on where they’ll stay, their course, and study habits. When you go shopping, always buy the items they’ll need in bulk to save on costs and conserve the environment in the long run. Also, figuring out what they’ll need will help you avoid wasting money purchasing the wrong things. 6. Set clear expectations on the moving-in a day The education move-in day will be one of the most memorable days for you and your child. In most instances, it involves traveling for several hours across the country and experiencing different emotions. During this time, feeling different emotions can be quite overwhelming. Most learning institutions set an entire weekend for moving in and hosting new students and their parents. Knowing what the university offers on this day will help you decide whether you’ll spend the night or drive back home. If the university will host events for you and your child, you should consider booking a hotel in advance to help your child move in and settle. Most accommodation providers usually hire a team to help students carry heavy items. Having clear expectations about the moving-in day will help you and your child achieve the set objectives easily. Conclusion Preparing for school can be an overwhelming experience. However, following all the tips that we’ve discussed here will help you and your child have an easy time and achieve the set objectives. Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. There are a lot of people around you who are ready to help you and your child achieve the set goals.

If you like watermelon and strawberry, you are in luck because California Pizza Kitchen has just announced its new seasonal menu items that will be available starting July 12. Keep reading to see what is on the menu for you to enjoy this summer! 🍓🍉 You can enjoy their seasonal menu from July 12, 2022, through July 30, 2022, at all participating California Pizza Kitchen Restaurants. The new items on the menu are: CALIFORNIA FIELDS SALAD, which is made of fresh watermelon, strawberries and baby greens with CPK's housemade Champagne vinaigrette, Feta, fresh basil, and California pistachios. Yummy! 🥗 SPARKLING WATERMELON COOLER is perfect for the summer! It is freshly puréed watermelon with lime, Monin watermelon, and, sparkling water. There is no better way to quench your thirst! 🍉🍋 SUMMER FRUIT SANGRIA 🍹 is a crisp and light blend of Rosé wine, watermelon and basil-infused Grey Goose Vodka, with fresh strawberries, watermelon, and mint. This is for adults only! STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE 🍰 is piled high with seasonal strawberries, whipped cream, and housemade candied lemon zest. Recommended with Vanilla Häagen-Dazs. Make sure to leave room for this heavenly shortcake! To find a California Pizza Kitchen near you, click here. Other than the seasonal items, CPK has the best hand-tossed pizzas and high-quality main plates that are great for families. They also offer an awesome kid's menu. We also love their $8 Take & Bake with Dine-in Entrée. Basically, when you dine at a participating CPK, you can take two meals home only for $8 each. Chi Ching! 🤑 To learn more about CPK's menu, please visit California Pizza Kitchen's official website.

Want to know how to cook the perfect BBQ chicken? Then read this step by step guide. It has everything you need to know about making the best BBQ chicken ever! A BBQ chicken is an easy meal that everyone loves. But when it comes to grilling, there are a lot of opinions out there on what is the best BBQ chicken. For some, it’s all about the marinade, while others believe that the key is in the sauce. And then there are those who think that both of these things are important, as well as other factors like the type of grill you use and how you cook the chicken. No matter what your opinion is, there’s no doubt that BBQ chicken is a summertime staple. If you’re looking to impress your friends and family at your next cookout, here are a few tips on how to make the best BBQ chicken: 1. Choose the right chicken When it comes to grilling chicken, you want to make sure that you use a good quality bird. If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before marinating or cooking. And if you’re using fresh chicken, look for birds that are organic and free-range. 2. Marinate the chicken This is where a lot of people differ in opinion. Some believe that marinating the chicken overnight gives it the best flavor, while others say that marinating for just a few hours does the trick. If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight in your fridge. Otherwise, a few hours will do. 3. Make a killer BBQ sauce Whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or spicy BBQ sauce, make sure it’s packed with flavor. A good way to do this is to cook the sauce down until it’s nice and thick so that it really sticks to the chicken. See this recipe from Food.com on how to make a killer BBQ sauce. 4. Use the right grill When it comes to grilling chicken, you want to use a charcoal grill for the best flavor. If you don’t have a charcoal grill, you can also use a gas grill set on low. 5. Cook the chicken slowly One of the biggest mistakes people make when grilling chicken is cooking it too quickly over high heat. This will cause the chicken to dry out and become tough. Instead, cook the chicken slowly over low or medium heat until it’s cooked through. 6. Serve it hot or cold You can serve your chicken either hot or cold. If you choose to serve it hot, just add some sauce before serving. Otherwise, let it cool completely before slicing. To make sure your chicken stays juicy, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the thigh. Make sure to remove any excess fat before cooking. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your delicious BBQ chicken!

Here is a list of 50 awesome snack ideas that are not only healthy but also delicious. Snack time is a great opportunity to sneak some extra nutrients into your child’s diet. You will sure find your kid's favorite snacks from this list. 1. Hummus Packs with Pretzels or Celery 2. Organic Roasted SeaWeed 3. Sliced Apple Bags 4. Organic Granola Bars 5. Fruit Snacks 6. Organic Yogurt Tubes 7. Jif Power Ups 8. Goldfish Crackers 9. Peanut Butter and Banana Roll up 10. Carrot Chips 11. Banana 12. Orange Slices 13. Trail Mix 14. Dried Fruit Bags 15. Apple Chips 16. Cheez It 17. Nutter Butter Bites 18. Peanuts 19. Banana Chips 20. Sliced Pears 21. ABC Bars 22. Chex Mix Snack 23. Raisins 24. Fig Bar 25. Veggie Chips 26. BelVita Blueberry Breakfast Biscuits 27. Celery 28. Cherry Tomatoes 29. Green Bell Pepper 30. GoGo Squeez Applesauce On The Go Pouches 31. Cheese Sticks 32. Almonds 33. Brad's Raw Crunchy Kale 34. Snap Pea Crisps 35. Pita Chips 36. Blue Berries 37. Grapes 38. Annie's Cheddar Bunnies Snack 39. Cucumber Slices 40. Mango Slices 41. Kiwi 42. Cottage Cheese on a Toast 43. Cheese & Cracker 44. Fresh Mini Carrots 45. Sweet Mini Peppers 46. Mozzarella Cheese Balls 47. Cheese Slices 48. Boiled Eggs 49. Strawberries 50. Baby Corns

All you need to know about Choices Programs for your children! If you are exploring new educational opportunities for your child for the year 2022-2023, you are in the right place. We will show you in this article all the six programs and schools under "Choices program" that is available for LAUSD students to explore. When is LAUSD CHOICES Deadline? The last day to submit your application is November 11, 2022. The window to submit an application for CHOICES is October 1, 2022, to November 11, 2021. The late application window opens on February 1, 2023. Magnet Programs Magnet Program is a voluntary integration program that provides rigorous, high-quality theme-based instruction to facilitate student learning and promote academic achievement. Magnet programs embrace the interests of all students by focusing on thematic instruction and personalized learning. Currently, there are 330 magnet programs located throughout the district. Each of the magnet programs falls within one of eight instructional themes: Business, Communication Arts, Centers for Enriched Studies, Gifted and Highly Gifted, Liberal Arts, Public Service, Science/Technology/Engineering/Math or Visual and Performing Arts. Students who will be in grades K-12 for the 2022-2023 school year and live within the L.A. Unified boundary are eligible to apply for magnet programs. See the list of schools that offer Magnet Program. Only Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnets require specific eligibility criteria for selection. All applicants for Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnets must be identified or verified and submit a magnet application. Click here to see the guidelines for applying to magnet programs. You need to confirm that your school has submitted the Verification of Eligibility form on or before the November 12, 2021, deadline. If you are homeschooling, you need to contact GATE@lausd.net on or before November 12, 2021, deadline to initiate the verification process. If you are applying to a High Gifted Magnet, you should contact (213) 241-4177 or Gate@lausd.net to verify eligibility. Transportation is available to some magnet programs, but not all. Before making your selection, you should contact the school or Transportation Services (800) LABUSES to determine if the magnet program offers transpiration and if the pick-up/drop-off location is reasonable for you. Permits With Transportation (PWT) Permits With Transportation (PWT) is one of L.A. Unified's original integration programs to provide students with integrated school experiences within LAUSD. PWT school assignments are made by the district to one of the following schools: Revere middle school, Portola middle school, or Taft high school. The PWT program does not provide transportation to magnets or any other Choices program. Students who are in grades 6-12 during the 2022-2023 school year and reside within the following L.A. Unified resident school boundary sending areas are eligible to apply for the PWT program: Audubon Middle School Drew Middle School Gompers Middle School Harte Prep Middle School Mann Middle School Muir Middle School Obama Global Middle School Ánimo Watts Charter High School Crenshaw High School Dorsey High School Jordan High School Locke High School Manual Arts High School, Washington Prep. High School PWT priority selection is given to matriculating PWT students and students with siblings in the PWT program, while continuing at the same PWT school during the same year. The remaining PWT seats will be assigned randomly. For application guidelines, click here. For more information on PWT, click here. Dual Language Education Dual Language Education is a program that provides grade-level content and literacy instruction in two languages, in English and the target language. L.A. Unified offers wide-ranging Dual Language Education programs that provide students with opportunities to develop the multilingual and multicultural skills necessary to be successful in a global society. Currently, there are more than 200 Dual Language Education programs in grades TK-12 available in the following program models: Two-Way Immersion, One-Way Immersion, and World Language Immersion. The programs are offered in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, French, Armenian, Arabic, and Japanese. Review the following Dual Language Education school list to determine the programs that fit your child’s needs. Dual Language Two-Way Immersion Program: Classroom Composition the Dual Language Education Program is designed to provide students the opportunity to receive grade-level standards-based content in English and in a language other than English (target language). The Dual Language Education Program is designed to provide students the opportunity to receive grade-level standards-based content in English and in a language other than English (target language). t The Dual Language Education Program is designed to provide students the opportunity to receive grade-level standards-based content in English and in a language other than English (target language). Dual Language One-Way Immersion Program: Classroom Composition The Dual Language One-Way Immersion Program is designed to provide English Learners the opportunity to receive grade-level standards-based content in English and in a language other than English (target language). World Language Immersion Program: Classroom Composition The World Language Immersion Program is designed to provide students the opportunity to receive grade-level standards-based content in English and in a language other than English (target language). Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) This program is for Gifted and talented students, who demonstrate evidence of high achievement in an identified area and need specialized services and support to fully develop their potential and support their academic success. Each L.A. Unified school with identified gifted learners, regardless of program type, must cluster-group gifted learners for instruction and provide meaningful differentiated learning opportunities that challenge students to achieve beyond grade-based standards and expectations. Students residing within the school boundaries of a designated SAS site who meet the eligibility criteria must be placed in the site’s SAS gifted/talented program (unless a parent has opted out). No formal application is required for a qualified student since SAS is the school site’s GATE instructional program for its students. All students in grades PreK–11 who reside within L.A. Unified boundaries but outside school boundaries and who meet one of three eligibility criteria are eligible to apply for SAS participation for the following year. For SAS applicants, the teacher and principal of a student’s current school of attendance are responsible for determining if the student meets at least one of the three eligibility criteria. Transitional kindergarten SAS classes are not available. All kindergarten SAS applicants must be verified by the administrator of the preschool or the transitional kindergarten (TK) program as meeting the eligibility criterion. For kindergarten applicants who are not enrolled in preschool or TK, you need to contact Gifted/Talented Programs at (213) 241-4177 or GATE@lausd.net for information regarding verification procedures. You may also visit the Gifted/Talented Programs website at achieve.lausd.net/gate (select Program Options and SAS). Admission Criteria Schools L.A. Unified offers two single-gender Leadership Academies with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math and four Early-College Programs with concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students. You should visit the school’s website and call the school to attend informational sessions and learn about each school’s unique criteria before submitting a Choices application. All students within L.A. Unified and outside of L.A. Unified may apply. In December, applicants will be contacted by the school to participate in their eligibility process. Students must pass eligibility requirements to proceed to the selection process. Out of District students must meet entrance criteria and obtain an inter-district permit to attend an ACS school. For more information about ACS program, click here. Affiliated Charter Schools Affiliated Charter Schools are semi-autonomous District public schools that converted to affiliated charter status via a charter petition process. The schools are authorized by the L.A. Unified Board of Education. The schools are given flexibility in areas of curriculum and professional development. All students that reside in the State of California are eligible to apply to attend an Affiliated Charter School. However, the school must first serve students that reside within the Affiliated Charter School’s former attendance boundary. Parents who live in the Affiliated Charter School’s resident attendance boundary do not need to apply and directly contact the school for enrollment. Parents who live outside of the Affiliated Charter School’s attendance boundary should apply through the Unified Enrollment application. The school, in coordination with the District, determines if additional space is available. If there is more interest in enrollment from non-resident families than there is space available, the school must hold a random public lottery for the remaining spaces. In the lottery, the remaining spaces are offered to students that live within L.A. Unified’s attendance boundary before other students. It is not necessary to use the district’s permit process to apply or be selected for admission to an Affiliated Charter School. Don't use the Unified Enrollment Application for Independent Charter Schools. Questions about independent charter schools (a public school independent of, but authorized by, L.A. Unified) which are not part of the Unified Enrollment application, may be directed to the Charter Schools Division office (213) 241-0399. You may contact the specific Affiliated Charter School about the instructional program, goals, and public random lottery process. If you have questions regarding all the other programs, you may contact Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177. To learn more about any of these programs, click here. To find a LAUSD school near you, click here. Click here to view the digital Choices brochure. To apply for any of the Choice programs, except for independent charters, you need to first login to your LAUSD parental portal, then click on Apply to Programs. You may also contact (213) 241-4177 or email ApplyForSchools@lausd.net. After you submit your application, you should receive a notice in December 2021 if there are any errors on your application, and you will be given a deadline to correct the errors. If you have applied for Gifted Magnet program, SAS, or ACS, by February 2022, you will move on to the selection process if your child is eligible, or the application is dropped if your child is ineligible. In March 2022, you should look for the status of your application if you are on a waiting list or have been selected for the Magnet, SAS, or ACS. If you are selected, you need to accept or decline the desired program online or by contacting the school. No response is required if you are declining. If you are on a waiting list, there is no action is required. You will be notified by the school if a space is available for your child. Note that if you have applied online, you will receive letters via your online account, and if you submit a paper application, you will receive letters via U.S. Mail. You May Also Enjoy: 20 Free Mental Health Services and Resources for Youth and Their Families! How To Use Google Lens for Homework Help! A Huge List of Digital Educational Resources for Kids!

As a parent, you want what's best for your children. And one of the best things you can do for them is to help them build good credit early on in life. A strong credit score will open up opportunities for them down the road - like getting car loans at a lower interest rate or securing a mortgage for their first home. Here are some tips to help you get started. Explain the importance of credit and how it can affect their lives in the future One of the best things you can do for your children is to help them build good credit early on in life. A strong credit score will open up opportunities for them down the road - like getting car loans at a lower interest rate or securing a mortgage for their first home. Here are a few tips from Usman Konst of KashPilo on how you will explain to your children why credit is important and how it can positively or negatively affect their lives in the future. Encourage them to make payments on time. One of the best ways to help your children build good credit is to encourage them to make payments on time. Show them how to set up automatic payments or reminders so they don't forget. And if they do miss a payment, help them understand how that can negatively impact their credit score. Help them keep their credit utilization low. Another way to help your children build good credit is to help them keep their credit utilization low. This means keeping their credit card balances low in relation to their credit limits. You can help them by monitoring their spending and helping them stay within a budget. Teach them about responsible credit use. In addition to making payments on time and keeping credit utilization low, teach your children about responsible credit use. This includes using credit only when necessary and avoiding things like cash advances and balance transfers, which can be costly. Help them understand that credit is a tool to be used wisely, not a way to live beyond their means. Teach them about different types of credit products and how they work There are different types of credit products available, and it's important for your children to understand how they work. Teach them about credit cards, car loans, student loans, and mortgages. Help them understand the difference between secured and unsecured debt. And explain the pros and cons of each type of credit product. When your children are ready to start using credit, encourage them to shop around for the best rates. This includes things like credit cards with low-interest rates and car loans with low monthly payments. Help them understand that it's important to compare offers and find the best rate for their needs. Finally, one of the best things you can do for your children is to monitor their credit reports. This will help you catch any errors or fraudulent activity. It will also help you see how their credit is progressing over time. You can get free copies of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once per year. Encourage them to save money for emergencies and big purchases In addition to helping your children build good credit from Title Loans Online, you should also encourage them to save money for emergencies and big purchases. This will help them avoid using credit when they don't need to. Help them understand the importance of having an emergency fund and how much they should save each month. And when it comes time for a big purchase, teach them how to compare offers and get the best deal. Building good credit is an important part of financial responsibility. By teaching your children about credit and encouraging them to use it wisely, you can help them secure a bright financial future. Make sure they're always up-to-date on their credit score and credit report One of the most important things you can do for your children is to make sure they're always up-to-date on their credit score and credit report. This will help them catch any errors or fraudulent activity. It will also help them see how their credit is progressing over time. You can get free copies of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once per year. Encourage them to check their credit score and credit report regularly, and help them understand what it means. Explain how their credit score is used by lenders, and teach them what they can do to improve it. Helping your children build good credit is an important part of helping them secure a bright financial future. By following these tips, you can help your children build good credit early on in life. This will set them up for success down the road and help them take advantage of opportunities that may come their way. credit score, car loans, mortgages, automatic payments, credit utilization, cash advances, balance transfers. These are all important things to consider when helping your children build good credit!

Starting over isn’t exactly easy. While you can’t change the mental and emotional challenges of going through a divorce, you can create a home environment that soothes and feeds your soul. Your environment affects how you feel and think. The right colors, accessories, and layout can give you a lift on those days when everything else seems to pull you down. Color for Calm and Happiness Colors have a psychological impact on your well-being. When you’re going through a divorce, you need colors that calm, soothe, and relax your mind and body. Surrounding yourself with pastels and pale hues in cool tones is the best option. Blue, green, and purple fall on the cool side of the color wheel whereas red, yellow, and orange land on the warm side. Whether it’s wall colors or your accessories, using a cool color palette can also cool frayed nerves. That doesn’t mean you can’t use warm colors, but use them carefully. Studies have shown that vivid, warm colors like red and yellow can elevate your heart rate. That’s not necessarily something you want in your bedroom, but red accents in the kitchen or living room can brighten your mood and boost your energy levels. Decorate with Your Kids You’re starting a new chapter in your life. Unfortunately, that chapter begins with a wide range of unknowns and a lot of stress. Making your home uniquely brings confidence and closure. However, just because it’s your space doesn’t mean you have to decorate solo. Grab a trusted friend to shop and plan with, and even better, get your kids involved. They can help pick the colors, furniture, and accessories for their bedroom. If you’re not ready for them to weigh in on other areas of the home, involve them when you’re painting walls, hanging curtains, or shopping for accessories. They’ll feel more comfortable in your new home if they have a sense of ownership. Focus on Functionality You may or may not have the budget to fully deck out your new home. If you don’t, focus on functionality. Think about where you’ll be spending the most time and make this area fully functional. Adequate, comfortable seating in shared spaces is key to enjoying your home as a newly structured family. If you’re tight on space or budget, floor pillows and bean bag chairs are easy solutions. For some families, bedrooms, the most private of spaces, will take first priority. If your children need a quiet study space, a desk in the living room might not be as practical as one in their bedroom. You may want to put their desk in your bedroom if they’re sharing with a sibling. Plants add Life Time spent in nature reduces depression and stress while helping to restore your brain’s ability to concentrate. You can’t always get outside, but you can bring the benefits of the outdoors inside. Houseplants both large and small have the shape, colors, and scents of Mother Nature. It can be tiny succulents that are easy to maintain or happy flowering plants. Look for species that thrive in your climate and be realistic about how much time you’re willing to commit to their maintenance. A new home that makes you feel good will do wonders for your mental health. You may not be able to escape the realities of a divorce, but you can focus on your well-being. By making your home functional and uniquely you, you can relax as soon as you step through the door. You May Also Enjoy: A-Z List of Common Houseplants

If you love shopping, you would love what we are about to say! Recently, I learned that you can actually receive free amazon products just by writing a positive review for products! How awesome is that? Pretty awesome! If you keep reading, I will give you step by step instruction on how to receive free products from Amazon! So keep reading, and keep shopping! You may wonder, why would anyone give products for free. It is because many sellers need positive reviews for items purchased by buyers, and because most buyers don't bother to write a review, they will actually give products for free so that you will write them a good review. And the more they have positive reviews, the more they can sell their products. It is really a win win situation! They get positive reviews while you get free products. Step by Step Instructions On How to Receive Free Amazon Products: Review4Life Go to Review4Life website, and create an account. On the website, you will find over 400 products that are free for review after you complete registration. Go to your profile and click "Apply for Tester", fill out the simple form and submit it. Once approved (within a business day), you can choose the product you want from the catalog and click APPLY NOW. Go to Amazon to find the product using the provided information (key words, price, seller name, picture). The service does not provide Amazon direct product links to help sellers boost organic search results. Copy and paste the Amazon link (or ASIN) of the product you found to the special field on the order page to verify the match. The system approves the link and you may purchase the product on Amazon. Copy and paste the order ID and order screenshot to the Review4Life order page. Once you receive the product, post a review on the Amazon product page, following the seller’s requirements. Screenshot the review and upload it to the order page at Review4Life. Wait for your PayPal refund that is generally processed within the next business day. There is also a video guide for Review4Life Website, and if you have any questions, click here. Review Rebate Go to Review Rebate's website, and create an account. On the website, you will find many products that qualify for free purchase. After you find the product that you want to purchase, click on "Apply Now", and then "Purchase on Amazon". You will be then directed to Amazon to purchase the item. If you don't have an Amazon account, you need to create a new account. After you receive the product, sign into your Amazon profile, and write a review on Amazon for that product. After you wrote your review, you need to copy the link for your review and sign back to Review Rebate's website. Go to the page of “Deal manager” to submit the review for the product. Find the product that you just reviewed. Click on "Submit your Review for the product". Enter your review link, your amazon ID number, and your PayPal account information. If you submit the review link successfully, the status of the deal will show "waiting for the rebate", that means you have submitted the review link successfully, and the rebate will be sent to you within one business day to your PayPal Account. For the complete guide using Review Rebate, and if you have any questions, click here.

Kids grow up too fast and start school before you know it! Once they hit 4th & 5th grade, they need to start writing essays. As parents, you may not have all the essay writing tools and feel pressured to teach your kid essay writing skills, but if you know the tricks, you'll be better able to help your kids with their school projects, especially their essay projects. Here, we will teach you 12 effective methods for essay writing that will definitely help your kids with their school projects. 1. Perfect the skill of reading The most remarkable writers happen to be extensive readers. For your kid to become impeccable in writing, they must first perfect their reading skills. Writing will only flow when you equip your kid with enough information. Cultivate the habit of reading in your kids early on. This allows them to obtain a vast array of information to use while writing essays and compositions. 2. Brainstorm Encouraging your kid to brainstorm allows their young minds to go as wild as they possibly can. The finest essays kids will write are born in their deepest fantasies and backed up with proper mentorship into achieving good results. Under appropriate coaching, you will have yourself a fully-fledged professional writer ready to be the next Charles Dickens. 3. Work with an outline If you have no idea where you are headed, you'll find yourself somewhere else. Life is so much better when you plan your next step. The same applies to essay writing. The better you plan it, the more exemplary your work turns out. Essay outlines broadly impact and improve the quality of an essay. Writing tends to be less frustrating with an overview. Teaching your children to use an essay outline entitles them to plan sufficiently for writing. 4. Understand an essay question Essays answer the question of how, not the question of what. This can happen only by first understanding what is expected from you in an article. Once your kid masters the art of understanding what a paper entails, he is ready to write a novel and flow from beginning to end. This way, no essay will be too challenging to answer since they know how to go about it. 5. Make technology work for you You do not have to bumble all by yourself as you try to give your child the best writing skills. Allow the internet to chip into the journey. Every day, technology brings us new services to make our lives easier. A quick example is the online paper writing services available to use, and luckily there is no shortage of academic writing help for kids. There are plenty of professional essay services that are ready to coach your kids with their essay writings 6. Be patient Learning a new skill takes time. Let your kids take their time. You do not want them giving up before they even start. Let them talk to you about the challenges they are facing and be patient and supportive. Try solving any problems they may have, and do not give up. They'll get there. 7. Practice as often as possible Wine gets better as it ages, and so does the quality of essays after practicing. Create a routine that accommodates steady essay writing practice, allowing them to sharpen their skills. Give them assignments, allowing them to fine-tune the skills they have already acquired. With the professional help of a trusted essay writing service, this process will be off your shoulder and you will get custom-written papers online from academic experts. 8. Obtain examples of essays for kids from the internet Having a guide speeds up the study process and increases the grasping power. You might wonder where to get such material that improves your child's skills. Your first guess is correct! Google. Google allows you access to so much material that will enable you to mentor your child. Once you find these resources, sit and go through them with your child. Be the teacher for the day and watch the progress unfold before your eyes. 9. Try out new writing techniques The most exciting way to learn is by trying out various subjects to add some spice to the experience. Trying new tactics allows the young student to sharpen his mind and increase his grasping power. It also creates excitement in the learning process. Anyone would be excited to learn a new concept, but a kid's excitement is double that of an adult. 10. Editing and proofreading Polish the shoe till it shines. The challenging part is over, and your kid is done writing. Now, it is time to check his work for any mistakes. Please take your time proofreading the essay for any errors. It is essential to do this process with your kid so that he can learn from his mistakes. Explain to your kid why editing is vital in essay writing, and teach him to proofread his work as soon as he is done writing. 11. Encourage your kid Offer words of affirmation that will allow your kids to flourish, dust off any issues, and go on with his writing. With every milestone, no matter how small, congratulate them and reward them if possible. 12. Keep sentences clear and concise One of the most important attributes of a good essay is the ability to explain something in a way that is understandable. This can only be possible if sentences are well constructed and concise. Encourage the use of short sentences in every essay your child writes so that his essay is easy to understand and delivers the point without confusion. Simplifying the sentences will also help your kid to have a better writing experience. The school experience is shared between the parent and the child. Employ a professional writing service and tips to help your kids in their writing journey. Disclaimer: This article is part of a paid campaign.

Sports and play are vital in a child’s development. It helps with the social, cognitive, physical, and emotional growth of the child, leading to a well-rounded adult. It also provides a chance for parents to bond with the child. A commonly underestimated sport is swimming. When combined with other types of sports and play, it can have tremendous benefits. But most parents are unwilling to have their children attend swimming lessons at an early age. Here are a few reasons why enrolling your child in a swimming class is one of the best gifts you could give them. What Are the Health Benefits of Swimming For Children? One significant benefit is that swimming is a life-saving skill. About ten people die daily from drowning, and in case your child fell accidentally in a body of water, swimming could save their life. There are numerous other health benefits that swimming can bring to a child. 1. It Stimulates Brain Development Exercise stimulates the development of the brain and enhances intelligence in a child. As the child develops their mobility functions, it stimulates their brain. This enhances the body-mind connection. Their intelligence becomes higher, and speech develops faster. 2. It Boosts Emotional Health Most children are wary of the water when learning to swim for the first time. But with a qualified one-on-one instructor, they can quickly overcome their fear and become empowered. It develops their confidence and self-esteem. They also develop a positive attitude towards physical activity. 3. It is an Excellent Form of Exercise Swimming is a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise that helps your child burn excess fats. It prevents the child from gaining too much fat and the health conditions associated with being overweight. Since they are in their growing phase, physical exercise will also lead to the development of strong bones and muscles. 4. It Provides Stress Relief The endorphins released in the brain during swimming aids with stress relief. It gives the child a mood boost. By exercising through swimming, they develop a balanced lifestyle. And the child is unlikely to engage in self-destructive habits. 5. They will have Better Sleep Any parent understands how hard getting an overactive child to sleep can get. But swimming provides an avenue for the child to burn excess energy. By bedtime, they will be too exhausted to give a fight, and this means getting adequate sleep. Getting enough sleep is as essential as proper nutrition. Where Are the Best LA Swimming Pools For Children? Let’s look at some of the best pools in LA where your children can safely swim, play in the water, and have a good time while reaping some health benefits. Stoner Park Pool Located in West LA, your children will love a swim in the Stoner park pool. It is designed with spray features, fountains, water slides, and waterfalls that will keep the little ones busy when they are not swimming. The wading pool does not go further than four feet. The pool opening and closing hours vary. A look at their website will make planning easier for you. Seaside Lagoon The Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach provides a different experience for its visitors. It is a manmade saltwater lagoon that is adjacent to the ocean. The facility also provides water slides, sprinklers, and a playground. There are areas with umbrellas and barbecues where you can have a picnic as a family. The water in the swimming area is heated and chlorinated, making it safe. Swimming should be under the supervision of a lifeguard. Santa Monica Swim Center Boasting of two large heated swimming pools, the facility at Santa Monica College is popular and suitable for children. Access is mostly limited to the smaller splash pool. But guests can use the larger pool as well during weekends and summer. This large pool has swimming lanes and two diving boards for the more experienced swimmers. Children should always be in the company of an adult. Annenberg Community Beach House This vintage pool is located in Santa Monica. It is rather deep, and children should always be in the company of an adult. Besides the pool, there is a splash pad, playground, and an indoor recreation center, which are free. You will need to pay for a pool pass, which includes access to the heated pool, changing rooms, and lockers. Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills If you are looking for a resort that offers a day pass, the Beverly Hilton pool is worth a try. They have the largest heated hotel pool in Beverly Hills. Your children of less than six years will get to swim for free in this famous pool. You can gain access between seven in the morning, and eight in the evening. You may also enjoy: 34 Self-Care Tips to do Before Bedtime

Writing an essay isn’t most kids’ idea of fun, but building those skills early on is an important step in preparing kids for high school tests, college courses, and professional work. It’s never too early to start kids on the path to English essay writing success. However, most parents don’t know where to begin to get their kids interested in writing and in building the kinds of skills that will help them to write great essays in the future. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips to help you motivate your kids to start developing the skills that will help them to achieve more in high school, college, and beyond. So where do you start? It’s a good question. The first place to start is also the easiest. The Importance of Reading The first step in turning kids into lifelong writers is to help them become lifelong readers. Kids who read a lot of books grow up to become teens and adults who can write well. Reading helps kids to become accustomed to the rhythms of the written word and the way that sentences, paragraphs, and pages are constructed. When you expose kids to a wide variety of great literature, you are exposing them to models that they will be able to take with them no matter what type of writing they do in the future. And the material they read doesn’t have to be essays to benefit them in the future. Any type of writing will do. Have them read what’s fun for them so they can begin learning to love the written word. Practice Free-writing Before kids can write great essays, they first need to be comfortable with the writing process. Engaging in free-writing activities can help kids to become better writers. For example, have your kids write a paragraph or two every day. It can be on any topic or none at all. It doesn’t even have to tell a coherent story. Just have them write down whatever ideas come into their heads. The idea is to practice putting pen to paper (or typing as the case may be) and getting the words out of their brains and into written form. Free writing activities can help to make writing less intimidating and more fun for students. Make Writing Part of Everyday Life Another tip to help prepare kids for essay writing is to make writing a part of everyday life. Kids should be practicing some kind of writing every single day. This doesn’t have to be a major essay. After all, you don’t want your kids searching online for a free essay writing service to try to avoid your assignments. You want to save professional academic paper help from an online custom writing service like SmartWritingService.com for when they need help on the actual college essays they will write someday. At this point, you are really just looking for them to see writing as a natural part of daily life. Have them keep a journal about what they did each day, or practice writing you a daily letter or email. Any type of writing you can make part of their regular routine will help to build writing skills. Teach the Art of Outlining A key skill that will help kids throughout their academic careers is to teach the art of outlining. Being able to plan an essay before you start writing is a skill that will stick with kids for life and be applicable in many different contexts. When you outline an essay, you are thinking about all of the parts that have to go into it and are making a plan before the essay writing starts to address all of the requirements and expectations. When you work through the logistics of the essay early on, you will experience a progression in your logical thinking and reasoning skills, which in turn will make the essay that much stronger. Many kids will resist outlining because it can seem like an extra layer of work that doesn’t have immediate dividends, but with a little practice, even the most reluctant writers will soon come to see the importance of writing and outline to create a great essay and worksheet. Use the Power of Technology Many kids are somewhat averse to putting pen to paper but will be more receptive to using technology to write their papers. If you kid doesn’t like writing with a pen, try a laptop. If they aren’t enthusiastic about sitting and writing on a laptop, you can try a tablet. A lot of kids prefer to compose on a tablet, even if adults may wonder how they can type effectively on touch screen. Beyond the method of typing, technology can also help kids to plan their essays. For example, kids might enjoy starting a Pinterest board where they pin ideas for future essays or other writing projects. Make Sure They Have the Basics Down Most important of all, make sure that your kid has a good grasp of the fundamentals. That means working with your kid on grammar, spelling, and other mechanical issues to ensure that your child has a command of the skills needed to develop effective and persuasive essay writing. After all, when students write papers, they need to be able to deliver the best quality work, and that means ensuring that it is clear, readable, and understandable to ensure the meaning comes through correctly.